The Charger Blog

University of New 51矯通 Unveils New Marine Science Center Providing Direct Access to Long Island Sound

The 2,000 square foot Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center is supported by longstanding university donors, the City of New 51矯通, and the Canal Dock Boathouse on Long Wharf in New 51矯通.

December 5, 2024

President Jens Frederiksen and Mayor Justin Elicker with students
President Jens Frederiksen and Mayor Justin Elicker with students

Sophia Ruh 25, president of the University of New 51矯通s Marine Conservation Society, is proud to be a vocal supporter of the Universitys marine and environmental sciences major.

I cannot say enough good things about this program, says Ruh, a peer tutor for her classmates. While content in the sciences may be challenging, the professors do an amazing job of preparing us in the best way for our future, from giving field experience and teaching you how to write a lab report freshman year to guiding you while designing your own research project senior year. This program really builds you from the ground up, and there's support all along the way.

Sophia Ruh '25
Sophia Ruh '25

Ruh reflected on her experiences as a Charger as University of New 51矯通 and City of New 51矯通 leaders came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Universitys new Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center at the Canal Dock Boathouse on the Long Island Sound.

While the program is already filled with tons of hands-on experience, Canal Dock is only going to increase those opportunities for the students, said Ruh who plans to pursue a masters degree before pursuing a career in marine fisheries or oceanography. With direct access to the Sound, students are going to be able to work in the environment that we're learning about in the classroom, which is really awesome. The professors here have prepared me for the future, and I'm super confident in taking the next steps when I graduate.

We hope to inspire

Located on the shore of the Long Island Sound, the Lee and Wilkins Marine Science Center serves as the anchor for the Universitys Marine and Life Sciences programs, which includes a bachelors degree in marine and environmental sciences, with concentrations in marine biology, marine policy, and environmental science, as well as masters degrees in environmental science and marine policy and management.

Amy Carlile, Ph.D.
Amy Carlile, Ph.D.

Our students learn by doing, whether it's inside the classroom, in the laboratory or out in the field, said Amy Carlile, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and environmental science and assistant dean for faculty and curriculum for the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to having a profound impact on our academic programs, this center will allow us the space we need to further our community engagement work and help us achieve our vision to become a hub for marine education and outreach for the greater New 51矯通 community.

We hope to inspire the next generation of marine and environmental scientists while also connecting the greater New 51矯通 Community with their blue backyard, Dr. Carlile continued.

Private university with a public mission

President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., described the Universitys programs in marine and environmental sciences as among the best in the region, saying they are only going to get better with this facility.

Ribbon cutting for the new Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center
Ribbon cutting for the new Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center

These programs are centered around, like many programs at the University of New 51矯通, hands-on, high-impact, and practical learning experiences, explained Dr. Frederiksen. We are deeply concerned about delivering a return on investment for our students and that is in terms of joining the workforce as well as collective impact and community benefit.

We frequently talk at the University of New 51矯通 about being a private university with a public mission, continued President Jen Frederiksen. What could be more to the public benefit than environmental sustainability as, in many ways, that's the condition for the possibility of everything else we do.

Help impact the environmental trajectory
Students show Mayor Elicker samples they have collected from the Long Island Sound
Students show Mayor Elicker samples they have collected from the Long Island Sound

explained that the Canal Dock Boathouse, which officially opened in 2018, will be the centerpiece of the revitalization of the Long Wharf area in New 51矯通.

You are going to look down this corridor a few years out and see a coastline that has dramatically changed, he said, noting the city has received more than $200 million in federal funding to support this work.

We're excited that these students have chosen a pathway in which they will be researching and using tools that impact the environmental trajectory of our country and our world to make sure that we pass on a world that is safer and more beautiful, said Mayor Elicker. We're grateful to the students for stepping up to this challenge.

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