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BIDDEFORD, Maine

Samantha Schildroth sails on research expedition to Phoenix Islands

Samantha Schildroth (Medical Biology and Environmental Science, 鈥17) has set her sails for the Phoenix Islands, a largely unexplored region of the Pacific Ocean, where she, along with 21 other undergraduates who are sailing with her, will gather data on the islands as part of their eight-week Sea Education Association (SEA) Semester summer program.

The program, titled 鈥淧rotecting the Phoenix Islands,鈥 provides an opportunity for students from diverse U.S. colleges and universities to complete some of the first comprehensive oceanographic surveys of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA). One of the world鈥檚 largest Marine Protected Areas, PIPA is an expanse of ocean (approximately the size of California), which was recently named a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

As an active crewmember and scientist, Schildroth will spend two weeks on the SSV Robert C. Seamans, a 134-foot brigantine sailing ship, which set sail from Honolulu, Hawaii. During the three weeks in PIPA, she will assist in documenting the oceanic ecosystem around seven small coral atolls, including pristine reefs filled with rich fauna of corals, other invertebrates and fish.  A final leg to American Samoa will complete the voyage in mid-August.

51小黄车 the University of 51小黄车

The University of 51小黄车 is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.