Programs Blog

June 29, 2025

Authors: Aaron L., Abby W.

Location: SEA Campus; Falmouth, MA

In the SEA Pre-College program, we have the invaluable experience to conduct our own research and ultimately create a poster presentation by the end of the 3 week intensive. This morning, we began brainstorming potential project ideas in small groups; Ranging from collecting data on invasive periwinkles to analyzing the effects of climate change on coral reefs, we all started investigating the answers to some questions no one yet knows the answer to – until we do.

After our lunch break, we practiced data collection techniques that we plan on using in the salt marshes tomorrow. Dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity, and nitrate and ammonia concentrations were all characteristics of the water that we learned to measure accurately. Above, Jason is featured measuring the salinity of sea water collected just this morning. The data we collect will end up in a larger database and become the foundation for future research, including some of our own projects.

Through it all, we are learning about fascinating phenomena like the Coriolis effect through vivid stories and clear models that harness our attention and spark curiosity. Coupled with an impressive and smart professor (shout out to Dr. Koman), these 3 weeks will prove to be beyond worth it for the rest of our lives.