Science at the Stadium

One the greatest missed opportunities of gathering so many people on campus several Saturdays each fall for football is not engaging them in other ways with the research mission of the university. Franklin colleagues in marine sciences have designed a new way to make inroads with some of the many UGA supporters who will be here for the Homecoming matchup with Vanderbilt:

marine sciences department and faculty will present "Science at the Stadium" on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the north entry to the Georgia Center for Continuing Education across from the Lumpkin Street entrance to the South Campus parking deck.

The new public outreach series, led by Athletic Association Professor of Arts and Sciences Samantha Joye and her research team known as ECOGIG, is designed to educate fans attending home football games about oceanography and the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

"I want to engage and excite kids about science in general and oceanography specifically, and seeing a mini-remotely operated vehicle in action is a great way to give these kids a feel for what we do out on the water," Joye said. "Athletic venues draw a diverse and large crowd and present a fantastic place to share our knowledge and enthusiasm with young people of all ages and their parents.

"Plus, the kids (and some of the parents, too) will learn to ‘drive' an ROV. It's a great way to get people excited about science and to educate them about the ocean and environmental conservation and sustainability at the same time."

Since a few days after the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf in 2010, Dr. Joye has been on the scene assessing the damage and learning how the ecosystem has been and will be effected. Her expertise about conditions there is second to none, but her willingness to share her knowledge and experience with visitors is inspiring and truly extraordinary. Her dedication to teaching beyond the classroom reaches the public in ways of lasting importance, engaging with future scientists and fellow citizens. great job. Come by Saturday and speak with one of our leading researchers.