Explore Our Blue Backyard: How the University of New Haven’s Innovative Marine Science Center and Outreach Programs Strengthen Community Bonds

Since opening last year, the Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center in New Haven has become a hub for learning about the vibrant life in Long Island Sound. It’s a place where community members and students can dive into marine science and share their newfound knowledge.

When Lauren Creary grew up in Jamaica, her mother, a marine biologist, often took her to the beach. “She taught us about marine life and ecosystems,” Lauren recalls. This passion led her to earn a master’s in Sustainable Development and later coordinate volunteer cleanups for Save the Sound in Connecticut. To deepen her understanding, she joined the University of New Haven’s COASTS (Community Opportunities for Accessing Science Training on the Sound) program.

The COASTS program invites people from all walks of life to engage with marine science through weekly Zoom lectures and hands-on experiences. Lauren found the guidance of expert lecturers invaluable. “They broke down complex topics and were always ready to answer questions,” she says.

A highlight for Lauren was exploring beaches and marshes. “We dragged nets and examined our finds under microscopes,” she adds. “It opened my eyes to the biodiversity around me.”

The Marine Science Center serves as a living lab for students and a resource for the community. Lab manager Sarah Novarro emphasizes that it fosters hands-on science experiences and awareness of Long Island Sound. In its first year, the center held 27 community events and conducted educational programs aimed at young people and local schools.

The center’s outreach includes a monthly speaker series called “What’s in the Harbor?” focusing on marine life and ecosystem health. Additionally, they offer customized field trips for K-12 students, fostering a connection between classroom lessons and real-world experiences.

Recent studies show that hands-on environmental education significantly boosts awareness and stewardship. Sarah notes, “When people explore, they connect emotionally.” This resonates with the mission at the Marine Science Center, where they strive to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.

Collaboration with local educators is key. Alexander Kelly, a science teacher at Metropolitan Business Academy, describes how University students mentor high schoolers in ecological activities. “My students were excited to identify organisms they collected,” he says, emphasizing the importance of merging theoretical lessons with practical applications.

Summer programs also connect students with marine science. Participants from the Solar Youth program joined a beach cleanup to discuss marine pollution, reflecting on how human actions impact local ecosystems. Such experiences help foster a sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment.

Creativity also plays a role in learning. After cleanups, participants return to the center to create art from what they found. “We transform trash into something beautiful,” Lauren explains. It’s a way to raise awareness about marine debris while encouraging artistic expression.

Deesha, a graduate student, worked as a COASTS assistant this summer. She sees the community engagement as powerful. “The University links eager learners with dedicated scientists,” she says. “These initiatives raise awareness about pollution and biodiversity loss, highlighting our responsibility to the environment.”

University President Jens Frederiksen emphasized the public mission of the University during the center’s opening. “Environmental sustainability is critical for everything we do,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the team at the Marine Science Center is excited to explore new possibilities. Sarah points out, “Engaging experiences leave lasting impressions. They inspire people to care about and protect their local environment.”

The Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center is more than a facility; it’s a community resource empowering individuals to appreciate and safeguard Long Island Sound.



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