MAS_July_Aug_2026

The SIO295 course, Introduction to Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, has scheduled a two-day research cruise on the RV Gordon Sproul for Summer 2026, set for one of the following weekends:July 19-20, or July 26-27, based on the course schedule. The cruise will accommodate approximately 24 Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) students, 1-3 PhD students, SIO faculty, MAS staff, and Research Technicians, with the total group size exceeding the Sproul’s 30-person capacity, thus requiring two days. SIO Faculty, including Greg Rouse and Dahiana Arcila, will serve as chief scientists (one per day), joined by additional faculty to be confirmed, ensuring robust leadership and guidance throughout the cruise. This cruise is designed to provide students with their first hands-on seagoing research experience, building confidence and sparking interest in marine research as they begin their graduate studies. Aligned with the course’s theme of global change impacts on marine ecosystems, the cruise will offer direct exposure to local benthic and pelagic faunas, enabling students to explore the composition and vulnerabilities of these habitats. This practical experience is integral to deepening their understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation, reinforcing the course’s focus on the ecological consequences of environmental change.