From Reef to Classroom: Mangroves in the Classroom Brings Lionfish Science to Virgin Islands Students

UVI and The CORE Foundation continue their partnership to provide hands-on invasive species education during the 2026–2027 school year.

When Virgin Islands students participate in Mangroves in the Classroom this school year, they will do more than read about invasive species. Using lionfish collected from local waters, students will examine fish anatomy, make scientific observations and explore how invasive species affect the marine ecosystems surrounding their communities.

The hands-on lesson is part of Mangroves in the Classroom (MIC), a place-based education program led by the University of the Virgin Islands’ Growing, Research, Restoration, Outreach and Education (GRROE) USVI Mangroves Program within the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

Since 2022, MIC has provided hands-on environmental education to more than 2,000 students across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through classroom lessons and field experiences, students explore mangrove ecology, biodiversity, restoration, climate resilience and coastal stewardship.

One of the program’s signature experiences will return during the 2026–2027 school year through UVI’s continued collaboration with The CORE Foundation.

Based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, The CORE Foundation is a marine-focused nonprofit organization that leads coastal education and coral restoration initiatives. The organization also known locally for managing the Caribbean Lionfish Response Program, which works to reduce invasive lionfish populations and protect native reef ecosystems.

Lionfish collected during the Foundation’s annual St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island Lionfish Derby will be incorporated into classroom lessons about invasive species and their effects on Caribbean marine ecosystems.

The CORE Foundation’s 2026 Lionfish Derby brought together divers from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, who removed 241 invasive lionfish from Virgin Islands waters.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, lionfish have become established throughout the Caribbean. They pose a significant threat to reef ecosystems by preying on native reef fish that perform important ecological functions, including controlling algae, producing sand, removing parasites and supporting healthy coral reef communities.

During guided dissections, students will use scientific tools to examine the donated lionfish, study fish anatomy and investigate the ecological effects of invasive species. The lesson also encourages students to think critically about ecosystem balance and the connections among coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests.

“This is consistently one of our most popular lessons with both students and teachers because it brings science to life,” said Laura Bloem, education and outreach coordinator for GRROE USVI Mangroves. “The lionfish are collected right here in Virgin Islands waters, so students immediately see the relevance to their own community. During the dissections, they use scientific tools, make observations and investigate the impacts of invasive species while learning about the ecosystems that surround them every day.”

For The CORE Foundation, the collaboration provides another way to turn community conservation efforts into meaningful educational opportunities.

“Education is one of the most important tools we have for protecting the Virgin Islands’ marine ecosystems,” said Matthew Sims, education coordinator for The CORE Foundation. “Through our Lionfish Derby, we’re able to remove an invasive species while also giving students a hands-on opportunity to explore the connections between mangroves, coral reefs and the open ocean. We’re proud to partner with UVI’s Mangroves in the Classroom program to help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

As the new school year begins, Mangroves in the Classroom welcomes opportunities to partner with additional Virgin Islands public schools. Teachers interested in participating during the 2026–2027 school year are encouraged to contact the GRROE USVI Mangroves team to learn more about available classroom lessons, field experiences and restoration opportunities.

UVI and the Mangroves in the Classroom program extend their gratitude to The CORE Foundation, derby participants, volunteers and sponsors for their continued commitment to marine conservation and environmental education.

By transforming lionfish removed from Virgin Islands waters into classroom learning tools, the partnership gives students an opportunity to investigate a local environmental challenge firsthand—and to see themselves as scientists and stewards of the ecosystems they call home.

UVI Receives $25,000 Grant to Advance Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Education

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has received a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) to launch the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Teaching Showcase, an innovative teacher development initiative developed by Dr. Karen Brown, dean of the UVI School of Education, to strengthen culturally grounded instruction in early childhood and elementary classrooms throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The award was made possible through funding provided to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Beginning in August 2026, the yearlong project will bring together educators, humanities scholars, teacher candidates and community members to preserve and share Virgin Islands history and culture through education.

Led by the UVI School of Education in partnership with the UVI College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), the initiative will provide professional development that equips educators to integrate Virgin Islands history and cultural heritage into classroom instruction while expanding public access to the humanities. The project draws upon the content and scholarly expertise of the course HIS 342: History of the Virgin Islands offered through CLASS, while the School of Education will lead teacher development, implementation, partner coordination and grant administration.

"Our culture is one of the Virgin Islands' greatest educational resources," said Dr. Brown. "This initiative grew from a vision to help teachers bring the stories, traditions and history of our islands into everyday learning experiences. By connecting educators with scholars and community voices, we are creating opportunities for children to see themselves reflected in what they learn while fostering pride in their heritage.”

The project will engage PreK teachers from UVI's Little Bucs Early Care and Education Centers on both the Orville E. Kean and Albert A. Sheen campuses, UVI elementary education majors, and a cohort of elementary teachers from the Virgin Islands Department of Education. Participants will collaborate with humanities scholars, culture bearers, families and community members to strengthen place-based learning and preserve the territory's rich cultural heritage across generations.

"This grant exemplifies the interdisciplinary collaboration that defines the University of the Virgin Islands," said Dr. Lora Bailey, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "By bringing together the expertise of the School of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, UVI is preparing educators to deliver instruction that is academically rigorous, culturally relevant and connected to the communities we serve."

The Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Teaching Showcase builds upon UVI's ongoing efforts to strengthen humanities education throughout the territory. Earlier this year, UVI received a $60,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support comprehensive updates to HIS 341: Caribbean History and HIS 342: History of the Virgin Islands. Required for many UVI degree programs, these courses also play an important role in preparing future educators who will teach in Virgin Islands classrooms. Together, the two grants strengthen both the preparation of future teachers at UVI and the professional development of educators already serving in schools across the territory.

Designed as a scalable pilot, the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Teaching Showcase aligns with the Humanities Council of the Virgin Islands' priorities of cultural preservation, accessibility, geographic diversity, public humanities programming and community engagement. By strengthening educators' knowledge and use of Virgin Islands history and culture, the project seeks to inspire lifelong learning while helping preserve the territory's unique heritage for future generations.

For more information, visit www.uvi.edu.

‘I Found Myself at UVI’ – SGA Treasurer SaVaughna John-Baptiste Reveals How UVI Helped Her Break Out of Her Shell

SaVaughna John-Baptiste

For SaVaughna John-Baptiste, attending college was always in the cards due to the importance of education in her family. She always knew earning a bachelor’s degree was expected of her and felt encouraged to pursue higher education. That said, the now senior Agriculture major has no doubt that UVI was the right path for her.


“I found myself a lot in UVI. The college experience itself is something I would recommend many people experience. You get a taste of what it’s like to control your schedule, manage new responsibilities, and meet new people.”


Transitioning to college was a bit difficult, as her freshman year at UVI took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. John-Baptiste had to take online classes for her first year, missing out on much of the traditional social aspect of college life.


“I couldn’t wait to go in person to meet people and see how different it’ll be,” she says.


On the academic side of things, she explained that the transition was also difficult, as she had to learn to be responsible for herself and adjust to college expectations.


“There are no parent-teacher meetings, and you have to be responsible for yourself,” she says. “If you missed that deadline, it was all up to the professor.”


Throughout her years at UVI, SaVaughna notes that she has certainly changed in several ways. Perhaps no change was more significant than her growth in public speaking and confidence.


“I was not very social, and I did not like public speaking. When I had to take Public Speaking, I was very, very reluctant. But I would say that it opened my shell more. I joined the Student Government Association (SGA), and I had to interact with almost everybody online.”

 
SaVaughna has served as the Student Government Association’s (SGA) treasurer, a role that has greatly helped to develop her leadership skills at UVI. Despite once being very closed off, she was able to push through the discomfort and flourish in a position that has benefited both herself and the university.


Now preparing to graduate, she is leaving behind a lasting legacy of her own, marked by a long list of achievements. Among them are participation in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute, internships at institutions such as Michigan State University, and earning a place on the Dean’s List every semester for the past three years — a testament to her academic excellence and determination.


John-Baptiste will also serve as the Class of 2026 student speaker on the Albert A. Sheen Campus (St. Croix) and will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, underscoring both her academic success and leadership throughout her time at UVI.

 She also credits UVI for the various opportunities it provides students, which she says were important to her journey at the university.


“I think there are many opportunities students know about or take advantage of because they don’t all look into it, but they’re there. I would say traveling is a big one, as there were a lot of opportunities to go off island.”



As she looks beyond life at UVI, she plans to take a year off to work before attending graduate school, with the ultimate goal of earning her Ph.D. and returning to the territory to teach.


Looking back at her experience at UVI, the one word she uses to describe it is “growth.” Beginning her time at UVI as someone who was in a shell and unsure of what to expect, she managed to discover new parts of herself that have allowed her to thrive in her community.


“I found myself a lot in UVI,” she says. “It helped me come out of my shell and become someone who is more confident and willing to step outside of my comfort zone.”


As she prepares to graduate, SaVaughna leaves UVI not only with academic accomplishments and leadership experience but also with a clearer sense of self and purpose — a journey she describes in one word: growth.

See Link to SaVaughna's Full Commencement Address - https://youtu.be/KInGAWoKOW8   

“Everlasting” – Former Miss UVI Asha Hyndman Reflects on Her Four-Year Journey at UVI

Beginning her collegiate career at just 17 years old, Asha Hyndman has had quite the journey at the University of the Virgin Islands. Originally born on the mainland, Hyndman grew up in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Despite starting early compared to most, once she had her mind set on UVI, she felt as though she was well prepared.

“Because I was young, I didn’t want to go far from home, and then I heard about UVI. I think it was an easy transition because my time management has always been great, and when I put my mind to something, such as my degree, I'm going to do what it takes to get it.”

Hyndman’s various interests and passions in life include performing arts, being a mocko jumbie, and environmental conservation, but she ultimately decided to major in Biology. Despite having other interests, she felt as though pursuing a degree in Biology would allow her to make a greater impact on her community.

“In the British Virgin Islands, there is a lack in the healthcare system – not having enough doctors and not having enough certified individuals. So, I decided to follow suit with the healthcare path and to be able to come back to my islands and fill the void that I see as of right now.”

After graduation, Hyndman plans to travel to the mainland to complete a two-year radiology program. She also plans to do an internship over the summer, preferably in radiation if she’s able to find one.

That said, despite not majoring in any of her creative interests, she still finds the time to fit those passions into her schedule. In fact, she says she is “in her element” when she has a lot on her plate, and while at UVI, she’s certainly managed to keep a full schedule. Last year, Hyndman was crowned Miss UVI after winning Homecoming Queen the year prior.

These two victories came after Hyndman competed in — and won — the Miss Teen BVI competition in 2024. Though she’s seen a lot of success in pageanting already, it actually isn’t a lifelong passion of hers.

“It honestly wasn't a passion because I started at the age of 18, not too long ago. Most contestants start when they're in prince and princess competitions, and they're quite young. So, I started late in the game. But when I did it, I was successful in all of the titles that I pursued.”


While running for Miss UVI, Hyndman viewed the experience as much more than simply competing for a title. Serving in a student leadership role created an opportunity for her to advocate for positive change at the University. “I really enjoyed my peers, the institution, and so forth, but there are some things that can be fixed and that’s part of life, and that's why I decided to be a student leader,” she says.

Looking back at her time at UVI, she described the experience as “everlasting,” adding, “I took part in many events. I tried my best in every single thing that I did. I put my best foot forward. I am proud to say that I did leave a little legacy behind, and hopefully some positive changes here at the University of the Virgin Islands.”

‘UVI is my Launch Pad’ – Presidential Scholar Trevincia Browne Shares Her Growth at UVI

For Trevincia Browne, an accounting major from Saint Kitts & Nevis, attending the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) was much more than just an academic experience, as it enabled her to discover strengths within herself that she had not explored before.

“I used to be more reserved and soft-spoken and often stayed within my comfort zone. But when I came to UVI, I found myself stepping into spaces I never imagined,” said Browne, adding, “I had the opportunity to speak in front of large crowds, which is something I have never done before and that experience helped me grow in confidence. I was also selected as the invocation speaker for the class of 2026, which I’m truly honored by. I always say that UVI really showed me my true potential.”

Despite once being more reserved, her experience at UVI has been quite the opposite, as she has grown into a passionate leader within the UVI community.

“Because of all my experiences here, I’ve now grown a passion for leadership. To go from staying within my comfort zone to now embracing leadership and public speaking –- that’s amazing! and it’s something that I’m really proud of.”

In October of 2024, Browne became the entrepreneurial committee chairperson for the Student Government Association at UVI. In her role, she led a team of eight students and organized the Pathway to Success Entrepreneurial Forum, which she says is one of her “proudest moments.”

“I brought entrepreneurs from St. Thomas to UVI, and they gave students, both those who already have businesses and those who aspire to have businesses, insights on how to successfully launch and sustain their businesses. When I look back, I'm still very proud of this accomplishment because that was where my leadership skills really shined through, and in that moment, I became aware of my strong leadership abilities,” Browne says.

She also attributed her newfound love for leadership to this event, saying, “That experience made me fall in love with leadership as well because I also realized that leadership is not just about telling people what to do, it is about creating real impact and making a positive difference in the lives of those that you serve.”

Along with her experience in the SGA, Browne is also UVI’s student representative on the Artificial Intelligence Ad-Hoc Committee and a Presidential Scholar. Being a President Scholar is Browne’s “highest achievement,” and has provided her with opportunities to represent the university in high-level spaces as well as gain hands-on experience in her field of study.

“I worked with the internal auditor last semester, which gave me valuable exposure to auditing. I also worked with the Chief Financial Officer, which provided insight to the financial side of operations,” she said, adding that “UVI strengthened my leadership skills and provided a strong foundation for my career goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. I like to say that UVI is my launch pad.”

Adding to her long list of accomplishments, Browne will be graduating Magna Cum

Laude, an honor bestowed on graduates with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.74. After graduation, she will attend the University of Miami to pursue a Master of Science in Accountancy.


Looking back on her time at UVI, the word she chose to describe her experience is “transformative.” Browne also added, “I went from staying within my comfort zone to stepping into opportunities that challenged me and helped me grow, and that opened the doors for so many lasting opportunities. One thing I’ve learned is to take full advantage of every opportunity, even those that push you outside of your comfort zone, because the experiences that challenge you the most are often the ones that help you grow the most.”


Spending the last two years at UVI has allowed Browne to step out of her comfort zone and embrace opportunities that were new to her. As she moves on from UVI, she leaves behind a lasting impact -- just as the University has left on her.

‘Unforgettable’ – Former SGA President Zeidan Bass Reflects on an Incredible 3 Years at UVI

Zeidan Bass

For Zeidan Bass, a Computer Science major from Saint Kitts, choosing to attend the University of the Virgin Islands in 2023 to pursue his higher education was a no-brainer. Following in the footsteps of his brother and his cousins, he felt as though he was “following a family tradition.”

Being an international student from Saint Kitts, Bass said that UVI was the perfect place to prepare him for life on the mainland. “If I came straight from Saint Kitts to the mainland, it’s much more fast-paced. The adjustment here was easy. As much as it’s a U.S. territory, the one thing you never lose is the Caribbean uniqueness,” said Bass.

While many students find the transition to be challenging – particularly those coming from abroad – Bass says he had a “head start. After earning an associate degree at a community college, he found the academic transition seamless.

The one aspect that took him a minute to adjust to, however, was the social transition.

“Social life – that part was a bit challenging. That’s the first time I left home,” says Bass. "For the first three months of the semester, I ate by myself, attended events by myself, and I had no friends. It wasn’t until later on in the semester that I immersed myself in the community. The people here were never mean-- it just took some adjusting.”

Today, Bass admits that might surprise those who know him as he’s a “social butterfly” and a highly engaged campus leader.

In August 2024, he was elected President of the Student Government Association at UVI after serving as the Vice President for the Student Leadership Council since January of the same year. As the SGA president, Bass represented the student body on a national scale, stepping far out of his comfort zone.

“I would say my interpersonal skills are what I’ve improved the most at UVI, especially with my leadership positions,” he said. "I was forced to talk to people and to practice, and the more you practice, the better you get. I had to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Bass went on to describe his experience as the SGA President as “the greatest time of my life.”


“From a networking standpoint, I sat in rooms with a lot of big names, which helps a lot on a professional level,” he said. “But the biggest thing was the impact that I had on student life. We were able to host events that enhanced the student experience. Being able to say that I helped students enjoy their time on campus was the best part.”

As he’s preparing to graduate and looking onwards past college, Bass noted that these leadership opportunities have prepared him well for life beyond UVI. He greatly encourages students to take advantage of these opportunities, as they’ll have an impact far beyond their college careers.


“I was able to meet people from different cultures and different backgrounds. Those opportunities alone gave me the exposure I needed,” he says. "Take advantage of the opportunities --don’t just sit around and go to class.”

He also emphasized the value of a real-world experience.

"Serving in the SGA prepares you much better for life in the workforce than a 4.0 GPA,” he notes. “It puts you into positions where you have to solve real-world problems.”

After graduation, Bass plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Cyber Security. While he may end up in the workforce in the interim, his ultimate goal is to attend Georgia Tech.

When asked what one word he would use to describe his experience at UVI, he said, “unforgettable,” adding, “you can’t compare it to any other HBCU… we’re the only HBCU in the Caribbean for a reason.” As he closes this chapter, it’s very clear that Bass leaves UVI with lasting memories – and a strong foundation for continued success.