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| CMES staff receiving President's Award from Dr. Hall |
The University of the Virgin Islands Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) was awarded the President's Appreciation Award on Saturday, June 2, at a UVI Board of Trustees meeting.
University President David Hall, who bestows this honor quarterly at Board of Trustees meetings, highlights the excellence and commitment of those UVI employees or units that have performed exceptionally with this award.
“It is a reality that Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) is the anchor for our research transformation and research excellence at the University,” said President Hall.
University President David Hall, who bestows this honor quarterly at Board of Trustees meetings, highlights the excellence and commitment of those UVI employees or units that have performed exceptionally with this award.
“It is a reality that Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) is the anchor for our research transformation and research excellence at the University,” said President Hall.
The
president noted that key to awarding CMES was the appointment of Dr. Tyler
Smith to one of the National Academies of Science Committees.
“This
is a prestigious appointment because it relates to the national importance of
marine science research, and for one of our faculty members to be solicited by
the highest and most prestigious organization is something significant and
worthy of recognition,” said President Hall. See link for more information:
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| MacLean CMES post-hurricanes Irma and Maria |
“Despite not having a building, the largest
graduating class in the history of CMES of 17 students recently earned their
master’s degree in marine and environmental science,” President Hall added. See link for more informaton:
The
President further praised CMES for “taking the lead in the clean-up of St. Thomas’
East-End Reserve (STEER), which was a large scale mangrove community clean-up which
brought together numerous volunteers to remove debris that negatively affect
the environment.”
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| Volunteer removing debris from mangrove |
STEER is a marine protected area on the east end of St. Thomas. The mangrove clean-up event on April 21, saw over 100 volunteers engaging in the removal of 3,000 pounds of debris. Most of the debris found were plastic products; this included over 4,000 plastic beverage bottles, bags, cups, and containers combined. See link to UVI New Release for more information:
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| Debris Accumulated from the mangrove clean-up |
He also highlighted CMES’ key involvement in
the hosting of the annual Reef Fest event held on April 14.
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| Attendees of Reef Fest |
The theme for this year's event was "Marine Ecosystem Health" which encompassed topics such as sustainable seafooding, marine debris, coral bleaching, and mangrove protection.
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| Elementary school students showcasing outfits designed with plastic |
Present
to receive this quarter’s award were:
o
Dr. Paul Jobsis, acting director of the Center for Marine and Environmental
Studies
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Dr. Sandra Romano, dean of College of Science and Mathematics
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Dr. Marilyn Brandt, director of masters in marine and environmental sciences
program
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Dr. Sennai Habtes, research assistant professor
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Stephen Prosterman, diving and marine field officer
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Howard Forbes Jr., director of the VI Marine and Advisory Service on St. Thomas
