Discover the University of Southern Mississippi’s Cutting-Edge Interactive Water Classroom!

GULFPORT, Miss. — The University of Southern Mississippi is enhancing marine biology education with a unique resource for its students. At the Gulfport campus, the research vessel Point Sur serves as a floating classroom.

This ship allows students to dive into real-life marine science. Leila Hamdan, Assistant Vice President for Research at USM, explains the vessel’s broad use. “We’ve partnered with fisheries and tested new systems for the Navy. The National Science Foundation even used our ship to explore Gulf organisms,” she says.

Students value this hands-on experience. Professor Joris van der Ham highlights that classroom learning can’t match the practical skills gained on the ship: “The chance to conduct real science on a vessel of this caliber is invaluable.”

Junior marine biology student Alexandra Fahrenholtz points out the vessel’s specialized equipment that measures water salinity and sediment. Such tools teach students about the environment in a way that textbooks cannot.

Beyond academics, the experiences aboard Point Sur foster connections. Freshman Ashley Blake shares, “I met people I didn’t expect to connect with, and we got along really well.”

Both professors and students encourage others to participate. Fahrenholtz stresses, “We need everyone to help clean up the world and understand our ecosystems.”

After a decade of service, Point Sur will retire to make way for the new research vessel, named the Gilbert R. Mason, honoring a civil rights activist who fought for equal beach access in Mississippi.

The focus on hands-on learning reflects broader trends in education, where experiential learning is increasingly recognized as crucial. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, institutions that integrate practical experiences can see improved student engagement and retention.

With a mission to push the boundaries of marine biology education, USM is preparing students for impactful careers in conservation and research.

For further insights on marine education, you can explore the resources provided by the National Science Foundation.



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