Black in Marine Science

BIMS INSTITUTE (Documentary, BIMS Science, and COPE) also hopes to partner on initiatives to broaden science education and outreach. With only 2% of black scholars receiving an Ocean Science doctoral degree, BIMS envisions conducting outreach in marginalized communities to educate residents and enrich the scientific research process. This work is a less significant portion of BIMS activities (less than 5%), funded through subgrants from researchers. Involvement in this outreach will further BIMS in its educational and scientific purposes.

SCUBA COURSE, we piloted our first SCUBA diving certification program to increase the number of Black SCUBA divers in the field. Barriers and lack of access to SCUBA diving can make it challenging to receive the certification, although this is a valuable tool for marine scientists. In 2022, we increased the number of students from 4 to 8.

BIP WEEK, a week of events introducing minority undergrads to marine science, includes marine lab tours and hands-on field experience. There are seven student participants from across the country ranging in age from 19-22 in the first to third year of college.