Marine Biology Guide - Summer 2022

PURSUE YOUR

ecological

FIELD OF PASSION 2021 CAMPUS BRIEFING BOOKLET

We live in a trying time. Our world has not faced a pandemic in ~100 years. But this crisis will pass and our society will be stronger for it. On guidelines aimed to curb the spread of covid-19, Marine Biology’s faculty, staff and students are happy to follow.

DR. DANIEL ROELKE

Department Head & Professor, Marine Biology

But our times are trying for more reasons than covid-19. Climate change has resulted in erratic weather that has led to drought and flood, disrupting human societies and ecosystems alike. In the oceans we struggle to understand how shifting currents, rising temperature and elevated pH might affect foodwebs and ecosystem health, and how marine organisms might respond and adapt. Anthropization of the coastal zone also has profound impacts in the form of increased pollutant and nutrient loading, where harmful algal blooms and hypoxia are only the most visible of myriad effects, which also include accumulation of microplastics and oil spills. Layered over all this is a pressing need for discovery of the marine world’s wonders, both subtle and magnificent. It is this discovery that will enable humans to be better stewards of our planet. On this, following is not acceptable.

With faculty whose expertise ranges from virus to whales, and from molecules to ecosystems, MARB students will learn about the issues mentioned above, and much more. Through our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, and the world-class research our faculty conducts, MARB students also have the opportunity to gain experience first-hand. Climate change, anthropization, discovery, on these matters - it is a time to lead. MARB graduates will be positioned to provide this leadership to Texas, the nation and world.

The ocean is mother to us all. See you soon!

MARINE BIOLOGY @ GALVESTON At the Marine Biology Department of Texas A&M University at Galveston, our students have countless opportunities to work with some of the top researchers in their field.

Our location on the Gulf of Mexico provides the perfect setting for invaluable hands-on learning. Whether it is in the classroom, in the lab, or in the field, our students get the knowledge needed to be successful in a wide array of careers.

The Department of Marine Biology offers specialized degrees that are enhanced by the unique location on the Gulf of Mexico. Science-heavy and hands-on intensive, our students are well prepared to dive in to a number of careers.

tamug.edu/marb

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PURSUE

FIELD OF PASSION ABOUT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON

If the ocean is your inspiration, then Texas A&M University at Galveston is where you can dive deep into your field of passion.

See the world and support our global economy by learning to sail the ships that transport the world’s good and products. Study the effects of climate change on coastal wetlands and the species that call them home.

Learn the migration patterns or behavioral characteristics of your favorite marine animal to understand how to conserve them for generations to come. Capture crucial data to help low-lying or coastal populations learn why they flood and how to mitigate future weather events. Work in ports to help run and secure the global maritime industry and its commerce.

Whether your interests take you above, below or on the water, we have the resources you need to succeed. Chart the course to your future today. www.tamug.edu

BACHELOR OF S CIENCE

MARINE BIOLOGY

This undergraduate program gives students the opportunity to study a diverse curriculum in the ideal location of Galveston Bay, which offers the chance for endless hands-on field and lab work. The courses are tailored to give students a solid foundational knowledge while allowing students to pursue their specific interests within this popular field. Students will have a plethora of options for electives, which can even allow them to pursue biomedical or veterinary degree programs.

ENGAGING & UNIQUE CURRICULUM The courses offered to marine biology undergraduates are tailored to give students a solid foundational knowledge of life in the ocean while allowing students to pursue their specific interests, including: Elasmobranch Ecology

Aquatic Animal Nutrition

Marine Parasitology

Cetacean Behavior

Marine Botany

Ornithology

LEARN FROM EXPERTS IN THE FIELD Our faculty comprises some of the top researchers in their respective fields.

This international group of scientists, hailing from 10 different countries around the world, is eager to share their knowledge and foster the passions of our undergraduates. They recognize the power of networking, and provide students professional and research opportunities through various affiliations.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Galveston Bay Foundation

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

General Land Office

CAREER PATHS • Research • Higher/Secondary Education • Conservation & Outreach • Fisheries/ Mammal Observation • Environmental Law Enforcement • Environmental Consulting • Biomedical Sciences

TAKE YOUR DEGREE FURTHER: LICENSE OPTION Students can elect the License Option, which adds the required coursework for a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate deck or engine officer. Students must complete all their academic requirements (including cruises), as well as successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate exam. tamug.edu/corps tamug.edu/marb

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BACHELOR OF S CIENCE

MARINE FISHERIES

This program provides educational opportunities in the biological sciences, with emphasis of marine management. Ecology, taxonomy, zoogeography, culture, and general biology of commercial species are emphasized. A strong preparation in the sciences is recommended. Marine fisheries graduates are prepared to work as fisheries managers or research biologists for state and federal agencies, ecological consulting firms, and educational institutions. Qualified degree recipients may undertake postgraduate studies in resource management, mariculture, systematics, and fisheries economics.

CAREER PATHS • Marine & Fisheries Management • Research • Conservation & Outreach • Environmental Law Enforcement • Environmental Consulting • Higher/Secondary Education • State & Federal Government

@AggiesByTheSea

EXCITING CLASSES The Marine Fisheries degree offers a variety of exciting classes, including: Fisheries Techniques For freshwater and marine fishes, the evolution, ecology, life history and economics of the more important species will be treated.

Mariculture Study of factors determining the success of efforts to cultivate estuarine and marine species of economic importance. Mariculture practices used worldwide in the production of algae, mollusks, crustaceans and fishes.

Marine Fisheries Management Biology of fishes and biological oceanography related to applied aspects of marine fisheries sciences. Emphasis placed on management techniques for tidal-influenced inland water, estuaries and oceans.

Fisheries Population Dynamics An introduction to the behavior of populations. Classical and recent population theories. Programs written by students will be used to explore population behavior and interactions.

GET MORE WITH YOUR DEGREE

MARINE BIOLOGY

MINOR

Coupled with the appropriate major, a minor in marine biology is a powerful asset and can prepare a student for a number of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. This coursework combines top quality classroom, laboratory, and hands-on experiences to diversify a student’s education and prepare them for a future in research, conservation, education, and more.

EXPERIENCE EDUCATION OVERSEAS

STUDY ABROAD

As great as Galveston is, the world is full of wonderful places and people. Due to the relationship between humans and the ocean, the field of marine biology is pursued globally.

Students have the opportunity to experience new places, people, and adventures while diversifying their education. Courses in Greece, New Zealand, and Mexico have been offered and give students the chance to expand their perspective and collaborate with scientists from around the world in some truly breathtaking locations.

MASTER OF S CIENCE & PH.D.

MARINE BIOLOGY

Students in this program are exposed to knowledge and research techniques related to marine ecology, coastal and oceanic habitats, marine vertebrates and invertebrates, marine fisheries, marine botany and wetlands, and coastal management and conservation, with emphases on molecular, organismal and ecosystem levels.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

The Master of Science degree in Marine Biology has three degree options: thesis, non-thesis and license option.

Non-Thesis This option is geared towards students pursuing careers in science that are not research-focused.

Students will learn about the current state of knowledge in marine biology, but will not be required to conduct a research thesis project.

Thesis An option intended for students pursuing careers in science that are research-focused or planning to continue their graduate education at the doctoral level. This option requires the student to conduct research and produce a thesis.

License Option Through the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, the Galveston Campus offers license training for cadets leading to a Third Mate’s License (Unlimited Tonnage, Unlimited Oceans). All graduate programs offered by Texas A&M University at Galveston may also include this license training. Each degree plan will retain of their original curriculum, but will also include the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for licensing, including additional coursework, training and summer cruises.

For additional information visit tamug.edu/corps.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

The doctoral degree in Marine Biology focuses on supervised research complemented by formal coursework. Essential components of the program include a diverse curriculum focusing on ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis; and original, supervised scholarly research in marine biology, to be written and formally defended as a dissertation. tamug.edu/marb

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Texas A&M University at Galveston Department of Marine Biology doctoral student Dr. Lauren Eve Simonitis recently sat down with the folks from the Overheard at National Geographic podcast for a special season six episode titled “The Surprising Superpowers of Sharks” during National Geographic’s “Sharkfest” celebration.

What specifically did discuss about sharks?

you

I talked a bit about why sharks are eating odd objects and how they deal with that. I also discussed my work at the Aquarium at Moody Gardens, where I do my behavioral work with bonnethead sharks and how they respond to food cues, how they can smell fish blood and choose not to attack.

Finally, I talked about their “extra” senses: electroreception and magnetoreception.

Why are sharks important to you and why do you think Shark Week & Shark Fest viewers should care?

I talked a bit about why sharks are eating odd objects and how they deal with that. I also discussed my work at the Aquarium at Moody Gardens, where I do my behavioral work with bonnethead sharks and how they respond to food cues, how they can smell fish blood and choose not to attack. [scan to continue reading]

NATGEO DIVES INTO

“SHARKFEST” » SCAN TO READ MORE

LABS ON THE EDGE OF

DISCOVERY With dedicated research labs run by top professors, the department boasts incredible research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as post-doctoral researchers.

Coastal & Wetland Ecology Lab Ecomorphology & Comparitive Physiology Lab Fisheries Ecology Lab Marine Community Ecology Lab Marine Evolutionary Genetics & Biodiversity Lab Marine Invertebrate Lab Miglietta Lab Phytoplankton Dynamics Lab Seafood Safety Lab Shark Biology & Fisheries Science Lab Viral Ecology Lab Sea Life Facility

EVERY WEEK IS SHARK WEEK FOR DR. WELLS » SCAN TO READ MORE

Dr. David Wells Associate Professor Lab Principal Investigator, Shark Biology & Fisheries Science Lab

supporting the locals:

Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research (GCSTR) plans to open a short-term sea turtle hospital on campus later this fall.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GCSTR

Due to the closing of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries longtime Galveston Laboratory sea turtle facility, the GCSTR has taken the lead for responding to stranded sea turtles on the upper Texas coast and will use the hospital to provide rehabilitation services to stranded, ill or injured sea turtles.

Construction is currently underway. A wetlands facility on campus is being retrofitted to act as the hospital location and will house a number of industrial turtle-sized tubs, along with the necessary water filtration and filling equipment. The room holding the animals will be kept at 85 degrees in order to facilitate the optimum environment to best help the cold-blooded reptiles rest and recuperate for as long as they need. In addition, the hospital anticipates being able to accommodate limited public visits.

Texas A&M-Galveston will be partnering with the Houston Zoo on rehabilitation efforts and veterinary needs for the hospital’s patients.

“Plans are in place to build a long-term educational outreach

facility and state-of-the-art sea turtle hospital on campus in the next several years. This facility will provide the public and school groups opportunities to see sea turtles from the local region and learn about the marine habitats of Galveston Bay, the upper Texas coast and the western Gulf of Mexico that support sea turtles,” said Department of Marine Biology Professor and GCSTR Director Dr. Christopher Marshall.

This facility will be the new home of the GCSTR and is a partnership with the National Park Service – Padre Island National Seashore, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Galveston Bay Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists.

The funding making this possible is part of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment settlement received from the Texas Trustees, which include the Texas Parks Wildlife Department, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas General Land Office.

The GCSTR is dedicated to researching the endangered sea turtle species endemic to the Gulf of Mexico, including the critically-endangered Kemp’s ridley. Currently, the center helps run the local sea turtle stranding network and nesting-season turtle patrols. ■

tamug.edu/marb

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GALVESTON AG TEXAS MARINE MAMMAL From helping to collect biological data from carcasses, record data on live animals in the wild or in rehabilitation, analyzing and digitizing historical records and more, students have gotten unique hands-on experience in the marine biology field from a very real-world perspective.

From Left: TMMSN Intern Mylasia Miklas ‘20 & Student Desiree Harman ‘19

A Galveston dolphin tale years in the making, the ongoing partnership between the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) and Texas A&M University at Galveston has paid dividends for dolphins and students alike!

For those students in studying marine biology, fisheries or sciences degree programs, access to marine life is crucial for research and study purposes. As an island university located right on the Gulf of Mexico, the Galveston Campus is an ideal location for these research areas, made even more so by the organizations and partnerships we offer students. One of the most popular new internships available is through the TMMSN, located right here on Galveston Island.

Since 1980, TMMSN has conducted marine mammal research along the Texas coast.

Operating in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), TMMSN also responds to live cetaceans—whales and dolphins—in need of assistance and works closely with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for stranded manatees. @AggiesByTheSea

TMMSN Research Director Dr. Sarah Piwetz ‘18 is an Aggie by the Sea herself! Piwetz said she was thrilled to be able to help the organization, support students and further research efforts by offering the program opportunity.

“As a volunteer-based organization, we really rely on that network, and while we’ve got an amazing core group of volunteers from all walks of life, we recognized the potential that an internship program could offer both to students and the TMMSN. We enjoy the relationship with Texas A&M-Galveston, and I know lots of students are interested in learning more, having more concentrated work and specific projects to focus on,” she said.

Mylasia Miklas ‘20 interned with TMMSN during her fall 2019 semester.

As a marine biology student aiming to make a career of rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals, the chance to work directly with such an organization was an “amazing opportunity” to help and learn.

Miklas digitized past patient data to help make more biographical information accessible and further research efforts. But she also got to help in observing and recording live data.

“I’ve been really impressed with their level of commitment,” Piwetz reported. “These students have a solid foundation and a solid understanding of how to collect, record and organize data. They’re so willing to jump in and learn.”

Such work helps TMMSN to diversify their data sets involving information gleaned from both live animals and recovered carcasses.

Identifying facts like sex, length of the animal, body condition and organ samples help them to analyze the cause of strandings and how to best strategize to help future animals that might be in need.

Piwetz said she hopes to involve future interns in collecting more fieldbased data and environmental research.

“We also conduct research on the wild, free-ranging dolphin populations off Texas, including Galveston Bay, and we’d love to get interns involved in this type of data collection in the future.” ■

GGIES HELP SAVE LIVES STRANDING NETWORK

we really rely on that network, and while we’ve got an amazing core group of volunteers from all walks of life, we recognized the potential that an internship program could offer both to students and the TMMSN tamug.edu/marb

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FIRST STEPS TO

PURSUE YOUR PASSION HOW TO APPLY FOR: MARINE BIOLOGY, B.S. MARINE BIOLOGY, B.S., LICENSE OPTION MARINE FISHERIES, B.S. Freshmen Applicants 1. Submit an ApplyTexas application. goapplytexas.org 2. Complete Essay A. 3. Pay a nonrefundable processing fee or submit a fee waiver ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).

4. Submit an official high school transcript.

5. For information on submission of official SAT and ACT scores, please visit https://admissions.tamu.edu/resources/future-students/college-readiness.

Transfer Applicants 1. Submit an ApplyTexas application. goapplytexas.org 2. Complete Essay A. 3. Pay a nonrefundable processing fee or submit a fee waiver ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).

4. Submit official college transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges and universities.

For additional information regarding undergraduate applications, including international, non-degree seeking, and re-admissions, please visit https://tamug.edu/admissions/ProspectiveStudents.html.

HOW TO APPLY FOR: MARINE BIOLOGY, M.S. & PH.D. 1. Complete a GraduateCAS application. tamug.edu/grad 2. Upload a Statement of Purpose.

3. Upload a Resume of Curriculum Vitae (CV).

4. Provide Contact Information for 3 Recommenders.

5. Upload transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.

6. Pay the required application fee ($89 for domestic applicants, $114 for international applicants).

Additional information regarding graduate applications is available at tamug.edu/grad.

ADDITIONAL STEPS TO APPLY FOR LICENSE OPTION Students can elect for the License Option, which entails the required coursework for a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate deck or engine officer. This is conferred to a student when they have completed all their academic requirements (including summer sea terms), as well as successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate exam.

1. After the university application is submitted, applicants may submit an application for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. tamug.edu/corps 2. Submit the Texas A&M Maritime Academy application to the Office of Admissions via upload to the Applicant Information System (AIS), either by email to admissions@tamug.edu or mail to: Texas A&M University of Galveston Office of Admissions P.O. Box 1675 Galveston, Texas 77553 Additional information regarding the Texas A&M Maritime Academy is available at tamug.edu/corps.

EXPLORE AGGIELAND BY THE SEA Aggieland doesn’t stop at the water’s edge! Take our virtual tour and explore campus, including stops in our ship simulator, boat basin, academic buildings and residence halls. If you’d prefer to stop by and say “Howdy,” you can register for an in-person tour with one of a student ambassador. tamug.edu/admissions/visit

CONNECT WITH ADMISSIONS STAFF Students can call to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our recruiters.

Students can also connect via email with any questions or for additional information. tamug.edu/admissions/contactus.html

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO GET STARTED Get access to what you need to start pursuing your field of passion.

We have you covered from tours, admitted students next steps, campus contacts, transfer and international student information and more.

Undergraduate: tamug.edu/admissions/resources.html Graduate: tamug.edu/grad tamug.edu/marb

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DON’T MISS YOUR

CHANCE FOR ADVENTURE

Texas A&M University at Galveston has the salt air, warm sand, Gulf Coast sun, and so much more! Situated in a coastal urban environment that blends access to natural ecosystems with one of the largest international hubs of maritime industry, the campus draws world-renown scientists, thinkers and leaders to a campus perfectly positioned to challenge our students. When the time comes for our students to take their knowledge and skills into the world, it is not the end... but the beginning of a journey down the road of long-traveled Aggie excellence and tradition.

apply

Application Opens: 8/1 Undergraduate: goapplytexas.org Graduate tamug.edu/grad

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE BIOLOGY

fafsa

Available: 10/1 Recommended: 12/15 Priority: 1/15 studentaid.gov

deadlines

Application and all required documents are due: Freshman: 5/1 Transfer: 6/30 Texas A&M Maritime Academy: 5/1 Graduate: 5/1

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON

www.tamug.edu/marb

www.tamug.edu/admissions www.tamug.edu/grad

Rachel Ball Academic Advisor III MARBdept@tamug.edu MARBadvising@tamug.edu 409.740.4531

admissions@tamug.edu gradstudies@tamug.edu

@MARBAggie

Undergrad: 409.740.4414 877.322.4443 Graduate: 409.740.4704 @AggiesByTheSea

NEW ADVENTURES AWAIT. START YOURS TODAY.

MAJORS & MINORS UNDERGR A DUA T E D E GR E E S Coastal Environmental Science & Society 5-Year Degree Program Available with Master of Marine Resources Management

Marine Biology Marine Fisheries Marine Sciences Maritime Business Administration

5-Year Degree Program Available with Master of Maritime Business & Logistics

Marine Engineering Technology Marine Transportation Maritime Studies

University Studies with a Concentration in: Marine Environmental Law & Policy Oceans & One Health

Option to Earn an M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Texas Medical Branch

Tourism & Coastal Community Development Offered by Texas A&M University College of Engineering at Galveston Computer Science Environmental Engineering Interdisciplinary Engineering Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology, Electro Marine Engineering Technology Track Ocean Engineering

GRADU ATE DE GR E E S

MI N O R S & C E R T I F I C A T E S

Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Marine Resources Management, Masters Marine & Coastal Management & Science, Ph.D. Maritime Business Administration & Logistics, Masters Offered by Texas A&M University College of Engineering at Galveston M.S. Ocean Engineering

Offered Jointly with University of Texas Medical Branch

Coastal Environmental Science & Society Diving Technology & Methods Entrepreneurship - Marine & Maritime Marine Biology Maritime Business Administration, Minor & Graduate Certificate Maritime Cybersecurity Maritime Studies

Deck License Option Available Required for Marine Transportation Engine License Option Available

SEED Secondary Education Teaching, Minor & Certificate Offered by TAMU College of Education