The Center for Student Coastal Research (CSCR), is the regional leader in actively engaging students in authentic, community-based, hands-on, environmental research.
Small teams of students address real problems in our region, problems that we see in our watershed.
We provide the research tools and training students need to conduct a rigorous study. We surround them with a supportive professional science & civic network. As a result, students produce and share actionable scientific findings of great value to community stakeholders.
Over time, CSCR students build an understanding of our coastal ecosystem that inspires them to engage in community stewardship activities whereever they live, study, or work.
Listen to a student’s reflection on her 3 years of research experiences with CSCR:
“CSCR has deepened my understanding of local ecosystems & their connection to the broader marine environment. Through monitoring harbor bacteria, Gulf River water quality, and eelgrass health in open waters, I’ve gained scientific skills & a greater appreciation for our delicate coastal habitats. CSCR opened my eyes to how our local actions impact global ocean health. I’ve learned the importance of community engagement & environmental stewardship; it has inspired me to pursue environmental engineering in college, where I hope to create solutions to climate change.”
CSCR sets the bar for student-centered environmental research & education because we embrace an inveterate truth in the sciences: work that can “meet the rigors of professional scientific peer review” is our goal and our mission is to help students reach that standard.
To put that apirational goal into practice, we call our high student teams our “Varsity Research” teams. Much like the sports world in which the standards we hold for student-athletes are informed by “what the pros do,” we embrace the standards used by professional scientists in the field, lab, and collaborative spaces where they gather to process understanding.
We work with area schools throughout the year, and offer immersive research opportunities for students during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Winter opportunities for students are shared via our newsletter. Be sure to add your name and contact information to ournewsletter signup to stay informed.
If you would like to partner with us, please reach out to Jack Buckley at jbuckley@ccscr.org.