Marine & Coastal Environmental Science - Summer 2022

PURSUE YOUR

marine & environmental science

FIELD OF PASSION

DR. KYEONG PARK

Department Head & Professor, Marine & Coastal Environmental Science

We are a group of scientists with a simple, yet critical mission. We aspire to understand the functioning of coastal and marine environments and to provide solution-focused knowledge for policy makers, environmental managers, and the general public.

Our teaching and degree programs are driven by this mission and offer many career opportunities to the MCES students. Our students are offered the opportunity to work from pole to pole studying the interactions of sediments and rocks with air and seawater, the distributions of chemical elements and molecules, and the physical movement of water and pollutants. MCES students also engage in projects that develop management and resilience strategies for ocean resources and coastal communities such as storm surge barrier systems and coastal flooding.

These projects directly inform state and national legislators and environmental managers contribute to solutions for a better future. That is, we integrate natural and social sciences to map problems and find solutions for various issues in coastal and marine environments.

More than ever before, we need young people to come up with inspired solutions to the world’s grand challenges and make responsible decisions towards a sustainable future. Our degree programs and research opportunities provide exposure to the most pressing challenges in coastal and marine environments. Our faculty train students to build better solutions. We look forward to working with you. Come onboard!

MARINE & COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE @ GALVESTON The Marine and Coastal Environmental Science Department at Texas A&M University at Galveston covers a diverse array of disciplines relating to the study

100%

undergraduate students involved in research

and management of the marine and coastal environments. Our nationally and world renowned faculty and staff serve as guides in both the classroom and the lab, allowing students to grow, learn, and lead as

83%

faculty carrying out federally funded research projects

scholars, scientists and practitioners.

The proximity to the sea provides limitless opportunities for students to have hands-on experiences, greatly enhancing their abilities and knowledge as they embark on their careers in their chosen field.

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dedicated research labs

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 SCIENCES

The Marine Sciences (MARS) is a Bachelor of Science program that focuses on the geological, chemical and physical science aspects of the estuarine, coastal and marine environment. The coastal location of the campus enables students to acquire extensive hands-on field experience in addition to rigorous course work in chemistry, geology, physics, biology, oceanography and mathematics. All MARS majors take: Chemical Oceanography

Marine Geology

Biological Oceanography

Physical Oceanography

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) During the senior year students will participate in research with faculty members culminating in the writing of a senior thesis and the formal presentation of their research. We offer elective courses in a wide range of topics for the MARS majors, including geosciences, chemical/biogeochemical oceanography, physical oceanography, computer programming, or broader interdisciplinary courses.

CAREER PATHS • Research • Conservation & Outreach

With a solid scientific foundation in the various disciplines of science, MARS graduates are ideally poised to pursue their careers within government agencies, industry and non-governmental organizations that interface between government and businesses operating in marine realm. Graduates are well qualified to enter Master or Ph.D. programs in marine science/oceanography, marine resource management, environmental sciences, or related disciplines.

• Hydrographic Surveying

TAKE YOUR DEGREE FURTHER: LICENSE OPTION

• Coastal Zone Planning & Management

Students can elect the License Option that leads toward a license as a deck officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. This program retains the physical science core of the MARS curriculum and adds coursework that prepares the student for the U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate exam. Students must complete all their academic requirements (including cruises), as well as successful completion of the USCG 3rd Mate exam. tamug.edu/corps

• Oli & Gas Exploration & Development • Environmental Consulting

• Higher / Secondary Education • Environmental Law Enforcement

tamug.edu/mars

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BACHELOR OF S CIENCE

COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & SOCIETY

The Coastal Environmental Science and Society (CESS) program is a Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on natural environmental processes (physical, chemical/biogeochemical, and geological) and social issues (policy, management, economics, law, etc.) related to the development and conservation of oceanic and coastal resources, environments, and ecosystems. The CESS curriculum provides a solid foundation in oceanography, geology, chemistry, biology and physics with additional coursework in economics, policy and management. The curriculum is specifically geared towards understanding the societal and environmental impacts of resource development and exploitation, with the focus on environmental pollution, sustainable development, biological diversity, fisheries and mariculture development and management, oil and gas extraction and exploration, coastal ecosystems (e.g. wetlands), and global climate change.

CAREER PATHS • Research • Higher Education • Oil & Gas Development • Fisheries Development • Coastal Works Development • Conservation • Environmental Consulting • Hydrographic Surveying

@AggiesByTheSea

There is a growing demand from government, industry and nongovernmental organizations for trained entry-level professionals who understand and can use scientific information in the planning and management processes and policy designs. With a solid scientific foundation, CESS graduates are ideally poised to pursue their careers at the interface between government and businesses operating in the marine and coastal realm. With suitably chosen electives, our graduates are well qualified to enter Master or Ph.D. programs in marine resource management and policy, environmental sciences, oceanography, or related disciplines.

ENGAGING & UNIQUE CURRICULUM The courses offered to undergraduates are tailored to provide knowledge of marine resource development through focus on GIS, geological and biological sciences, along with economics, political science and law.

FIVE YEARS

TWO DEGREES Start your career sooner with the department’s 3+2 program, allowing you to receive your B.S. in Coastal Environmental Science & Society and Master of Marine Resources Management in just five years.

Carter Kacal ‘20 Masters of Marine Resources Management & B.S., Coastal Environmental Science & Society

MINOR

One minor is offered by the Marine & Coastal Environmental Science Department: Coastal Environmental Science & Society Students in other majors may obtain a minor in CESS through the completion of required coursework. They will learn about the economic, environmental and social issues related to the development of marine and coastal resources, which is made possible by the strong scientific foundation they receive in this minor.

This minor makes majors such as marine sciences or marine biology even more marketable.

A variety of minors are available at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

The academic advisors in the Marine & Coastal Environmental Science Department can facilitate the minor approval process through other departments.

MASTER OF

MARINE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

The Master of Marine Resources Management (MARM) program is designed for both continuing students and professionals who have a desire to engage in the management of coastal and ocean resources as part of their career goals. Courses focused on quantitative and research methods, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental and natural resource policy, and management and planning constitute the core of the program. All MARM students also have the ability to earn a GIS certificate through elective coursework. MARM graduates are employed by private sector employers in the areas of oil and natural gas, environmental consulting, ports, and tourism; federal and state government sectors including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas General Land Office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Texas Sea Grant Extension; and academic and non-governmental organizations engaged in research and environmental advocacy.

DEGREE PATHS

The Master of Marine Resources Management has two options: professional and thesis/research.

A license option is also available for this degree. Visit tamug.edu/corps for more information.

Professional students focus on the development of skills that translate directly to the management field, including understanding of human-environmental interactions, knowledge of coastal laws and policies, ability to integrate and analyze data, and effective verbal and written communication.

Professional students write and defend a paper at the end of the program.

Thesis / Research students focus on the development and application of research skills. These include the ability to synthesize different types of data on coastal and marine issues as well as choose and apply appropriate methodologies to analyze this data. Research students write a thesis that pursues an independent area of inquiry.

ENGAGING & UNIQUE CURRICULUM The Master of Marine Resources Management degree offers a variety of exciting classes to prepare students for the future careers, including: GIS Based Modeling for Coastal Resources

Integrative Analyses in Marine Resources

Environmental Impact Statements & NRDA

Coastal Ecosystem Management & Planning

Environmental Management Strategies for Scientists

Planning for Coastal Sustainability tamug.edu/mars

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DOCTOR OF PHILOS OPHY IN

MARINE & COASTAL MANAGEMENT & SCIENCE

Increasing coastal population growth and development continues to threaten ecological and environmental systems, while society faces increasing risk from natural hazards in the 21st century. Resilient development of coasts in the face of threats from storms, coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and human alteration of natural environments is an issue of paramount global importance. These multifaceted problems demand specialists who can bridge the silos between coastal science, policy development, and sustainable management. The Marine & Coastal Management & Science (MCMS) Ph.D. program trains this next generation of coastal sustainability thinkers, researchers, and leaders.

The interdisciplinary curriculum requires 60 hours for students entering with a Master’s degree, or 90 hours for those entering with an undergraduate degree. Core coursework includes a series of methodological, quantitative, and theoretical courses. A flexible selection of courses on coastal management, geospatial analysis, living and nonliving resources, natural and technological hazards, and legal/ethical issues (chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisory committee) contextualize and ground the student’s research topic. Following coursework, students complete original research and a dissertation at the direction of a faculty advisory committee. Prospective students are encouraged to arrange a faculty chair prior to application and must have agreement from a faculty chair before acceptance into the program.

Various scholarships are available for competitive students at the MCMS program.

TRAINING LEADERS

The MCMS Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary program that is firmly grounded in both the social and physical sciences. The program’s emphases encompass the impacts and opportunities from the built environment and development, rigorous training in research methods and analytical procedures, and interdisciplinary approaches to research and learning—with a focus on the coastal and marine nearshore environments, where problems at the interface of the natural and built-environment are most pronounced. Through their interdisciplinary training, MCMS graduates will have a multitude of options for employment, ranging from academic and research institutions, government, industry, consulting, to nongovernmental organizations.

@AggiesByTheSea

LABS ON THE EDGE OF

DISCOVERY

Texas A&M University at Galveston offers some of the best marine and maritime research opportunities around the globe. At the Marine & Coastal Environmental Science Department, we have many dedicated and interdisciplinary research labs. Additionally, our faculty are part of research institute leading the study of coastal and marine issues. By asking the important questions, we have countless opportunities for students to engage in cutting edge research.

Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas Laboratories for Oceanographic & Environmental Research Texas Institute of Oceanography Coastal Geospatial Lab

The Gulf Coast is no stranger to hurricanes and natural disasters.

The Houston-Galveston area is especially familiar with the myriad effects these storm and flooding events leave behind. So it made complete sense to house the Texas A&M Institude for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT), formally established May 14, 2020, on the Texas A&M University at Galveston Campus.

Established to facilitate the integration of analytical tools and statelevel decisions related to disaster resiliency, IDRT aims to deliver critical research on disaster risk reduction, support state agencies with data analytics and decision-making tools, and generate evidence-based solutions that will ultimately help Texas communities become more resilient. Lead by Director Dr. Sam Brody, professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science; the institute provides unique opportunities for Aggie by the Sea students, researchers, and faculty to collaboratively participate in issues related to marine and coastal environmental science.

One current project titled “Measuring, Mapping, and Managing Flood Risk” focuses on producing more updated maps and visual representations of flood-prone areas via the integration of data and models. Data like advanced hydraulic models, insurance- and aid-based flood payouts, crowd sourced data, and socioeconomic characteristics will help the team generate more accurate maps.

These maps will then be shared with local stakeholders to help be more effective in helping localities prepare, mitigate, and recover from flood events.

The Texas Disaster Information System (TDIS) is slated as IDRT’s cornerstone project. The plan for this hazard analytics communications tool is to help eventually aid state lawmakers in better, quicker, more informed decision making in regard to storm mitigation and preparation. Currently in the planning phase, researchers will consolidate data across a broad range of Texas agencies and stakeholders into one single disaster preparedness resource to create TDIS. idrt.tamug.edu

What do the Eiffel Tower and Galveston Bay have in common?

Soon, there could be two massive gates equal in size to the iconic French structure built just off the Gulf Coast.

As part of a “coastal spine,” the gates would serve as part of Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science and George P. Mitchell Chair in Marine Sciences Dr. William “Bill” Merrell’s “Ike Dike” plan. In 2008, Hurricane Ike devastated much of the Galveston area, resulting in $30 billion in damage and the loss of 50 lives. Although Ike was only a Category 2 storm, it produced Category 4 storm surge that paralyzed the area for months.

Merrell’s Ike Dike plan includes barriers, levees and the previously-mentioned giant gates that would close off Galveston Bay from storm surge, as well as fund the building of around 43 miles of sand dunes that would encircle and protect the Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula coastline. The hope is that plan would protect people, homes, businesses, and the Houston Ship Channel, one of the country’s busiest ports and where 35 percent of our oil is imported.

“There have really been no real improvements or progress to prevent hurricane damage since Ike hit,” said Merrell. “There are theories that suggest that in the future, we might get more major hurricanes and that there are now many more intense rainfall events. Also, there is evidence that many storms are slowing down as they approach the coast – more flooding and longer duration surges. The flooding threat is getting worse and worse.”

The estimated cost for the Ike Dike is about $26 billion depending on what design models are used, among other factors. The system, modeled after the Delta Works project in The Netherlands, also involves congressional approval, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Texas General Land Office.

Texas A&M University at Galveston students on a study abroad trip pose in front of the Delta Works gate system in The Netherlands, where Dr. Bill Merrell derived his Ike Dike plan.

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How can a drone tell you your house is going flood?

Nick Diaz can show you.

Diaz, a masters student and graduate resource assistant in the Marine Resource Management program at Texas A&M University at Galveston, has been assisting with research figuring first floor elevations within Galveston neighborhoods using drone-collected data.

As part of Dr. Wes Highfield’s project developing accurate first floor mapping and flood risk data, Diaz has taken a DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone and installed sophisticated software that can produce 3-D renderings of structures, including ground elevation measurements.

Highfield, an associate professor in the Department of Marine Sciences, says first floor elevations (FFEs) measure how high a home is off the ground and the elevation of the structure, itself. FFEs are crucial to understanding and mitigating flood risk when an area is threatened with a storm surge or flooding. The problem is many structures not required to have an elevation measurement.

“This is an optional thing, this is not existing data. We can’t go to the city and request elevation certificates so we can make better models of flood damage - people are not required to have one. The homeowner can choose to have one, they can have a surveyor come out and shoot a line, but this is so much more efficient,” explained Highfield.

Highfield says metrics like these are known as stage-

DR

damage curves, metrics used by agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers to determine the percentage of value damaged.

The crux of the issue was finding a way to speed up how these measurements are determined in order to then hopefully approach city and state officials with this information to grow knowledge and drive change. With his drone, Diaz is able to “fly” an area with 400 homes in 20 minutes. He said it then only takes a few days to process and extract that data.

“Why do we care about damage?” Highfield asks.

“Knowing how much damage a storm may cause before it happens can drive behaviors. Including preparedness, maybe some policy repercussions. We can determine if a structure needs to be raised or mitigated, elevated to reduce its risk. This little piece, it seems small in the grand scheme, but it’s really important for us. It also drives insurance rates, which is very important.”

Highfield said Galveston happens to be a perfect guinea pig to test this method of gathering data and the potential implications of this project. Diaz's drone equipment Diaz's drone equipment Due to its history and housing diversity, the island is home to structures dating from the 1800s to the present.

Homes built in the 1950s, 60s and 70s are largely slab on grade. The majority of beachfront homes are built on stilts.

NES, HOM

researchers

“Some of these, the FFE is almost exactly the same as ground. Whereas you go to the beachfront house and you might have a 16-foot differential between the ground and the front door.

You go from slab on grade to 20 feet off the ground.

So being able to say when water enters a home drives that simplistic estimate of how much damage you can anticipate,” he explained.

Highfield and Diaz have recently started working with Galveston Island Coastal A still image captured via drone of Galveston homes.

Resource Manager Dustin Henry. Henry provided them 70 elevation certificates and Diaz has just sent back his catalog of data to see how accurate the drone versus surveyor process is in practice. Henry has to filter the information due to personal data, and Diaz expects conclusive results in a few months.

For Highfield, the conclusion will be two-pronged. Firstly, this information will be utilized in outreach and risk communication.

“The second takeaway is what I would call applied research and the overlap between it, flood mitigation and damage estimation so we can make better models of predicting damage under certain scenarios. Right now we’re really shooting in the dark because of the assumptions we have to make around FFEs. This project and process could change that.”

The best case scenario will have Texas modeling an East Coast example.

In the United States, there is currently only one state that has all of its residential FFEs mapped and recorded: North Carolina. Residents can publicly access these numbers. If there’s a prediction of a water-related disaster event and an estimated depth of water is provided, they then have the ability to estimate the amount of water that could potentially enter the home. It’s a huge advantage in risk management, said Highfield.

“I imagine having this information publicly available at a parcel level. Say we have a Category 4 hurricane coming, the estimated surge is 12.5-feet. We can then say, ‘Here is a map of all the FFEs, here’s the differential between the first floor and 12.5-feet. These are the structures that are going to have water in them, these are the ones that aren’t.’ From a city, county and state preparedness level, that’s really important. For an emergency response, it’s crucial. Big picture aspect, that’s how I see this working.”

MES & FLOOD DAMAGE

ky s s map ground elevations from the

FIRST STEPS TO

PURSUE YOUR PASSION HOW TO APPLY FOR: MARINE SCIENCES, B.S. MARINE SCIENCES, B.S., LICENSE OPTION COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & SOCIETY, 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: MASTER OF MARINE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MARINE & COASTAL MANAGEMENT & SCIENCE, PH.D. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Complete a GraduateCAS application. tamug.edu/grad Upload a Statement of Purpose.

Upload a Resume of Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Provide contact information for 3 Recommenders.

Upload transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.

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 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/mars

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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

fafsa

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

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE & COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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/mars

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

Dr. Kyeong Park Department Head & Professor parkk@tamug.edu 409.740.4710

admissions@tamug.edu gradstudies@tamug.edu 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