Finals CompetitionGalveston, TX • April 28 to May 1, 2011

2011 NOSB® Sponsors

NOSB® is a program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership

DISCOVERY • UNDERSTANDING • ACTION

American Meteorological SocietyCensus of Marine LifeDolphin PlusGalveston Historical FoundationOcean Today Kiosk

Texas Master NaturalistsThe S.M.A.R.T. Family Literacy ProjectUniversity of California PressUniversity of Miami R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program

logical skin care

ecō

1201 New York Avenue, NW • 4th Floor • Washington, DC 20005 P. 202.232.3900 • F. 202.462.8754 • www.OceanLeadership.org

MEMBERSBermuda Institute of Ocean SciencesBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences College of William and Mary Columbia University (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory)East Carolina University Florida State University Florida Straits ConsortiumGulf of Mexico ConsortiumHarbor Branch Oceanographic InstitutionLouisiana State UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMississippi State UniversityMonterey Bay Aquarium Research InstituteMonterey Bay/Central California ConsortiumNorth Carolina State UniversityOld Dominion UniversityOregon State UniversityPennsylvania State UniversityRutgers, The State University of New JerseySkidaway Institute of OceanographySouth Carolina Marine Science Consortium Stanford UniversityStony Brook UniversityTexas A&M UniversityUniversity of Alaska FairbanksUniversity of California, San Diego (Scripps)University of ConnecticutUniversity of DelawareUniversity of FloridaUniversity of HawaiiUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental ScienceUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MichiganUniversity of MississippiUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of North Carolina-Chapel Hill/Duke ConsortiumUniversity of North Carolina, WilmingtonUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of South FloridaUniversity of Southern California University of Southern MississippiUniversity of Texas at AustinUniversity of WashingtonWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSAlaska Ocean Observing SystemAquarium of the PacificBattelleCNACooperative Institute for Research in Environmental SciencesDalhousie UniversityEarth2Ocean, Inc.Hubbs-SeaWorld Research InstituteInstitute for Global Environmental StrategiesInternational SeaKeepers SocietyJohn G. Shedd AquariumJohns Hopkins UniversityMarine Advanced Technology Education CenterMarine Technology SocietyMid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional AssociationMystic AquariumNational Aquarium in BaltimoreNational Federation of Regional Associations for Coastal and

Ocean ObservingNOAA Fisheries ServiceNOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research LaboratoryNOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean ScienceNOAA National Sea Grant College Program New England AquariumNoblis, Inc.North Pacific Research BoardRomberg Tiburon Center for Environmental StudiesSavannah State UniversitySoutheastern Universities Research AssociationThe Research Centers of the U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Arctic Research CommissionUniversity of Maine University of VictoriaUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Great Lakes WATER Institute

AFFILIATE MEMBERSCARIS, USAFugroL-3 MariPro, Inc.Lockheed MartinScience Applications International CorporationSonardyne, Inc.Teledyne RD Instruments

On behalf of the 99 members of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, I am happy to welcome you to the 14th Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®) Finals in Galveston, Texas. The ocean is ingrained in this historical city, and it is the perfect place to host you, our nation’s elite ocean scholars, for this important competition weekend.For months, you and your teammates have been studying everything related to the vast ocean and that

hard work has definitely paid off. Over 300 high schools and approximately 2,000 students competed in this year’s NOSB

regional competitions, and you and those around you, emerged as part of the 25 teams from around the country that are here to compete for the National Title. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations. You should feel extremely proud to be here.Since 1998, the NOSB has established a track record for generating interest and excitement about science and the ocean. It has been shown that the NOSB expands students’ knowledge of the ocean, enhances public understanding and stewardship of the ocean, and encourages some of the country’s best and brightest students to consider the ocean sciences as a career. Approximately 24,000 students and teachers have participated in this program since its inception, and many of those students have pursued successful careers in ocean science, education and policy. It is my hope and belief that many of you competing this year in the 2011 NOSB will continue this trend and become the next generation of ocean leaders in our country.The 2011 NOSB competition theme is “Human Responses to Ocean Events.” I do not think a better location could have been selected to demonstrate this theme. In 2008, the city of Galveston was struck by Hurricane Ike. The damage that ensued from its 110 mph winds and storm surges of up to 20 feet was devastating. However, as you can see, the people of Galveston joined together and rebuilt the city to its former glory. Take time to think about this as you participate in the fieldtrips that have been organized for you.Each year, the NOSB competition is made possible through the funding from several federal agencies and corporate donors that recognize the importance of fostering the growth of ocean science education. We are truly grateful for the generosity from all of these sponsors and cannot thank you enough. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our finals host, Texas A&M University at Galveston. They have done a wonderful job setting the venue for the competition and I encourage you to take a look around the campus this weekend.I hope you are as excited as I am to witness this year’s competition to see so many bright students in action. Enjoy your time here in Galveston at the 14th Annual NOSB Finals.

Sincerely,

Robert B. GagosianPresident & CEO Consortium for Ocean Leadership

DISCOVERY • UNDERSTANDING • ACTION

Contents2011 Finals Schedule of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12011 NOSB Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Thanks to these NOSB® Champions! . . . . . . . . . . 4NOSB® Policy Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Speakers & Presenters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6“Living on the Ocean Planet” Video Contest . . . . . . 8Game Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Competition Room Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Round Robin Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Tournament Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16Question Reviewers & Video Judges . . . . . . . . . . 17Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-42NOSB® Speed-Career Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Education & Career Opportunities for Students . . . 46-53Campus Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54-55

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SCHEDULE2011 Finals Schedule of Events

ThursdayApril 28

7:30pm-9:00pm NOSB Speed-Career Search @ Hotel Galvez (Music Hall)

7:45pm-8:45pm Coach/RC Meeting @ Hotel Galvez (West Parlor)

FridayApril 29

7:00am-8:15am Breakfast @ Hotel Galvez (Veranda Room)

8:30am-3:00pm Field Trips (Artist Boat trip departs at 7:30am)

3:45pm-4:15pm Depart for Opening Ceremony

5:00pm-8:00pm Opening Ceremony & Dinner @ Moody Gardens IMAX Theater & Aquarium – Guest Speaker: Dr. Sylvia Earle

SaturdayApril 30

6:30am Depart for Breakfast

7:00am-7:45amTeam Breakfast @ TAMUG (Sea Aggie Center)Volunteer Breakfast @ TAMUG (Blue Room)

7:45am-8:45am All Hands Meeting (CLB Auditorium)

9:00am-11:15am Round Robin Competitions, Rounds 1-3 (CLB & PMEC) + Policy Briefing (OCSB)

10:00am Snacks

11:15am-12:45pmTeam Lunch (Sea Aggie Center)Volunteer Lunch (Blue Room)

12:45pm-2:15pm Round Robin Competitions, Rounds 4-5 (CLB & PMEC) + Policy Briefing (OCSB)

2:00pm-3:00pm Snacks – Scoring & Seeding for Double Elimination (Lobby CLB)

2:20pm-2:50pm Science Presentation – Guest Speaker: Dr. John Jacob – On the edge: minimizing human impacts on the coast (CLB Auditorium)

3:00pm-5:00pm Sea Camp Activities (Sea Aggie Center)

3:00pm-4:30pm DE Competitions, Rounds 1-2 (CLB & PMEC)

4:30pm-6:00pm DE Competitions, Rounds 3-4 (CLB)

6:00pm-6:45pm Guest Speaker: Dr. Ellen Prager – Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter (CLB Auditorium)

6:45-8:00 Team Dinner (Sea Aggie Center)

SundayMay 1

6:30am Depart for Breakfast

7:00am-7:45am Team Breakfast @ TAMUG (Sea Aggie Center)

7:15am-7:45am Volunteer Breakfast @ TAMUG (Blue Room)

8:00am-8:45amAll Hands Meeting – Guest Speaker: Emma Hickerson - The importance of monitoring and the science behind protecting the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (CLB Auditorium)

9:00am-10:30am DE Competitions, Rounds 5-6 (CLB)

9:00am-11:00am Sea Camp Activities (Sea Aggie Center)

10:00am Snacks

10:45am-11:30am DE Competition, Rounds 7 (CLB) (determines 3rd Place)

11:30am-12:15pm DE Competition, Rounds 8 (CLB) (determines 1st & 2nd Place)

12:15pm-1:00pm DE Competition, Round 9 (tie breaker- if necessary) (CLB)

11:30am-1:30pm Lunch (Sea Aggie Center)

2:00pm-3:00pm Awards Ceremony (CLB Auditorium)

3:00pm Teams Depart for Airport and Snacks

** The curfew each night is 10:30pm

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The number of natural and unnatural oceanic phenomena such as hurricanes, tsunamis, rising sea levels, pollution events, oil spills and harmful algal blooms appear to be increasing in frequency and/or intensity. Because of this trend, the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) chose the 2011 competition theme, “Human Responses to Ocean Events,” in order to highlight the impact of these events on our lives. Whether events are related to natural phenomena (e.g. hurricanes and tsunamis), unnatural disasters (e.g. oil spills), or result from anthropogenic stressors that impact the environment over long periods of time (e.g. sea level rise, coastal inundation and harmful algal blooms), society’s response to these situations needs to be rapid, efficient, region-appropriate and forward-thinking, or we face the chance of exacerbating the negative effects and creating new problems. Damage to ecosystems ultimately effects their efficiency, productivity and ability to respond to future changes. Destruction of the ocean environment, coastal property and maritime investments impact all of our livelihoods, no matter how far we live from shore. We have the knowledge and tools to predict and manage these events of growing importance, and we should never forget that there is the potential for loss of human life associated with them.However, it is not all doom and gloom. Society still responds, often with disbelief and awe, to encouraging ocean events such as mass animal migrations. For example, the Golden Cow-nose Ray population in the Gulf of Mexico migrates biannually, in schools of as many as 10,000, as they follow the clockwise current from Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula to western Florida. This event draws spectators as they watch the ocean become a yellow, moving mass below their boats. Events like these emphasize the mysteries that have drawn humans to the ocean for centuries and the growing need for conservation of the ocean and the marine life which inhabits it. The location of Finals this year emphasizes the deep connection between humans and ocean events. Galveston, Texas has experienced hurricanes, floods, harmful algal blooms and, most recently, an oil disaster that spread tar balls to Galveston beaches and killed coastal marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to see first-hand an area that has been directly impacted by a changing ocean environment. As NOSB participants, you understand the importance of protecting our ocean, and are aware of the interconnectivity of our world’s environments. As stewards of the oceans, it is up to you to help ensure that society’s responses to ocean events positively affect both humans and the environment, today and into the future.

2011 NOSB Theme

Human Responsesto Ocean Events

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James D. Watkins Sportsmanship AwardThis highly esteemed award is offered to the team that demonstrates the best sportsmanship throughout the NOSB Finals Competition. The selected team will receive a brand new buzzer system and the American Metrological Society’s Introduction to Oceanography textbook. The coach will receive a $200 gift certificate and each team member will receive a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com. These prizes are provided courtesy of the James D. Watkins Fund.

This year the top four national teams will have the opportunity to select from the following four award prizes, with the National Champions having the honor of making the first selection.

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PRIZES& AWARDS

Award Trip Option #1One lucky team will have the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico. Over the course of a week, the students will participate in a myriad of adventures that include night kayaking on a bioluminescent bay tour; participating in hands-on laboratory activities at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez; and visiting the El Yunque National Forest, the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest system. The team will also experience first-hand a multitude of ecosystems ranging from mangrove forests and coral reefs, to dry and tropical rainforest habitats. This trip is provided courtesy of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP). (Trip Dates: July 18–24, 2011)

Award Trip Option #2On this trip, the team will travel to La Jolla and Catalina Island, California. During this weeklong adventure, the students will visit research facilities run by USC and Scripps. They will participate in a variety of activities, including assisting with scientific research, kayaking and snorkeling in a Marine Protected Area, and meeting graduate students and scientists. The trip is provided courtesy of NOPP, the University of Southern California and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. (Trip Dates: July 17– 23, 2011)

Award Trip Option #3During this four-day award trip to South Florida, the team will meet scientists and learn about current research at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) laboratories and the NOAA facilities in Miami. The students will then explore Florida as they snorkel coral reefs, kayak through mangroves and swim with dolphins. The team will also spend a day out-at-sea assisting the University’s marine conservation program team in collecting and tagging sharks. The trip is provided courtesy of NOPP, University of Miami RSMAS, University of Miami RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, and Dolphins Plus. (Trip Dates: July 2011, exact dates TBD)

Award Option #4Team members and the coach that select this prize will each receive an HP Mini 210 series Netbook. The team will enjoy the convenience of being able to prepare for NOSB, upload photos of their adventures and take notes for class anywhere they go. This prize is provided courtesy of NOPP.

5th-8th PlaceEach team will receive a $500 gift certificate for scientific equipment from Fisher Scientific and a $450 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble for marine science textbooks. These prizes are provided through the generous support by the Oceanic Engineering Society and IEEE. Each coach will also receive a one year membership to the Marine Technology Society.

9th – 13th PlaceCourtesy of the American Metrological Society, each team will receive the AMS Introduction to Oceanography textbook.

THANK YOUThanks to these NOSB® Champions!

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Texas A&M University at GalvestonThe by-the-sea campus environment of Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) complements its unique curricular offerings. In an atmosphere fostered by the faculty and staff, students can set a course of excellence for education, public service and research. The learning platform of the university is enhanced by its location within the 640-square mile Galveston Bay and its access to the nearby shipping channel of the energy capital of the world, Houston. It is expected that the growing population in the coastal zone and expansion of the Panama Canal will both provide exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning, as well as numerous careers.Recognized nationally for academic excellence, the ocean-oriented academic programs are accredited regionally and professionally. TAMUG offers ocean-oriented, four-year courses and graduate programs with excellence in business, oceanographic and physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering and transportation, administration and/or liberal arts. Degrees are awarded from Texas A&M University. TAMUG also hosts one of six maritime academies in the United States. The Texas Maritime Academy provides opportunities for students to operate and maintain an ocean-going vessel, preparing graduates for careers in the U.S Merchant Marine. Another career opportunity for students includes a commission in the Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corp (NROTC). In addition to career opportunities presented to students, the university offers outreach programs ranging from Sea Camp for school-aged students to Elderhostel for seniors.

Jacqui StanleyNOSB would like to express a sincere thank you to Jacqui Stanley for providing us with this year’s signature piece of ocean art.Growing up in Australia, it was difficult to avoid the ocean, and Jacqui never did. Educator, passionate diver, underwater photographer, writer, illustrator, speaker and supporter of several marine societies, Jacqui gives frequent presentations, workshops and seminars at schools, libraries and conferences nationally and internationally. For over 39 years, Jacqui has dived in almost all the world’s oceans and seriously appreciates the shifting baseline

of many ocean ecosystems. She specializes in making the marine environment relevant and real to students of all ages in all content areas, but in particular through art. Jacqui has a BA from the University of Western Australia and an MLA from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. She completed educator certification at Western Washington University. Currently, she works with Young Audiences of Houston, and loves sharing the wonders of our blue planet. She also serves on the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council in the Education Seat, and is committed to promoting education and knowledge in order to protect this very special place, and all our National Marine Sanctuaries.

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NOSB® Policy Briefing

Policy Briefing PrizeThe team that receives the highest Policy Briefing score will spend three days in the Pacific Northwest meeting stakeholders involved in the West Coast shellfish industry. Students will have an opportunity to see first-hand small and large scale aquaculture farms; meet representatives from the nation’s largest fish hatchery that is taking a lead in ocean acidification research; and talk with tribal members and local Washington State legislators about their views on aquaculture. (Trip Dates: July 12-14, 2011)

Policy Briefing Judges:Mr. Sebastian BelleExecutive Director, Maine Aquaculture Association

Ms. Jennifer HopperEducation and Outreach Coordinator, Taylor Shellfish Farms

Dr. Thomas LintonSenior Lecturer, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Marine Sciences

Mr. Logan RespessAssociate Director and Extension Program Leaders, Texas Sea Grant College Program

Dr. Robert StickneyDirector, Texas Sea Grant College Program

Mr. William WiseAssociate Director School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University

In 2011, NOSB added a Policy Briefing element to the Finals Competition in order to provide students with a broader understanding of the interconnections between science, law and the public. This new element required each team to provide written testimonies and role play as witnesses to Congress on the topic of aquaculture. Prior to the Finals competition, each team identified five stakeholders (State or Federal Employees, local business owners, etc.) that are impacted by aquaculture and wrote a brief report on each stakeholder’s analysis of the legislation presented in the 111th Congress. Teams were asked to explain what each stakeholder believed should be included in aquaculture legislation moving forward in the current (112th) Congress. The teams also wrote final recommendation statements, taking into account all stakeholders’ views, on what they felt could be the best policies included in an aquaculture bill. At Finals, each team will present their written testimony orally to a panel of judges. The judges will have the opportunity to ask teams specific questions about their recommendations to garner their full understanding of the issue. Since this is the first year for this new element, team Policy Briefing scores will not be rolled into the regular competition scores. However, the top team will win a trip to Washington State to meet members of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Grower’s Association. The teams will be scored using a carefully crafted rubric that each team received a copy of after the regional competitions.

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SPEAKERS&PRESENTERSDr. Sylvia EarleDr. Sylvia Earle is a world-renowned marine biologist, ocean explorer, author, and lecturer. She was the first woman to serve as NOAA’s Chief Scientist and is now Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. She has logged more than 6,000 hours underwater in many different kinds of underwater vehicles. In recent years she has become an advocate for underwater research and an internationally-known champion for ocean conservation. Dr. Earle is a

well-known author of over 100 scientific publications and numerous books on the oceans. She has lectured in more than 50 countries and often appears on television including ABC’s 20/20 and Good Morning America, Niteline, CNN, CBS Sunday Morning, National Geographic Explorer and many more.

Dr. John JacobDr. John Jacob is the director of the Texas Coastal Watershed Program, and holds a joint appointment with the Texas A&M Sea Grant Program and with Texas AgriLife Extension Service through the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Science. His current project, Coastal CHARM (Community Health and Resource Management), focuses on enabling coastal communities in Texas to improve quality of life in cities and towns while preserving and enhancing the

natural coastal environment.

Jacob holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, all in soils and natural resources. He is registered as a Professional Geoscientist with the State of Texas and is a Professional Wetland Scientist.

Jacob is a recognized expert on Texas wetlands, having been active in consulting and research aspects of wetlands for more than 20 years. Jacob is coauthor of the Texas Sea Grant Resilient Coast series on the built environment and wetlands.

The Texas Coastal Watershed Program provides education and outreach to local governments and citizens about the impact of land use on watershed health and water quality. The TCWP currently has 7 staff members with programs in sustainable urban planning, watershed management, habitat restoration, sustainable landscapes and water quality issues.

Speakers & Presenters

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SPEAKERS&PRESENTERSDr. Ellen PragerDr. Ellen Prager is a well-known marine scientist and author of numerous popular science books. She is the former Chief Scientist of Aquarius Reef Base in Key Largo, FL, which includes the world’s only undersea research station. She now works as a consultant and freelance writer, with clients such as the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the President’s U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, Microsoft Research and Celebrity Cruise

Lines. Of her recently released book, Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter, Bob Woodruff, ABC News correspondent, notes that it “brings us the strangely well-endowed conch, slime-touting hagfish, transgender parrotfish, and an abundance of slime and sex within the seas,” and renowned ocean conservationist and author Carl Safina says “it is possibly the best general book ever written on creatures of the deep.” She has appeared on CNN, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Larry King and in shows on the Discovery Channel. Dr. Prager has built a national reputation as a scientist and spokesperson on earth and ocean science issues and is a sought after speaker for public-oriented events and as an expert by the media.

Ms. Emma HickersonEmma Hickerson is the Research Coordinator at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, which is located about 115 mi (185 km) off the coast of Texas and Louisiana. Over the past 15 years, Emma has led and participated in close to 100 cruises in the Gulf of Mexico region. These cruises have included submersible, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and SCUBA operations. Emma conducted her Master’s thesis project at the sanctuary where she studied the

movements of loggerhead sea turtles using radio and satellite technology. Her sanctuary research has focused on mapping, habitat characterization, and the biology of sea turtles, corals, manta rays and other marine life. Emma’s interests include marine biology and ecology, underwater photography and videography, underwater exploration and technology, and SCUBA diving.

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Living on the Ocean Planet Video ContestCongratulations to the students fromThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginiafor winning the third annual NOSB “Living on the Ocean Planet” Video Contest. The Thomas Jefferson team, led by Daniel Seidman, created a superb film showcasing how this year’s contest theme, “Human Responses to Ocean Events,” demonstrates the inextricable interconnection between humans and the ocean.

The first place video, entitled “Making Every Difference,” has the distinct honor of being played on the Ocean Today Kiosk for three months. The Kiosk is housed at the National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall in Washington, D.C. and broadcasts to kiosks in twenty-four Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers located throughout the U.S. and Mexico. In addition, the creative talents and educational message in “Making Every Difference” will be exhibited at events such as the Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival in Georgia and screenings by American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking.

Video entries were submitted from students across the country. Six regional winners vied for the top three places in the Nation. Judging the finalists was a distinguished panel representing American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the National Geographic Society and Ocean Today.

All the top 2011 videos will be posted on the websites of the following ocean-focused organizations and will be viewed by audiences around the world: Consortium for Ocean Leadership, NOSB and National Marine Educators Association.

First Place, National Winner Video Title: Making Every DifferenceThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; Alexandria, VirginiaTeam members: Daniel Seidman, Jenny Seo and Jung HuhCoach: Lisa Wu

Second PlaceVideo Title: Seas of PlasticWaterford High School; Waterford, Connecticut Team member: Meghan DanleyCoach: Michael O’Connor

Third PlaceVideo Title: Acidification: Death by DissolutionLubbock High School; Lubbock, TexasTeam members: Rolando Terreros, Corbin DeSpain, Kadee BoyceCoach: Joy Buchok

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Game SummaryThe NOSB Finals Competition is comprised of a Round Robin competition and a Double Elimination competition.

Round Robin:The round robin competition involves all the participating teams. Each team is placed by random draw into a division of 5 teams. These teams compete against one another for the opportunity to proceed to the double elimination portion of the tournament. Each team will play each of the other teams in their division with the first, second and third place finishers in each group guaranteed a spot in the double elimination tournament. The best 4th place finisher among the 5 divisions will also advance into the double elimination tournament. At that point, all of the remaining teams are eliminated.

Seeding:Seeding (for group rank in the round robin, seeding for the double elimination competition and final rank for the competition) is based on the following criteria, in order: game points [2 for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss (round robin only)]; head to head results; fewest number of losses; total number of points scored by a team; total points scored against a team; point differential, and finally, a coin toss.

Double Elimination:The double elimination competition involves the first, second, and third place teams in each division plus the best fourth place finisher. These teams are seeded based on the results achieved in the round robin competition. No team is eliminated from the double elimination competition until they have lost two games. This means that the team in the final game, which has not been defeated, must lose twice in order to be eliminated. Ties in the double elimination competition will be resolved with a group of 5 toss-up questions (no bonus) to determine a winner. This procedure will be repeated until a winner is achieved.

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COMPETITION ROOM ASSIGNMENTS

Competition Room Assignments

CLB 103/105 CLB 210 CLB 212 CLB 216 PMEC

144PMEC

145PMEC

146PMEC

148PMEC

239PMEC

243Policy Briefing Bye

Times OCSB 141 OCSB 142

Round 19:00

Mission San Jose & Neah-Kah-

Nie

Dexter & Eastside

Marshfield & Cranston

West

Bishop Sullivan & NCSSM

Lexington & Irmo

Long Beach & La Jolla

Poudre & Juneau/Thunder

Mt. Sinai & Santa Monica

Westwood & MAST

Langham Creek &

Contoocook Valley

9:00 Gilmour Friday Harbor

Star Charter9:20 Punahou State College

Round 29:45

Star Charter & Irmo

State College

& Bishop Sullivan

Eastside & Poudre

Cranston West & Mt.

Sinai

Neah-Kah-Nie & Long

Beach

Lexington & Langham

Creek

NCSSM & Westwood

Dexter & Friday Harbor

Marshfield & Punahou

Mission San Jose &

Gilmour

9:45 Contoocook Valley

Juneau/Thunder La Jolla

10:05 MAST Santa Monica

Round 310:30

Marshfield & Santa Monica

Mission San Jose & La

Jolla

Irmo & Contoocook

Valley

Dexter & Juneau/Thunder

NCSSM & State College

Cranston West &

Punahou

Neah-Kah-Nie & Gilmour

Lexington & Star Charter

Eastside & Friday Harbor

MAST & Bishop Sullivan

10:30 Long Beach Mt. SinaiLangham Creek

10:50 Poudre Westwood

Lunch11:15

11:15 Star Charter La Jolla Friday Harbor, Dexter, Mission San Jose,

Neah-Kah-Nie, Long Beach, Gilmour, Poudre, Juneau/

Thunder, Marshfield, Cranston West, Mt.

Sinai, Santa Monica, Punahou, NCSSM, Westwood, MAST,

State College, Lexington, Irmo,

Contoocook Valley

11:35 Bishop Sullivan Eastside

11:55 Langham Creek

12:15 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / All Teams

Round 412:45

Westwood & Bishop Sullivan

Santa Monica & Punahou

Long Beach & Mission San Jose

Langham Creek & Star

Charter

Juneau/Thunder & Friday Harbor

State College &

MAST

Mt. Sinai & Marshfield

Gilmour & La Jolla

Contoocook Valley &

Lexington

Poudre & Dexter

12:45 NCSSM Neah-Kah-Nie

Eastside1:05 Irmo Cranston

West

Round 51:30

Friday Harbor & Poudre

Irmo & Langham

Creek

NCSSM & MAST

Gilmour & Long Beach

Cranston West & Santa

Monica

Eastside & Juneau/Thunder

Contoocook Valley & Star

Charter

Westwood & State College

Neah-Kah-Nie & La

Jolla

Mt. Sinai & Punahou

1:30 Marshfield Dexter

Bishop Sullivan1:50 Mission San

Jose Lexington

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COMPETITION ROOM ASSIGNMENTS

CLB 103/105 CLB 210 CLB 212 CLB 216 PMEC

144PMEC

145PMEC

146PMEC

148PMEC

239PMEC

243Policy Briefing Bye

Times OCSB 141 OCSB 142

Round 19:00

Mission San Jose & Neah-Kah-

Nie

Dexter & Eastside

Marshfield & Cranston

West

Bishop Sullivan & NCSSM

Lexington & Irmo

Long Beach & La Jolla

Poudre & Juneau/Thunder

Mt. Sinai & Santa Monica

Westwood & MAST

Langham Creek &

Contoocook Valley

9:00 Gilmour Friday Harbor

Star Charter9:20 Punahou State College

Round 29:45

Star Charter & Irmo

State College

& Bishop Sullivan

Eastside & Poudre

Cranston West & Mt.

Sinai

Neah-Kah-Nie & Long

Beach

Lexington & Langham

Creek

NCSSM & Westwood

Dexter & Friday Harbor

Marshfield & Punahou

Mission San Jose &

Gilmour

9:45 Contoocook Valley

Juneau/Thunder La Jolla

10:05 MAST Santa Monica

Round 310:30

Marshfield & Santa Monica

Mission San Jose & La

Jolla

Irmo & Contoocook

Valley

Dexter & Juneau/Thunder

NCSSM & State College

Cranston West &

Punahou

Neah-Kah-Nie & Gilmour

Lexington & Star Charter

Eastside & Friday Harbor

MAST & Bishop Sullivan

10:30 Long Beach Mt. SinaiLangham Creek

10:50 Poudre Westwood

Lunch11:15

11:15 Star Charter La Jolla Friday Harbor, Dexter, Mission San Jose,

Neah-Kah-Nie, Long Beach, Gilmour, Poudre, Juneau/

Thunder, Marshfield, Cranston West, Mt.

Sinai, Santa Monica, Punahou, NCSSM, Westwood, MAST,

State College, Lexington, Irmo,

Contoocook Valley

11:35 Bishop Sullivan Eastside

11:55 Langham Creek

12:15 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / All Teams

Round 412:45

Westwood & Bishop Sullivan

Santa Monica & Punahou

Long Beach & Mission San Jose

Langham Creek & Star

Charter

Juneau/Thunder & Friday Harbor

State College &

MAST

Mt. Sinai & Marshfield

Gilmour & La Jolla

Contoocook Valley &

Lexington

Poudre & Dexter

12:45 NCSSM Neah-Kah-Nie

Eastside1:05 Irmo Cranston

West

Round 51:30

Friday Harbor & Poudre

Irmo & Langham

Creek

NCSSM & MAST

Gilmour & Long Beach

Cranston West & Santa

Monica

Eastside & Juneau/Thunder

Contoocook Valley & Star

Charter

Westwood & State College

Neah-Kah-Nie & La

Jolla

Mt. Sinai & Punahou

1:30 Marshfield Dexter

Bishop Sullivan1:50 Mission San

Jose Lexington

12

Division 1: Round Robin

Team Mission San Jose Neah-Kah-Nie Long Beach La Jolla Gilmour Total

Mission San Jose NOSB 2011

Neah-Kah-Nie NOSB 2011

Long Beach NOSB 2011

La Jolla NOSB 2011

Gilmour NOSB 2011

Division 2: Round Robin

Team Dexter Eastside Poudre Juneau/Thunder Friday Harbor Total

Dexter NOSB 2011

Eastside NOSB 2011

Poudre NOSB 2011

Juneau/Thunder NOSB 2011

Friday Harbor NOSB 2011

ROUND ROBINDIVISIONS

Round Robin Divisions

13

ROUND ROBINDIVISIONS

Division 3: Round Robin

Team Marshfield Cranston West Mt. Sinai Santa Monica Punahou Total

Marshfield NOSB 2011

Cranston West NOSB 2011

Mt. Sinai NOSB 2011

Santa Monica NOSB 2011

Punahou NOSB 2011

Division 4: Round Robin

Team Bishop Sullivan NCSSM Westwood MAST State College Total

Bishop Sullivan NOSB 2011

NCSSM NOSB 2011

Westwood NOSB 2011

MAST NOSB 2011

State College NOSB 2011

Division 5: Round Robin

Team Lexington Irmo Langham Creek Contoocook Star Charter Total

Lexington NOSB 2011

Irmo NOSB 2011

Langham Creek NOSB 2011

Contoocook NOSB 2011

Star Charter NOSB 2011

Double Elimination TournamentRound 1

Saturday, 3:00 PMRound 2

Saturday, 3:45 PMRound 3

Saturday, 4:30 PMRound 4

Saturday, 5:15 PM

T-1

Game 1CLB 103/105

Game 2CLB 210

Game 3CLB 212

Game 4CLB 216

Game 11PMEC 145

Game 10PMEC 146

Game 9PMEC148

Game 21CLB 212 W to G27 • L to G25

W to G25

Game 227th/8th PlaceCLB 103/105

Game 12PMEC 144

Game 17CLB 216

Game 18CLB 210

T-16

T-8

T-9

T-5

T-12

T-4

T-13

L G1

L G2

L G3

L G4

L G14

L G13

14

Double Elimination TournamentRound 1

Saturday, 3:00 PMRound 2

Saturday, 3:45 PMRound 3

Saturday, 4:30 PMRound 4

Saturday, 5:15 PM

T-6

Game 5PMEC 144

Game 6PMEC 145

Game 7PMEC 146

Game 8PMEC 148

Game 15CLB 210

Game 14CLB 212

Game 13CLB 216

Game 23CLB 210 W to G27 • L to G26

W to G26

Game 247th/8th Place

CLB 216

Game 16CLB 103/105

Game 19CLB 103/105

Game 20CLB 212

T-11

T-3

T-14

T-7

T-10

T-2

T-15

L G5

L G6

L G7

L G8

L G10

L G9

15

Double Elimination TournamentRound 5

Sunday, 9:00 AMRound 6

Sunday, 9:45 AMRound 7

Sunday, 10:45 AMRound 8

Sunday, 11:30 AMRound 9

Sunday, 12:15 PM

Game 301st/2nd Place

CLB Auditorium

Game 293rd Place

CLB Auditorium(If Necessary) Game 31

CLB Auditorium

Game 27CLB Auditorium

Game 284th Place

CLB 103/105

Game 255th/6th Place

CLB Auditorium

Game 265th/6th PlaceCLB 103/105

W G21

W G23

L G27

W G27 if they lost G30

L G21

W G22

L G23

W G24

16

2011 NOSB Top Policy Briefing Teams

1. _________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________________________________

6. _________________________________________________________________________

7. _________________________________________________________________________

8. _________________________________________________________________________

1717

2011 NOSB Top Policy Briefing Teams

1. _________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________________________________

6. _________________________________________________________________________

7. _________________________________________________________________________

8. _________________________________________________________________________

Special Thanksto all of our Question Reviewers

for their time, effort, and hard work!

Kamil Armaiz-Nolla – Marine ConsultantAlyson Azzara – Texas A&M University at GalvestonAmanda Babson – Environmental Protection Agency

David Bennett – Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement Fred Byus – Battelle

Karen Chan – University of Washington Catherine Cooper – Washington State University

Michael Gonsalves – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration James Holte – University of California San Diego

Dr. Carol Hopper Brill - Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceKatie Inderbitzen – Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami

Bill Kiene – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Kelly Kryc – Kryc Strategic

Dr. Melani Lesko - Texas A&M University – GalvestonDr. Doug Levin - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Brent Lewis - Coastal Carolina UniversityStaci Lewis – Consortium for Ocean Leadership

Bryan Mensi– United States Navy Charna Meth – Consortium for Ocean Leadership

Dr. Russ Miget – Texas Sea Grant College ProgramAllison Miller – Consortium for Ocean LeadershipSusan Park –Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Emil Petruncio – United Sates Navy Emily Powell – Consortium for Ocean Leadership

Logan Respess – Texas Sea Grant College ProgramTony Riesinger – Texas Sea Grant College Program

Capt. Rick Rigazio (Retired) - Naval Science Awards Program, Office of Naval ResearchDr. Gilbert Rowe - Texas A&M University

Dr. George Sharman - National Geophysical Data CenterDr. Robert Stickney – Texas Sea Grant College Program

Kristen St. John – James Madison UniversityLindsay Sullivan – San Francisco State University

Wendy Tabone - Texas A&M UniversityCapt. Jim Tuner – Marlinspike Seaman

Bill Ullman – University of Delaware Dr. W. M. von Zharen – Texas A&M University at Galveston

Leigh Zimmermann – Consortium for Ocean Leadership

Living on the Ocean Planet Video Contest Judges

David Christopher – National AquariumJudith Coats – University of California, San Diego

Elizabeth Hinchey Malloy – Environmental Protection AgencyMiranda Kerr – John G. Shedd Aquarium

Gail Krueger – Gray’s Reef National Marine SanctuaryChris Palmer - American University

E. Howard Rutherford – Pier AquariumSuzy Ryan – University of Southern MaineKatie Snider – Ocean Today Kiosk, NOAA

Maryellen Timmons – University of GeorgiaSarah Wilson – National Geographic Society

18

CoachDave Strang is in his fourth year teaching High School at Punahou School, after previously working at the University of Hawaii (UH), and is loving every minute of it. He was a biology major at UC Berkeley and then studied Butterflyfish behavior for his doctorate at UH. He got involved in the NOSB three years ago when several students who had already formed a team showed up in his office asking him to be their coach.

TeamCalder Atta is a senior at Punahou School and has participated in the 2009 and 2010 NOSB. He enjoys all science, but focuses his studies in the Earth sciences. His favorite marine animal is the unusual ctenophore. He enjoys studying odd organisms that people don’t think about when they hear the word “ocean.” It’s the ones that we don’t think about that need the most help. Calder hopes his studies continue throughout his life.Growing up around the ocean, Karl Heyer has long had an interest in marine life and marine science, from recreational surfing and diving to working in marine science labs at University of Hawaii. Karl has been participating in NOSB for the past three years to learn more about marine science. He is looking to study biology or biochemistry in college, preferably with a marine focus.Jordan Kaneshige began participating in Ocean Bowl in 2009. Growing up in Hawaii has given him many opportunities to explore and participate in marine activities, causing an interest in the ocean from a young age. His favorite aspects of marine science are social sciences, marine policy and human interaction with the ocean. His favorite species are cephalopods for their ingenuity and creativity. He is looking forward to continue learning about the oceans and its components.Philip Lin has lived in Honolulu, Hawaii for all 15 years of his life. Living on an island, Philip is constantly influenced by the ocean. He is fascinated by the variety of marine life that naturally lives in the local waters. He joined National Ocean Science Bowl in order to further supplement his knowledge of his home. In college, he plans to concentrate on mathematics and the sciences, focusing specifically on the medical sciences.Kai Aknin has lived for 14 years on the Hawaiian Islands, and has grown up near the beach. His mother, a marine biologist, often took him on voyages with her to Coconut Island in his childhood, where he became fascinated with marine creatures. Through his Hawaiian name, he feels a connection to the ocean, and is an active swimmer. He hopes to preserve the natural beauty of the ocean for both humans and sea animals.

Punahou School

University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology Regional Coordinator: Ms. Tara Hicks-Johnson

Aloha Bowl

19

Stony Brook UniversityRegional Coordinators: Mr. William Wise, Mrs. Kim Knoll

CoachDavid Chase is a teacher of biology, earth science and marine science. After graduating from Cornell and Texas A & M Universities, he has been a fisheries biologist, Sea Grant Marine Extension Specialist and has owned several seafood businesses before becoming a teacher – his most rewarding career. Of course, one of the greatest rewards of teaching is to work with “the best of the best” – those students associated with NOSB teams. In his spare time, he enjoys Aikido, sailing, diving, fishing and controlling deer populations on Long Island.

TeamKenneth Gunasekera is an apex predator in the Mount Sinai HS food chain. This is his third year on the NOSB team, which may come as a surprise considering that he once thought that the narwhal’s horn was an extension of its tail, but he knows the Redfield Ratio. That’s what matters. His favorite organism remains the awkwardly elegant chambered nautilus. In the future, he aspires to combine the fields of medicine and marine biology and to, one day, glimpse those beautiful, massive tusks on the (yet to be discovered) giant walrus.Patrick McKeown is enjoying his first year on the A team for Mt. Sinai. He prefers marine technology, but also likes marine biology - his favorite organism being the cuttlefish. Patrick would not have made the A team had it not been for such a fulfilling experience on the B team last year. He would like to thank Bob Ballard and Alfred Wegner for doing just about everything.Mount Sinai senior David Eberhard has been likened to the micronutrient iron by his fellow competitors due to his ability to increase productivity (and fight global warming). After competing in nationals for his second and final time this year, David hopes to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer at John Hopkins University. As a fall-back, David would like to explore the ocean bottom with long-time idol, and DSV Alvin pilot, Bruce Strickrott.Nick O’Mara, a 16 year old sophomore, is excited to be back at the national competition for the second year. When not studying for ocean bowl he spends his time watching Saturday Night Live and playing fruit ninja on his iPhone. He also enjoys playing tennis and soccer. In the future he hopes to attend Harvard University to study law. Determination will drive him to return to the NOSB finals for the remaining two years of his high school career.Sam May is a cuttlefish. He often changes colors to distract and confuse an opposing team. Sam is one of the most intelligent invertebrates and he loves to learn about the world around him. His favorite foods include a plethora of small mollusks and crustaceans. Sam hopes to work in a lab to help humans further their understanding of the oceans and, in doing so, help the oceans recover from the damage instilled upon them.

Mt. Sinai High School

Bay Scallop Bowl

20

CoachBill Dunn attended the University of Washington, in Seattle, earning a degree in Geological Oceanography, retired from the U.S. Navy as a captain and commanded a cruiser and a frigate. He has sailed the oceans, lived overseas and seen many of the wonders of the world. In 2001 he joined the science faculty at Bishop Sullivan where he chairs the department. He teaches because the students bring him joy every day! And he loves rocks!

TeamMary Chang is currently a senior and has competed at the NOSB since her freshman year. She has been interested in marine science since grade school, and hopes to attend either Duke University or the College of William and Mary to study marine biology. She is the team biology specialist. Her favorite marine organisms are sea slugs, otters and pretty much everything else. This is Mary’s third trip to nationals, and she is excited about the opportunity.Nathan Taylor is a senior in his fourth year on the ocean science team. In his spare time he enjoys observing aquatic wildlife and bird watching. Nathan enjoys academic competitions in addition to lacrosse and cross country. During the summer he volunteers with the elderly at Chesapeake Place Assisted Living Facility. Nathan is planning to study engineering and to serve in the military. This is his third trip to nationals and he is looking forward to the competition.Joe Bridenstine is a senior growing up close to the ocean. This is his third year as a member of the ocean science team, but first at Nationals. He excels in school and has been accepted to his dream college, the University of Notre Dame. Waves are a particular interest. He is most comfortable around the water where he loves to spend his free time surfing, even in the frigid 38 degree winter water of the Atlantic. Joe is looking for other Notre Dame aspirants!Walker Olsen is a junior in his second year on the ocean science team. He is a varsity soccer player, and a member of the Haiti club. Walker’s interest in the ocean began early living in Norfolk, and spending summers on the Outer Banks. He likes geological and physical oceanography and hopes to pursue a career in oceanography and explore around the world. Walker is excited to be at Nationals.Cameron Forren is a freshman and this is his first year on the ocean science team. He enjoys science, math, and history, plays soccer and enjoys running. The ocean has always interested Cameron and he hopes to pursue a career in the Navy. Law is an additional interest and he is particularly interested in ocean policy issues. He is looking forward to the competition at Nationals. Finally, Cameron says his favorite food is a cheeseburger.

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School

Blue Crab Bowl

Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceRegional Coordinators: Dr. Carol Hopper Brill, Dr. Victoria Hill

21

CoachRobert Gotwals teaches general chemistry, computational and medicinal chemistry and research in computational science. He is a retired United States Navy lieutenant commander and continues to serve as a local Blue and Gold Officer (BGO) for the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a PADI certified scuba diver. He grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and has spent a considerable amount of time on (and in) the water.

TeamAlex Yoo is excited to be going to Nationals for the third time. He has had a passion for the marine sciences ever since he lost his pharyngeal slits. Although he has never lived near the coast, he plans on majoring in marine science. He also enjoys break dancing, singing, and learning biology. By far, his favorite marine organism is the pistol shrimp because of its ability to cause sonoluminescence to stun its prey.Kali Xu has been lucky enough to live in three coastal states and visit the coasts of six countries. As a kid, she always hoped to ride the Nautilus twenty thousand leagues under the sea and meet the giant kraken. Her favorite NOSB memory is napping on Spa Beach last year at Nationals in St. Petersburg, Florida. By far her favorite marine organism is the narwhal, because it is the pulchritudinous unicorn of the sea.Tina Zheng has been interested in marine science from a young age. She lived in California before moving to North Carolina, and loved going on trips and experiencing Secchi disks, California sea lions, and brittle stars firsthand. Her favorite group of animals has always been dolphins. One of her favorite experiences was seeing dolphins leaping in the waves near the shore in winter. Though narwhals aren’t her favorite animals, she believes they are awesome anyways.Krunal Amin is currently a junior and has lived in North Carolina for most of his life. He frequently makes trips to the coast and enjoys long walks along the moon-lit shoreline. His appeal for ocean science stems from being an avid swimmer from a young age. This is also when he discovered his first true love, zooxanthellae. In addition to these golden-brown dinoflagellates, he also idolizes the narwhal, the magnificent unicorn of the sea.

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Blue Heron Bowl

East Carolina UniversityRegional Coordinators: Dr. Jeffery Alejandro, Ms. Kay Evans

22

CoachSarah Damassa first encountered the ocean while beachcombing as a child near Monterey, California, but has spent the last thirty years living near the coast of Massachusetts. She loves backpacking in the Sierras, and scuba diving in any ocean with temperatures between 10 and 28°C. Sarah spent her early career working on fossil dinoflagellates as a research paleontologist. She now teaches Environmental Earth Science, and has coached NOSB teams for eight years.

TeamDuring her 3 years in NOSB, Jorie Heilman’s favorite moment was scoring the winning touchdown in the NOSB vs. Math team football game. Her interest in marine science began when she first snorkeled at age 3 and discovered that coral reefs are way cooler than anything on land. Since then, she has received her advanced open water SCUBA certification. Jorie enjoys sailing, especially on a brigantine. She hopes to study marine science and environmental policy.Hyunyung Boo lived in Seoul, Korea for six years before moving to Lexington, MA. She joined NOSB after finding that she enjoyed Earth Science, and since then she has gained an immense appreciation for the ocean and its crucial role in our lives. Hyunyung loves to snowboard and to swim at the beach, and also plays cello in the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. In college she plans to study biochemistry, medicine, or environmental engineering.Anubhav Jain is a junior at Lexington High School. He enjoys participating in Science Bowls, writes for the school newspaper, and is on the debate team. Anubhav’s interest in the oceans began when he was young, flying over the ocean when traveling from India to the United States. In college, Anubhav plans to focus on engineering and computer science, with an interest in the field of marine technology.Catherine Medlock lives with her parents and her little sister in Lexington, Massachusetts. Trips to the beaches with her family when she was younger first sparked her interest in oceanography. She loves to study the oceans because they include aspects of the sciences that she most enjoys studying - chemistry, biology and geology - into a single, coherent field of study. Her favorite marine organism is the butterflyfish. She would like to become an engineer.Matthew Shorter became interested in oceanography through SCUBA diving. After being certified in New England, he dove in the Florida Keys and had a look at coral reefs. As a high school sophomore, he is uncertain about his college major, but is contemplating working as an oceanographic engineer. He finds the physical features of the oceans to be intriguing, and believes that those who enjoy the oceans should advocate for their protection.

Lexington High School

Blue Lobster Bowl

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyRegional Coordinators: Mr. Jordan Lewis, Ms. Brandy Moral Wilbur, Ms. Rachel VanCott

23

CoachNell Herrmann is a Learning Enrichment and Gifted Support Specialist at State College Area High School. Prior to her current job, she taught middle school science in coastal Maine and in central Pennsylvania. Ms. Herrmann is a nature lover; her educational background is in wildlife and conservation biology and she was recently selected for an NSF funded teacher-training program called PolarTREC. As part of the program, she will be traveling to Palmer Station, Antarctica in 2012 to study the effects of ocean acidification on coralline algae.

TeamCathryn DeLong (class of 2012) has juggled Ocean Bowl with lacrosse and cross country for three years. Her 8th grade science teacher, Mrs. Smith, was instrumental in directing Cathryn on the path to Ocean Bowl. Cathryn enjoys the intensity of the debate over which ocean is the youngest, where the Moho discontinuity is, and how the hotel shower arrangements work out. She finds joy in baby seals, whales, and whatever kind of fish is in fish sticks, as well as in ocean geography, geology and chemistry. Ironically, Cathryn has never actually seen an ocean in person.David Liu, the team captain, is a senior at State College Area High School. He likes sleeping and being lazy, although occasionally he peeks his head outside to eat Swedish fish or go to school. His favorite critter is the tardigrade, because it is quite cute. David likes fish because they are tasty and is a fan of the Kuroshio Current; he also plays piano and is on his school’s academic quiz bowl team.Janine Mistrick, 17, lives in State College, Pennsylvania. She enjoys science, English, and math as well as being a part of band and Thespians. She loves being outdoors and hiking, as well as nature photography. Ocean Bowl has been a fun science outlet and has given her the opportunity to pursue her interests in animals by specializing in marine organisms. Janine plans to major in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology in hopes of working with exotic animals in the future.Matthew Rahn has always been fascinated with oceans. After reading ocean related literature such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Matthew has sought more knowledge of the oceans by participating in NOSB. Matthew is interested in the impact of humans on the oceans, climate change, and other physical aspects of the world’s oceans. Despite his interest in oceanography, Matthew is still unsure what to study in college, and is considering all types of careers. He finds cuttlefish ... interesting.

State College Area High School

Consortium for Ocean LeadershipRegional Coordinator: Ms. Staci Lewis

Chesapeake Bay Bowl

24

CoachTimothy Kraemer is an Aquatic Science and AP Environmental Science teacher at Langham Creek High School in Houston, Texas. He spent a large portion of his childhood in the swamps, marshes and Gulf coast beaches of south Louisiana. Timothy enjoys spreading his love of all things aquatic and environmental to his students. This year was his third at coaching NOSB. His favorite marine organism would have to be the cyanobacteria because it has such a great color.

TeamAndrew Hu is a 17 year old junior at Langham Creek. This is his first year in Ocean Bowl and he is just so excited about going to Nationals. He studies oceanography religiously and hopes one day to be a chemical oceanographer, and his hero is Piers Chapman, an accomplished oceanographer. In his spare time when not studying oceanography he is off convincing his friends to study with him.Emily Martin-Mckamie is an 18 year old senior at Langham Creek. This is her second year in Ocean Bowl and she is extremely proud of her team on making nationals again. She finds the limitless possibilities of the ocean fascinating and hopes to continue marine science studies in college. Piers Chapman is her team’s obsession and it embarrasses her.Evan Assael is a 17 year old junior at Langham Creek. This is his first year in Ocean Bowl and he was ecstatic when discovering his team would be going to Nationals this year. He loves marine biology and finds Spaghetti (Macrocystis pyrifera) especially fascinating. He admires the works of Piers Chapman and would love to study with him or near him in the coming years. He sincerely hopes to study marine biology in college.Nick Kasprzak is a 16 year old junior at Langham Creek and this is his first opportunity to be in Ocean Bowl. He is really excited about the coming competition. He loves all marine animals (minus those ridiculous manatees) and cannot wait to graduate so he can study marine cryptozoology more in depth. He finds Piers Chapman a stunning man of great intellect and was in awe when meeting him in person at Regionals.Kevin Dolan is a 17 year old junior at Langham Creek and this is his first year in Ocean Bowl. He is an active robot builder and remote control operator. He loves to study and interact with anything electrical and mechanical. He was greatly disappointed that there was no ROV competition at regionals. Kevin really looks forward to going to college to study Electrical Engineering and taking his first chemistry class. He really hopes there is liquid nitrogen available there.

Langham Creek High School

Dolphin Challenge

Texas Sea Grant / Texas A&M UniversityRegional Coordinators: Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, Mr. Jim Hiney

25

CoachCheryl V. Wells has taught Science in the Dexter School Community Schools for 36 years. She is the Science department chairperson and currently teaches accelerated and advanced chemistry, oceanography, and anatomy and physiology. She is also the adviser for the Dreadnaught Science Olympiad Team, Women in Science and Technology Club, and the National Honor Society. Her hobbies include gardening, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family at Mullet Lake watching the sunsets.

TeamMaggie Grundler is a senior in high school and joined NOSB in the footsteps of two of her older brothers. Her favorite aspect of marine science is marine biology, and she hopes to further study this field at Cornell University, Brown University, or the University of Michigan. She spends each summer sailing and swimming in Northern Lake Michigan. Maggie first became interested in marine science after reading an article in the National Geographic about the biology of the ocean, and after several vacations to the Atlantic. Her favorite marine organism is the moon jelly.Paul Parker is a senior at Dexter High School and first became interested in NOSB after his older brother joined five years ago. His favorite aspect of marine science is naval history. Paul enjoys playing football, lacrosse, and participating in a wide array of science and service clubs. In the future, Paul hopes to study biology or biochemistry and possibly play football at the University of Michigan or the University of Chicago, with hopes of becoming a physician in the future. Paul’s favorite marine organism is the mimic octopus.Derek Fead is a senior at Dexter High School. The ocean intrigues him. Derek joined the Ocean Bowl his sophomore year due to his interest in science. Derek enjoys many other activities, including being a weekly DJ at 88.3 WCBN radio station in Ann Arbor every Sunday at 4pm. He also plays soccer and dabbles in L.A.R.P. (Role Play). Derek plans to study engineering at the University of Michigan or Michigan State. Derek’s favorite thing in the ocean is marine snow, and he also likes the crown-of-thorns starfish.Wesley Powell is a duel-enrolled senior at Dexter High School. He takes classes through Washtenaw Community College. Wesley plans on attending college at Michigan State University with an undecided major. When not gallivanting about as the uncontested overlord of all things (or otherwise productively occupying himself), Wesley enjoys playing video games, reading, and plotting a more complete domination of humanity. Wesley’s favorite marine organism is the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis).Spencer Bussineau is a senior at Dexter High School. His favorite aspects of Ocean Bowl are the biology and physics of the oceans. He intends to study physics. While his future college plans remain uncertain, Spencer is presently juggling football, rugby, NOSB, and Science Olympiad. Spencer enjoys writing in his free time and considers himself a poetry buff. Spencer’s favorite marine organisms are cnidarians. Coral and box jellies are his favorite among the phylum.

Dexter High School

Great Lakes Bowl

Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems ResearchRegional Coordinator: Mr. Sander Robinson

26

CoachDave James enjoys seeking out the pearls of wisdom from the briny deep. Other joys include finding new intertidal critters with his daughter and searching for beach treasures with her. Otherwise, he spends his time trying to mimic the thought processes of Vampyroteuthis while emitting light from his toes.

TeamIan Fong (Master Jumbo Shrimp) is the Master Sensei of the La Jolla Ninja Clan. He was always fascinated with the ocean and found NOSB as a great way to satiate his curiosity for the ocean. He is planning on pursuing the physical sciences in undergraduate dojo, either at a University of California Dojo or the University of Washington Dojo.Nicole Jarvis is a senior, and 4-year NOSBian whose passion for NOSB has only been matched by her tireless promotion of the Mola mola as the coolest fish ever. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys trekking with Triakis semifasciata, gaping at Garibaldis, tumbling with Ctenophores and educating future generations of fish-people at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. She plans on attending Georgetown University in the fall.Amanda Martin hails from San Diego, California, where she resides as a member of the La Jolla Ninja Tribe. Although she may be considered a land lubber and plans to major in zoology or animal biology, there is still a spot in her heart for all the numerous organisms in the ocean. She is especially fond of squishy marine invertebrates, and her life-long dream is to go study the creatures of the Galapagos Islands.Varun Rau began his journey into the marine sciences under the tutelage of Captain Nemo. Since, his expeditions have taken him from 20,000 leagues under the sea to Earth’s great subterranean ocean and now to NOSB finals. He soon hopes to begin a new college adventure wherever the currents take him.Leslie Timms—amateur mathematician, dancer, and scientist—signed with a group of oceanographic pirates a few years ago and never looked back. With her tendency to burst into song hopefully in check, Leslie has arrived on the Gulf Coast in her second attempt to sweep NOSB Nationals. At this time, Leslie has declined to comment on her future plans, but several suggest she has plans to change the world while still having a good time.

La Jolla High School

Grunion Bowl

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Scripps Institution of OceanographyRegional Coordinator: Ms. Judith Coats

27

CoachHale Switzer has been teaching Marine Science for 12 years. Before this he worked as a fisheries biologist, majored in Marine Biology at the University of Southern Mississippi and did graduate work at the University of South Alabama. He is an avid fisherman and SCUBA diver. This is his team’s fourth trip to the NOSB Nationals competition. He is married and has a six year old son, Wallace.

TeamThis is Megan’s Grimes third year with NOSB and her second year as captain. As a senior, this is her last year to participate and she is happy to finally get to a national competition. Megan also participates in Long Beach’s award winning choir. She has been granted early admittance to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and hopes to put her biological knowledge to work.Alex Hem is a very active student. This is his second year on the NOSB team; he is also on the student council, mock trial team, academic quiz bowl, basketball and tennis teams. Alex’s biggest ambition is to make it further in the national competition than his brother did when Long Beach’s team went to Washington, D.C.Zach Thomas is on his school’s award winning student council. He is also on the basketball team and tennis team. This is his second year on NOSB and the academic quiz bowl team. He is highly active in his church’s youth group and enjoys playing drums, guitar, and piano. Zach is interested in pursuing computer science in college.Darren “DJ” Koenenn is an all-around athlete - an All-American wrestler, a member of the Southeastern Junior Olympic Team, and an All-State 3200 meter runner. He has been involved with NOSB for two years and was the leading scorer on both years’ teams. He plans to attend the Naval Academy or West Point after he graduates in 2012.Sarah Johnson is a senior and had been accepted into the honors college at Mississippi State University and plans to major in bio-medical engineering. This is her second year on the NOSB team. She is also involved in the concert choir, an editor for the literary magazine, and is a student leader in her church youth group.

Long Beach High School

Hurricane Bowl

University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Lab, Marine Education CenterRegional Coordinators: Mr. Sam Clardy, Ms. Leah Gaines

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CoachPaul Herder makes his tenth trip to the NOSB finals, and has now amassed a collection of 32 t-shirts between NOSB and NSB competitions. His involvement in NOSB has led him to a greater appreciation for the oceans, and inspired him and his wife to purchase and operate the most totally awesome marine science curriculum supply company in all of Wisconsin – Leave Only Bubbles. Paul is National Board Certified, teaches geology, oceanography and astronomy, and takes a leadership role in both the Wisconsin Earth Science Teachers Association and a regional gem and mineral society.

Team Seth Berger, as captain of the Marshfield NOSB team, will be making his final diel vertical migration from the Lake Sturgeon Bowl to the national competition in Galveston. However, before his descent, he hopes to pass on a long tradition of card playing, getting lost, and searching for meece. Seth has acquired a taste for winter sports, but continues his passion for the outdoors in all seasons. Next year, he will test his freshwater survival skills and drift on to UW-Madison. As always, Seth would like to give a special thanks to his fellow plankton.Michael Josephson is a junior competing in his third NOSB. The geology of the oceans has always fascinated him. He first became interested in marine science on a vacation to Florida where he was awed by the immensity of the oceans. Diatoms are his favorite marine plankton. In college, Michael hopes to continue his pursuit of science and eventually enter into the medical profession. On his team, he is happy to have the newly certified species, Sethus Maximus, distinguishable by its powerful abdominal musculature, as his captain.Rahul Pathak is a junior at Marshfield High School, which is completely landlocked. He does not especially mind, as there are meese. Lots of them. His interest in the ocean started when a stingray attacked him, unprovoked. Rahul’s favorite nekton is the killer whale dolphin, while his favorite plankton is the coccolithphore, because he thinks their name sounds cool. He does not have a favorite benthos because he thinks that they are lame. Rahul hopes focus on biology in college, perhaps becoming a marine biologist in the future.Jack Gellerman was born in Sioux Falls, SD, and while living there Jack visited the world-renowned Scott Aquarium in the nearby city of Omaha, Nebraska. His interest in marine organisms, specifically the Giant Pacific Octopus, was encouraged when Jack later resided in Ohio and made weekly visits to the Cleveland Zoo. After living in Marshfield, WI, Jack became interested in geography, the world’s oceans, marine biology and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl competition.Christine Tyler’s interest in the ocean stems from visits to the Chesapeake Bay when she was younger. Currently a junior in high school, her love of marine science persists even though she resides in Wisconsin, a thousand miles away from the Atlantic.

Marshfield High School

Milwaukee School of Continuing EducationRegional Coordinators: Dr. Caroline Joyce, Dr. Jim Luber, Dr. Carmen Aguilar

Lake Sturgeon Bowl

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CoachDr. Rue Domel is an SSI certified Scuba Diving Instructor, Rescue Diver, and has served the field of education for 27 years. She has just returned from participation in the Gulf of Mexico Foundation’s 2011 Intracoastal Waterway Wetlands Expeditions project aboard the M/V Fling. As a two time cancer survivor, she sees life differently than most and can cram into 24 hours what most do in a week. The NOSB team is her inspiration and the driving force behind her adventures above and below the water.

Team Michael Wood is a senior this year and hopes to attend the University of Alaska - Fairbanks in the fall. He seeks a career in marine life rehabilitation and has a special interest in whales. He is a pen and ink artist whose favorite subjects are humpbacks and mermaids. He is accomplished on the guitar and soprano ukulele. His favorite memory of NOSB is when he was left behind at Dry Tortuga National Park off the coast of Florida and had to be rescued by the Coast Guard.Taylor Glaeser is in his fifth and final year of high school. After watching episodes of “Man vs. Food” and “The American Rancher,” he decided on a career in Fish and Wildlife Management and plans to enter Montana State University - Bozeman in the fall. He has a passion for flying and is a stuntman at heart. His most vivid NOSB memory is when the team left at him in the restroom of a little gas station outside of Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. He was there for six hours before they realized he was missing. Kyle Crop is graduating this year and entering the University of Texas – Austin as a junior. He admits to being a math geek and used an entire box of sidewalk chalk as he worked a Calculus 3 Stokes’ Theorem problem on the YMCA basketball court. He is most intrigued by the songs of the humpback whale and has composed his own “human” version. His most memorable NOSB moment was in Washington, D.C. when he was left behind after the dinner at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.Danielle Flaherty is a senior and speaks fluent French and Creole. She mixed the two and started the school’s first Creole Cooking Club for Kids. After meeting Greg Marshall, the inventor of National Geographic’s Crittercam, she decided marine photography was her calling. She wants to be a part of the team that deploys Crittercam and dreams of attaching one to the belly of a whale shark. Her most memorable NOSB moment was at the Texas State Aquarium when she and the volunteer director shared ideas on how to create a Roux out of poison dart frogs.Randi Cannon is a freshman enjoying her first year on the NOSB team. She is intrigued by the Bermuda Triangle and would like to retrace the route of Amelia Earhart - except for the disappearing part. She has been interested in genetic mutation of marine life since watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on television and the movies Anaconda and Leviathan. Her most memorable NOSB moment was at the Alaska SeaLife Center when she was overheard mumbling “please don’t eat me, I’m not a crab” as the Giant Pacific Octopus wrapped its tentacles around her arm.

Chaparral Star Academy

Texas Sea Grant / Texas A&M UniversityRegional Coordinators: Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, Mr. Jim Hiney

Loggerhead Challenge

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CoachCoach Ingo Gaida is a graduate of UCLA three times over, so he bleeds blue and gold. When not regaling his family and students with stories of strange fishes such as the candiru, he enjoys participating in extreme sports such as ballistic barchan somersaulting. His favorite fish is still Mitsukurina owstoni – no fish looks more metal. In his free time he also enjoys hiking, fishing, and “hanging out” with his orthopedic surgeon, as well as trying to keep the group of misfits described below in line.

TeamSenior team Captain Madeleine Youngs was raised in Chicago and has always had a fascination with physics. It all started in preschool when she learned of the unfortunate effects of gravity from the top of the playground. When she moved west, she was finally exposed to that vast body of water that this competition is about. As a curious teenager, Madeleine combined her love of dancing and spandex leotards by joining chroma-defense. Other hobbies include dexterous manipulation of her French horn, as well as watching her favorite Vulcan on old and new Trek episodes.Since appearing on Earth in 1993, senior Zack “BJ” Gold has readily accepted his role as defender of all bodies of water. Theories on his mysterious birth include direct descendance from Poseidon, or Naiad-type parthenogenesis. Catastrophes have been known to occur when he is kept from water. His hydrophilia has motivated him to study the organisms that occupy his perceived homeland. In his spare time he uses his mastery of the biological sciences to mentor and tutor underclassmen at Samohi.Junior Mari LeGagnoux was born and raised in sunny Santa Monica, and has always had a devout love of the pseudo-sciences. When Marie isn’t plucking chords on her voluptuously-bodied harp, practicing proper netiquette on Chatroulette, or working on animal husbandry in her apiary, she is practicing the ancient Japanese art of origami into the wee hours of the morning. As a “sailoress,” Mari has become adept at using Flinders rod to realign magnetic compasses.Junior Dana Ritchie is the rambunctious Scorpio daughter of a Cancer and Capricorn. She recently pilgrimaged to the latitudes, but her thirst for hands-on learning was not quenched. After graduating, she plans to live an adventurous life: utilizing the submersible Alvin to catch the elusive Kelpie; exploring the Arctic alongside Alfred Wegener’s closest descendant; solo-traversing the hard, white marble mountains of Băuţar, Romania; and probing the deepest, darkest recesses within Sea Serpent Cove of the South Sandwich Islands.

Santa Monica High School

University of Southern California, Wrigley Institute for Environmental StudiesRegional Coordinators: Ms. Ann Close, Ms. Kimberly Lievense

Los Angeles Surf Bowl

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CoachScott McMillen (aka Coach Mac) was assigned the NOSB team because he was the new Marine Science teacher. The competition of the games became addicting. Coach’s interest in Marine Science was to catch more fish; and so it continues today! Competitive swimming / sailing, fishing, diving, spearfishing as a youngster are/were his hobbies…it’s what he does today!! Favorite NOSB memories include defeating MAST Academy, winning at the Regionals and the connection with students during practices.

TeamJoshua Hackett has lived for the 17 years of his life in Fort Pierce, Florida. Joshua has always had an interest in the oceans and water sports, taking advantage of the ocean at his doorstep. Research and development have been interesting to Joshua since he began at the Marine and Oceanographic Academy as a freshman. In college, Joshua plans to study film and cinematography, to be a film editor.Tommy Yannopoulos grew up on the East coast. His apartment complex was built around a mangrove forest; he was captivated by the diversity. Endless adventures were launched exploring mangals; questions arose involving habitats, changes in tidal cycles, seasonal variations / migrations, and organismic interactions. The crocodile hunter established a conservationist mentality early on; Tommy has adopted the connection to include an awareness of the impacts of the marine ornamental trade, an interest for future pursuits.Samuel ‘Turtle’ Jones-Bankston is a 17 year-old high school junior from Fort Pierce, Florida. Living two blocks from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, he has been immersed in the ocean his entire life. Sam’s favorite aspects of Marine Science are macroalgae, sport fishing, and technology. Sam’s favorite marine organisms are, hands down, Chelonians. That’s right, Sam likes turtles. Sam’s favorite memories from the NOSB are a tie between all of them.Coral Levy has lived all 17 years of her life in Fort Pierce, Florida. She has always loved the oceans since she was a child. She is currently a senior at the Marine and Oceanographic Academy located on Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s campus. She hopes to study zoology in college, and also wants to emphasize her studies and work on marine mammals in the near future.Justice Smith has lived a very immersive lifestyle, including being at MOA, where he has learned so much about oceanography. He enjoys learning about fishery management and stock assessment. In college, he plans to study mathematics, but he is not sure which area of marine science would complement his strengths. Radiolarians are his favorite marine organisms, because of their innate beauty. Finally, he has many most cherished memories of his daily practices with his team.

Marine & Oceanographic Academy of Westwood High School

University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Regional Coordinator: Ms. Laura Bracken

Manatee Bowl

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CoachKen Cloutier teaches Biology, Earth Science and Oceanography at ConVal High School in Peterborough, NH. He began participating when he was recruited as the van driver in 2003. Since then, he continues to learn more about oceans and young adult interactions on field trips. He is a musician and songwriter with his wife Pati.

TeamAlice Hale is a senior returning for her fourth National competition. She will attend college in the fall, where she hopes to pursue a major in theatre or English. Alice appreciates all the opportunities and knowledge Ocean Bowl has provided her, and plans to remain involved in the program. She wants to thank her teammates for all the laughter, movies, insults, quotes, jokes, TV shows, and ocean-related snacks they have shared.Mara Zrzavy is a seventeen-year-old senior at ConVal High School, in her fourth and final year of Ocean Bowl (and making her fourth trip to Nationals). While she is sad to leave NOSB, she will leave with four years of happy memories and learning experiences, all of which have contributed to her planned science major in college. Her favorite marine animal is the diatom, though the cuttlefish and the Awkward Turtle are close seconds.Originally, Ian MacKay was drafted into NOSB, but over time, his participation became increasingly voluntary until it became an obsession. His favorite aspects of marine science are geological oceanography and marine policy. In college he hopes to study international relations and foreign language. His favorite marine organism is the sea otter. He became interested in oceanography after joining NOSB. His favorite NOSB memories include the field trips taken with the entire ConVal team.Jacob MacKay was persuaded to join his school’s NOSB team with promises of amazing field trips and prizes. Little did he know that it wasn’t just another hobby, but rather a new passion. He enjoys all aspects of marine science, but especially biology. He loves learning about all the life the ocean contains, and especially the elusive leafy sea dragon, which is his favorite! He hopes to continue his study of marine biology in college.Gwyneth Welch is an enthusiastic sophomore who is excited to participate in this year’s National competition! Why she joined OB is not interesting so she won’t talk about it. Her favorite type of marine science is physical oceanography, and she hopes to pursue science in college. She became interested in ocean sciences after joining NOSB, and her favorite marine creature is the Dumbo Octopus. Her favorite ocean bowl memory is the mud fight at Darling Marine Center. She most likely learned then that science could actually be fun.

Contoocook Valley Regional High School

University of New Hampshire Regional Coordinator: Mr. Mark Wiley

Nor’Easter Bowl

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CoachNick Frazee is a physics and chemistry teacher at Friday Harbor High School on beautiful San Juan Island. He loves Jeopardy, but prefers Pat Sajak over Alex Trebek. Nick is endlessly impressed by the skill, speed, and knowledge of all the NOSB kids. He is also very grateful that his amazing students are willing to take him along for the ride.

TeamNick Roberts is a senior at Friday Harbor High School. He has participated in Washington’s NOSB event, the Orca Bowl, for the last four years. He enjoys NOSB’s fun and competitive nature. Nick has always been interested in the oceans and enjoys spending time snorkeling and sailing. During the summer he has interned at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories and at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He is interested in math and physics, as well as ocean science. In college Nick plans to study aeronautical engineering.Audrey Olshefsky is a junior at Friday Harbor High School, and has lived on San Juan Island her whole life. She enjoys soccer, basketball, and sailing. After spending a semester in Argentina last year on foreign exchange and being completely land-locked, she will never live away from the ocean again. Audrey has always loved the ocean and has had a lot of fun participating in NOSB ever since she accidentally joined the FHHS Orca Bowl team her freshmen year. This summer Audrey plans to intern at the UW Friday Harbor Labs.Nicki Le Baron is a senior at Friday Harbor High School. After moving to San Juan Island eight years ago, she developed a strong passion for sailing and ocean science. Since being invited to the Friday Harbor Orca Bowl team, Nicki has become even crazier about the ocean. Her favorite marine organism is the green sea turtle. Today she is captain of the sailing team and is planning to intern at the UW Friday Harbor Labs this summer. In the fall, she plans to either attend Simon Fraser University or the University of Washington, focusing on environmental or ocean science.Elle Guard has lived on the small island community of Friday Harbor, Washington in the San Juan Islands for all 18 years of her life. Being in close proximity with the ocean for all of her childhood, marine science has become a large part of her life from searching tide pools in the summer at the local beach to watching Orca whales swim by on the west side of the island. This is Elle’s second year participating in the regional Ocean Science Bowl. Next year, she plans on focusing on civil engineering, where she’ll be continuing her love for science and math.Gavin Guard is a sophomore at Friday Harbor High School and has lived in Friday Harbor, Washington his whole life. Gavin enjoys the great fishing the island has to offer. His hobbies include baseball, horses, and martial arts. Gavin started to become interested in marine science during field trips down to the beaches and exploring in the tide pools. In college, Gavin plans to study medicine, with the goal of becoming a sports doctor.

Friday Harbor High School

Washington Sea Grant, University of WashingtonRegional Coordinator: Ms. Julie Hahn

Orca Bowl

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CoachDeanne ‘Doc’ Nowak has been coaching Gilmour’s NOSB team since the birth of the Penguin Bowl 9 years ago. The competition inspired student interest in marine science prompting her to offer an elective in oceanography. Doc Nowak also teaches chemistry, biology, and forensic science. As a breeder of Labrador retrievers, her favorite animal is a dog, but otters and seals are close behind. Last year’s Penguin Bowl, nicknamed the “Blizzard Bowl” was most memorable. Having spent the night at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, we woke up to warnings that one of the tigers had possibly escaped.

TeamAt 16 years of age, Myles Gallagher has lived in Ohio all his life. He has always had a passion for the sciences and joined his high school NOSB team because of this. While not having a specific interest in ocean science, he finds that the immense scale and diversity of the ocean make it a very complex and intriguing subject to study and has enjoyed NOSB greatly. Myles plans to major in biochemistry in college and go on to research in fields relating to neuroscience.Hyun Seung Hong (Dwayne) is from South Korea and is currently a boarding student at Gilmour Academy. Because Korea is a peninsula, he developed a natural predilection for oceans. Dwayne is a science lover who learned last year about the NOSB team and joined without hesitation. Although the material was new to him, he was fascinated by the expansiveness of marine science and engaged by the buzzer competition. Dwayne has been accepted to Stanford where he will study engineering.Aidan Coyle lived for 13 years in Homer, Alaska before moving to Cleveland, Ohio. His love of ocean science, especially marine biology, grew from childhood experiences exploring the beach at low tide. Besides the ocean, Aidan likes to hike, kayak, and ski. He wants to take classes in literature, biology, and chemistry in college, but plans to focus on marine science.Nikhil Goel lives in Cleveland, Ohio and loves sports and sciences. He is interested in learning how the oceans impact the rest of the world. Nikhil joined Gilmour’s NOSB team not only to strengthen his knowledge of oceanography, but also enhance his understanding of the basic sciences. Marine biology is his favorite ocean science and his favorite animal is the penguin because of the variations of color and behavior. In college, Nikhil plans to focus on political science, chemistry and mathematics. His favorite memory from the competition is winning the semi-final round against an undefeated team to advance to the finals.

Gilmour Academy

Youngstown State University Regional Coordinators: Dr. Ray Beiersdorfer, Ms. Margie Marks

Penguin Bowl

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CoachSteven Krous is in his 21st year as a teacher and science department chair at Cranston West. Before entering education, he earned a BS in Natural Resources and a Masters in Aquaculture/Fish Physiology. Steve and his wife Sarah (who is coach of a rival Quahog Bowl team, Narragansett High School) are water-people, spending summers swimming, kayaking and scuba diving Narragansett Bay in search of adventure and (what else?) QUAHOGS!

TeamPavel Sadikov, who usually goes by the name Pasha, has lived in the U.S. for ten years. Originally from the land-locked country of Belarus, he has taken advantage of his new life on the Atlantic coast of RI for both recreation and study. His passion lies with computer science and bicycling. However, his four years of participation in NOSB National Finals have helped to make Pasha an educated, well-rounded and well-traveled person.Dylan Cahir is a senior at Cranston West. This is his second year involved with NOSB. Ever since he joined the team, Dylan has really enjoyed learning everything ocean-related. His favorite NOSB memory is going to the National Finals in St. Petersburg, FL last year because it was such a fun and interesting experience. Though this is his last year as a NOSB competitor, Dylan hopes to be a NOSB volunteer while in college.William Accetta is a sophomore at Cranston West, taking Chemistry and Oceanography as his science classes this year. An ideal day for William would include clam cakes and beautiful RI beaches. Dolphins or marlin are his favorite sea creatures due to their intelligence and ferociousness. Words to describe William are fun-loving, veracious and mischievous. A win at his second National Finals would make this year perfect.Andrew Pisaturo is a sophomore at Cranston West. He has always loved the ocean and felt at home on the beach. He was first introduced to NOSB by some friends who were in the club at school, and has since grown to love the after-school team meetings. After graduating from West, Andrew plans on a college major in either math or science.Taylor Grenga is the third sophomore on this year’s Cranston West NOSB team. This is her first year on the team, and she has really grown to love NOSB, oceanography and vowel clusters. Taylor’s favorite marine creature is the sea star because of its ability to regenerate lost parts, and because it pries mussels apart while putting its stomach inside. Interesting.

Cranston High School West

Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut Regional Coordinators: Dr. Diana Payne, Mr. Thaxter Tewksbury

Quahog Bowl

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CoachBeth Gienger and Peter Walczak have been coaching the Nerds On Spring Break (NOSB) for 14 years and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every year. Beth is close to completing her 27th year of teaching and looks forward to retiring to a new job. Peter is the biologist-in-residence for Neah-Kah-Nie School District and teaches students about the wonders of nature K-12. Each year they look for a group of smart, motivated students that will win the Salmon bowl and let Beth and Peter come along to enjoy the trip to nationals. Thanks team!

TeamDaniel Woodward is a senior at Neah-Kah-Nie High School. He enjoys looking at the ocean, especially when it is stormy and the ocean is at full power. He intends to eventually do something in the marine biology field, but isn’t exactly sure what yet. This will be his third time to Nationals. When Daniel isn’t doing NOSB, he is busy chowing goldfish crackers and reading. His favorite marine animal is the pistol shrimp.Konichiwa! Erika Van Loo is a senior. This is year three of NOSB for Erika. She enjoys long walks on the beach and passionate discussions about life…and marine organisms. She really loves math and constantly has dreams about cats. Her cat’s name is Merlin; she loves him, a lot. Erika takes pleasure in speaking in binary code. 0101001. As she is very polite, she says thank you for your time!Mike Springer, with 16 years of life, plans on studying marine biology or microbiology once entered in college; witchcraft and wizardry is not offered anywhere. Having a knack for the sciences, he decided to join NOSB seeking a challenge in the competition.Emily Reding is a senior at Neah-Kah-Nie High School. She loves spending time with her six nephews and two nieces. Having a passion for the deep, unexplored depths of the ocean since a young age, Emily decided to join NOSB to increase her knowledge. After high school, she will attend Western Oregon University to study elementary education.Jessica Johnson is a senior at Neah-Kah-Nie High School. She is the alternate for her team and enjoys all things marine biology. Jessica is a person who has many interests and considers herself a fairly well rounded person. Despite that, she has no idea what she wants to do for her career. She plans to go to college and hope everything will sort itself out there.

Neah-Kah-Nie High School

Salmon Bowl

Oregon State University Regional Coordinators: Ms. Jenna Halsey, Ms. Lisa Prendergast

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CoachDiana Brumbaugh is in her third year as an assistant principal at Mission San Jose High School after joyfully teaching eight years of high school science. As a former marine biology teacher, she is thrilled at the opportunity to test her waning ocean science knowledge, while supervising the incredible Mission team. Ms. Brumbaugh wishes she could be like a giant tube worm in order to share a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria.

TeamJared Shen is a pretty cool guy and a senior to boot. Jared is commonly found in his basement, experiencing the power of Touhou, IOSYS, Pokémon, Vocaloid, MegaTen, and any combination thereof. His dedication towards O-sci stems from a deep-seated respect towards bicarbonate ions and sharks. Jared’s favorite shark is Garchomp. His mortal enemy? Skim milk. Jared wishes he could be like a tardigrade, spending the majority of his life in cryptobiosis and literally chilling.Wesley Chou is convinced that NOSB has instilled a rapture that has torn both his mind and body. As in the Queen song, too much love nearly killed this sophomore, but the plethora of knowledge procured has never had him regretting this endeavor. He can be found annoying others about Freddie Mercury, juggling, running, or reading books. Wesley wishes he could be like a sunfish, that odd wide eyed wanderer thriving in its pacifist nature.Jeffrey Li was an ordinary rock until secret military experiments transformed him into a Homo sapiens and granted him the power to derive modern oceanography knowledge from pre-1997 textbooks. When not running from his legion of adoring female fans, Jeffrey enjoys Japanese visual culture and crazy Korean music videos. Jeffrey disregards all organisms when he studies oceanography, but he wishes to be like one of his rock brothers on the seafloor, steadfast and imperturbable.Margaret Shen is a sophomore at Mission San Jose High School, and this is her first year participating in the Ocean Science Bowl. She’s a shameless manga otaku and obsessively follows True Blood, neither of which have any connection to the hot guys involved. If she’s not wasting away in front of a computer, Margaret is upholding her impressive betting streak. Margaret wishes she could be like a stonefish, camouflaging with her surroundings to creep on others.Eun Seo Choi is a sophomore at MSJ. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano arrangements of pop songs. Eun Seo first became interested in the oceans because she spent most of her childhood weekends at the Monterey Bay Aquarium looking at the kelp forest exhibit. She enjoys NOSB because of the interesting words, like tombolo and pycnogonid. Eun Seo wishes she could be like a Pelagia colorata because it’s purple.

Mission San Jose High School

Sea Lion Bowl

Romberg Tiburon Center, San Francisco State University Regional Coordinator: Ms. Erin Blackwood

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CoachBarbara Boyd is a lifelong Jersey Shore Girl, spending much time on the beach, boating, fishing, diving and now kayaking back-bay areas a few blocks from home. She teaches college-level oceanography and as research director of the MAST lab at James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory, her students collaborate with NOAA Scientists on their senior research. Barbara has the pleasure of working with assistant coach Clare Ng, who teaches marine biology and environmental science.

TeamRobert Gaffey is a lifelong resident of Locust, New Jersey. He has had an interest in the ocean since birth, because he has spent all his summers at the beach. In addition to seashore activities he enjoys, hiking, shooting, canoeing and kayaking. He is a voracious reader and avid outdoorsman, making him a true renaissance man. He loves New England and plans on studying biology when he matriculates at Amherst College.Alex Kloo is a senior at MAST and a three-year veteran of NOSB Nationals. Alex enjoys the technology aspects of marine science. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, SCUBA diving, and crews on MAST’s research vessel the R/V Blue Sea. Recently, his senior research project was presented at a national conference on invasive species. Next year, year he will be studying marine/environmental science at the United States Coast Guard Academy.Skyler Uhl has lived in Fair Haven, New Jersey for his entire life. Skyler’s interests include hiking, swimming, sailing, and camping. He first became interested in the marine sciences while in middle school, and decided to go to MAST to pursue those interests. Skyler joined NOSB his freshmen year at MAST and has competed at regional competition for the past two years. In the fall, he plans to pursue biology at Johns Hopkins University.Gabrielle Goodrow is a junior, a two-year veteran of Shore Bowl and a Nationals neophyte. She became interested in the marine environment due to her love of quirky facts, and as all these teams know, the ocean is full of anomalies. To counter her extensive reading, she practices martial arts and yoga to keep mind and body balanced. She hopes to major in biomedical engineering and eventually become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.Emily Jankowski is a junior competing at NOSB for the first time. She has appreciated science since exploring nature while hiking as a child. Beach vacations helped to sway Emily’s interests specifically toward marine biology, which immediately drew her to MAST and Ocean Bowl. She also enjoys playing the clarinet in marching band and reading as much as possible. Emily plans to continue studying biology in college.

Marine Academy of Science and Technology

Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, RutgersRegional Coordinators: Ms. Melanie Reding, Ms. Lisa Auermuiler

Shore Bowl

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CoachStephen Orr has been a chemistry teacher at Irmo High School for 14 years. He is currently the science team coach, a FIRST robotics mentor, golf coach, and involved with nanotechnology research at the University of South Carolina with the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Nanoscale Electronics and Sensors Lab. His chemistry classes recently made nickel nanowires via electrolysis, which he will attempt to use as catalysts for nanowire semiconductor research this summer when he is not on Lake Murray keeping an eye on the largest premigratory roost of purple martins in North America, or out playing golf.

TeamHenrik Westerkam grew up in Irmo, South Carolina. His interest in the ocean began from an early age because his family would occasionally travel the three hours by car to the South Carolina coast. His favorite aspect of the marine sciences is how unexplored they are in comparison to other sciences. Henrik also likes turtles. In college, Henrik is interested in studying biology or chemistry, and after college, he is interested in possibly going to graduate school for marine science. Henrik does not have a favorite NOSB memory because anytime spent hanging with his NOSB teammates has been awesome.Connor Bain is currently a senior at Irmo High School in Columbia, SC. In addition to being involved with many scientific pursuits, Bain is an accomplished musician and swimmer. He also serves as Web Developer and Graphic Artist for various organizations including Carolina Science Outreach. His areas of interest include remotely operated vehicles, smart grid technologies, and the global climate crisis. Next year he plans to study computer science and mathematics at the university level.Parth Jariwala lives in Columbia, South Carolina and attends Irmo High School. Participating in the school’s science team has led to Parth becoming very interested in marine science. He also fishes and loves going to the ocean, both of which add to his interest in marine science. Parth plans to study both chemistry and biology in college.Riley Chambers has lived in Columbia, SC for his entire 17 year old life, but each summer he and his father take a fishing trip to the coast. That is where Riley was first captivated by the extraordinary animals that call the ocean home and became interested in ocean conservation. He was especially fascinated by the pods of dolphins. In college, Riley plans to study biology, opening up a world of opportunities in oceanography.Linnea Westerkam has lived most of her life in Columbia, South Carolina with her two brothers and is in tenth grade. She has always loved the ocean and her family frequently takes trips to the beach. Her interest in oceanography grew when Linnea became SCUBA certified with her dad. How different animals in the oceans interact is what interests her most about oceanography. She also enjoys playing tennis, soccer, and violin.

Irmo High School

Savannah State University Regional Coordinators: Dr. Dionne Hoskins, Dr. Matthew Ogburn

Southern Stingray Bowl

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CoachAnne S. West-Valle has been fascinated by the underwater world ever since the age of twelve when she learned to snorkel in Bermuda. She received an MS in marine environmental science from SUNY Stony Brook. Her favorite pastime is snorkeling with her family. Together they have snorkeled in Indonesia, the Gulf of California, the Caribbean and on the Great Barrier, Ningaloo and Palancar Reefs. She thoroughly enjoys coaching the Oceans Ten with her husband Arnoldo Valle Levinson.

TeamEmiliano Valle captains with an iron fist, though he is well loved by his crew. He has wanted to compete in NOSB ever since being a runner for the Blue Crab Bowl in Virginia. Emiliano loves oceanography with a passion. A favorite pastime of his is performing oceanographic dances, such as the estuarine shuffle or the standing wave. Emiliano also plays soccer and eats a plenitude of spicy food.At 14, Alvaro Valle is the youngest member of Ocean’s Ten. Both of Alvaro’s parents are oceanographers, and he has been exposed to oceanography since he was but a wee lad. When he lived in Norfolk, VA, he was a runner for the Blue Crab Bowl, then still too young to compete. Alvaro’s Captain/brother Emiliano has him study for endless hours. Alvaro is the team’s chemistry and taxonomy expert and looks to be either an environmental or materials engineer.Rachel Keen is a junior at Eastside. She enjoys volunteering, traveling, being obnoxiously Swedish, and competitively swimming (practicing 4.5 hours a day). She would especially like to thank all of Ocean’s 10, Anne and Arnoldo for being the best coaches in the world, and Emiliano for the incessant calls, texts, and Facebook messages reminding her to study. She hopes to major in Cultural Studies and International Relations and swim at a small liberal arts college.Nora Moraga-Lewy is a proud pescetarian, but does not eat shellfish (because shrimp’s negative impact on mangroves) or tuna (because of issues relating to by-catch, health, and endangered species). She currently spends her time stressing over school, playing tennis or listening to music, and enjoys traveling more than anything. In fact, the global and increasingly political aspect of marine science is what sparked her interest in joining her school’s NOSB Club in 2009.Nick Vander Meer has lived all 16 and a half years of his life in Gainesville, Florida, but has spent a cumulative two years in France. He has played soccer since he was four and considers it his favorite sport by far. Nick decided to join NOSB when he realized that everyone loves oceanographers. Biology is easily his strongest topic of oceanography, and his favorite marine organism is JAWS.

Eastside High School

University of South Florida, College of Marine Science Regional Coordinators: Ms. Suzanne Stickley, Dr. Teresa Greely, Dr. Angela Lodge

Spoonbill Bowl

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CoachJack Lundt (Capt. Jack Arrow) is a retired Chemistry teacher whose fascination with the ocean resulted in student trips to Belize and coaching NOSB. He has taught oceanography after school for fun after having a bake sale to buy textbooks. His favorite marine organism is the Holothuridian who has the incredible ability to autoeviscerate. His favorite NOSB memory was the Bermuda Award trip in 2006. He hopes to recreate scenes from “Old man and the Sea” in the near future.

TeamTyler Rudolph (Admiral Rudolph) is the senior class’ Valedictorian and IB student Council President. He joined NOSB to enhance his knowledge in science and the environment. He has thoroughly enjoyed NOSB, especially the 2010 trip to Florida for the Nationals. He hopes to attend Oxford University or Front Range Community College to become a world leader or a nursing assistant. When not studying for NOSB, he enjoys wandering the seas, trident in hand, pulled by a pod of dolphins.Qi Chen (Chentripetal Chiapod) participated in NOSB due to his extreme interest in Ocean Science. His favorite aspect of marine science is the awkward moments made by marine animals when participating in socially inappropriate events. Qi wants to study engineering at Colorado State University and his favorite marine organism is that big one that can dive really deep.Ian Koss (Ionic Kossolithophore) is an outstanding Senior in Poudre’s IB program. Ian joined NOSB for rest and recreation after his latest revolutionary research expedition to the S. Pole or maybe it was just because Girl Scout cookies were provided. He plans to attend the University of N. CO and major in Bassoon performance or Cal Tech and work towards a PhD in Physics. His favorite marine organisms are those cute, cuddly baby seals.Diana Pham (Diatoma Phamgea) is a junior in Poudre’s IB program. Her interests never cease to expand, whether its music, art, or science. NOSB caught her attention by the challenge and insight it presented in learning the secrets and beauty of the world. She hopes to learn to collapse her lungs like the seals and breathe underwater like the turtles, so she can swim with her favorite marine mammals. She hopes to follow in her brother’s footsteps and attend CU to study Biology.Rachel Siller (Sillericious Ooze) joined NOSB due to her love of marine mammals and the hope of uncovering the deep magic found in the song of the Humpback Whale. She plans to continue studying Biology at the University of Illinois on a full-ride scholarship, so she can outsmart anyone who would dare to manipulate the ocean and its organisms for personal gain. When she is not out swimming in the peaceful waters, she enjoys making coprolite jewelry to fundraise for conservation projects.

Poudre High School

University of Colorado at Boulder Regional Coordinators: Ms. Emily Morton, Ms. Tina Arthur

Trout Bowl

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CoachBen Carney abandoned his career in Wildlife Biology at age 30 to pursue teaching Science. The application of Science particularly interests Ben. Thus, Oceanography and NOSB are a natural extension of his interests. Ben enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, building (home) and the company of his wife and two children and friends when not teaching. In particular, he enjoys a good picnic outside by a fire.

TeamTyler Houseweart is an 18 year old senior who attends Juneau-Douglas High School in Juneau, Alaska. Tyler has enjoyed NOSB immensely and is now in his third year of participation. Tyler is interested in marine sciences because of his love of fishing and his close proximity to the ocean. His favorite marine organism is the lamprey. He plans to study physics and engineering in college.Seth Brickey is a 16 year old junior. Times spent on the beaches and docks of Juneau sparked his interest in oceanography. He specifically likes the marine policy aspects of the sciences. He feels that NOSB, particularly the required Tsunami Bowl research paper, has given him invaluable skills that could not be attained anywhere else. He plans to go to a West coast university and major in political-science or to enroll into a pre-med program.Sam Kurland is a 14 year old sophomore at Juneau-Douglas High School. He became involved with NOSB last year and has enjoyed every minute of it. Having lived by the ocean his whole life, he was very excited to join in when a friend introduced him to the program. The whole experience has been a thrill for him, and he’s very glad he has another few years in which to participateMartina Miller is a 16 year old junior at Juneau- Douglas High School. She has been fascinated with the ocean all her life, and she plans to study oceanography in college. She is grateful to be going to Nationals for a second time, and she would like to thank her parents and her team for supporting her. She would also like to thank her coach, Ben Carney, for everything he does for the team.Elise Christey was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. Although she plans on majoring in physics, she decided to participate in National Ocean Sciences Bowl because she felt that learning to write a 20-page research paper and prepare a 20-minute presentation would be valuable before proceeding to college next year. As she is a senior this year, she is both disappointed and relieved that this was her first and only year of participation.

Juneau-Douglas/Thunder Mountain High School

Tsunami Bowl

University of Alaska, Seward Marine Center Regional Coordinators: Ms. Phyllis Shoemaker, Ms. Linda Lasota

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To kick-off the weekend of activities, students will meet ocean science professionals and graduate students from Texas on Thursday evening to learn about the vast array of careers available to them after they finish their formal studies. Dr. Sam Brody from the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores will provide introductory remarks before the students begin making their way through a myriad of career tables in a fast-paced speed-dating style format. Students will have a set amount of time at each table to learn as much as they can about each of the professionals. It is highly recommended that the students listen closely, ask lots of questions and take careful notes, as prizes will be rewarded at the end of the evening for those that were most attentive.

Guest Ocean Science Professionals• Dr. Jim Ditty – Ichthyologist and Fish Taxonomist, NMFS• Dr. Rick A. Hart – Research Fishery Biologist, NMFS• Ms. Jennifer Doerr – Research Fishery Biologist, NMFS• Dr. Ron Hill – Research Fishery Biologist• Mr. G.P. Schmahl – Sanctuary Manager, Flower Garden Banks National Marine

Sanctuary• Ms. Emma Hickerson – Research Coordinator, Flower Garden Banks National Marine

Sanctuary• Dr. Thomas Linton – Texas A&M at Galveston Faculty, Marine Sciences Department,

Wetlands and Coastal Management • Mr. Bill Balboa – Texas Parks and Wildlife, Galveston Bay Ecosystems Leader• Mr. Jeffrey Simms – Staff Scientist, Cardno ENTRIX • Dr. Bernd Würsig – Texas A&M at Galveston, Regents Professor of Marine Biology and

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Cetacean Behavior• Christine Piela – BP Oil • Dr. Chuck Richards – Marine Technology Society, Student Affairs Executive Board

Member of MTS - Houston Chapter • Mr. Charles Galindo – NASA Principal Scientist, Astrobiology Lab Manager • AET1 Dusty Miranda – Coast Guard Recruiter

Ocean Science Graduate Students• Sarah Norman – Marine Resource Management, Master’s • Alyson Azzara – Marine Biology, Ph.D.• Sarah Piwetz• Michelle Cortez

CAREER EVENTNOSB® Speed-Career Search

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FIELD TRIPSField Trips

Artist Boat: Kayak Trip to Drum BayThis kayak trip will begin with a drive across the San Luis Pass Bridge and along the Bluewater Highway, which will provide spectacular views of the scenic barrier island coastline. Once you reach the Christmas Bay kayak launching point, you will begin a four-hour tour of Drum Bay, a small, tertiary bay that hosts magnificent rookery islands supporting reddish egrets, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, tricolor herons, white ibis and many species of terns. These rookery islands are an easy 20-minute paddle from shore. As you drift slowly through the water you will witness long legged waders raising their chicks in this spring. The trip will include: paddle instruction, wildlife viewing, interpretation of the natural environment, and an application of artists’ watercolors to interpret the environment. All guides hold degrees in marine biology, and are American Canoe Association certified kayak guides and certified interpretive guides through the National Association of Interpretation.

NOAA Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary: National Marine Fisheries, Sea Turtle Hatchery, and Texas Marine Mammal Stranding NetworkTake a trip in the world of NOAA scientists. Begin the NOAA trip by experiencing science on the water aboard the R/V Manta, a working research vessel. Collect plankton and water samples in Galveston Bay and learn to identify plankton species that are associated with harmful algal blooms. Then, analyze your water samples using the same parameters employed by ocean scientists to compare results between samples from the upper bay and the lower bay systems.

After disembarking, visit the NOAA Campus where the offices of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and National Marine Fisheries Service are co-located. See spectacular footage from the coral reefs of the sanctuary, 115 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. Then, tour the turtle hatchery, where baby loggerhead sea turtles are nurtured through their early years to increase the overall survival rate, and discover how the turtles serve science before they are released into the wild. Explore the place where stranded marine mammals are taken for rehabilitation, and find out why scientists perform necropsies on the animals that do not survive.

Galveston History SnapshotsBring your cameras for this colorful combination of Galveston history and urban ecology. Beginning with a trip aboard Galveston’s amphibious touring vehicle, the “Duck,” travel along the Seawall and into Offatt’s Bayou, which was created by dredging after the Great Storm of 1900. Then board the Seagull II for a trip through Galveston Channel with a marine biologist as your guide, pulling a plankton tow and a trawl to learn what is beneath the surface. This trip offers an amazing juxtaposition of man-made machine giants and natural beauty. Enjoy the “Green Revival Walking Tour” with the Galveston Historical Foundation guide to point out the eco-friendly features of Victorian Era homes, as well as restorations that occurred since Hurricane Ike in 2008. Visit the Texas Seaport

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Museum and board the tall ship, Elissa, to gain the historical perspective (Pirate Jean Lafitte, Civil War battles, hurricanes, cotton and bananas) of the maritime and shipping industry.

Galveston Island State Park Service Project: Beach and Bay Habitat RestorationSurf, sand, sun and fun! Get wet, seine, beach comb and experience Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico up close and first hand. Join the Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalists and Texas Sea Grant to explore the diverse and unique ecosystems of Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico at Galveston Island State Park. Learn how wind and solar energy are used to power the Park’s Nature Center. Collect sea shells and identify sea turtle tracks in the sand. Be a valuable contributor to Galveston Island’s recovery from Hurricane Ike, which struck the island on September 13, 2008. Roll up your sleeves and work to restore dune and prairie habitats.

Moody Gardens Aquarium: Seining for Exhibits and Behind-the-ScenesJoin the biologists from the Aquarium at Moody Gardens and discover what happens behind the scenes! The day will begin with two collecting trips – one on the beach and one on the bay. Biologists will teach participants how to pull seine nets and lead them as they collect and identify specimens. Learn about quarantine and life support and their importance in preparing

captured specimens for exhibit. After seining, participants will visit the Aquarium Pyramid where the biologists will take them on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Aquarium. Participants will have the opportunity to see what it takes to run a 1.5 million gallon facility and meet some of its residents.

Texas A&M University at Galveston: Sharks, Crabs, and DivingThis three part hands-on field trip will have you discovering, dissecting and distinguishing; starting with dissecting a dogfish shark to examine its stomach content, heart, and eyes. Next you will learn how to distinguish different shark species (there are more than 360 species and eight taxonomic orders), and explore the world of blue crabs – what makes them such excellent swimmers; what they eat; and how you can tell the difference between a male and a female. And finally you will have the opportunity to learn all about TAMUG’s most popular courses -- recreational, scientific, and research diving, while hearing from TAMUG’s own Professor Tom Illiffe, a cave diver who has discovered more than 200 species (70 of which were new to science).

The Consortium for Ocean Leadership is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization that represents 99 of the leading public and private ocean research education institutions, aquaria and industry with the mission to advance research, education and sound ocean policy. The organization also manages ocean research and education programs in areas of scientific ocean drilling, ocean observing, ocean exploration, and ocean partnerships.

Ocean Leadership’s MissionOcean Leadership shapes the future of ocean science and technology through discovery, understanding and action.We provide expertise in managing, coordinating, and facilitating scientific programs and partnerships; influencing sound ocean policy; and educating the next generation of ocean leaders.

Ocean Leadership’s VisionOur vision is a global society that views its own well-being as intimately connected to the ocean.

www.oceanleadership.org

NOSB’s MissionThe mission of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®) is to prepare the next generation of students for careers in ocean science by providing an educational forum for students to excel in math and science, as well as receive national recognition for their diligence and talents. NOSB has proven that it can generate student interest and excitement about science and the ocean, giving young people a chance to examine the marine sciences as an in-depth area of study and as a possible career.

www.nosb.org