Minorities in Shark Sciences

Diversifying Ocean Sciences: The purpose of the program is to provide folks with a stepping stone into marine science who are otherwise struggling to break into the field. Diversifying Ocean Sciences is a free, year-long hybrid program for people to hone their ocean science skills, build their network, and receive mentorship. Thirty participants will be accepted into the program with sixteen coming from the Barancik Foundation's target communities (Florida and the greater Chicago area) and fourteen coming from all over. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in one of three concentrations (Field Ecology, Laboratory Techniques or Marine Technology) with ten students under each concentration.

During this FREE workshop, participants will get hands-on field experience doing shark research. They will learn various field research techniques and stay on a live-aboard research vessel with the MISS co-founders. We will also do a series of personal development conversations as well as other activities to build community. The members of this organization will serve as a continued resource and support system long after the workshop has ended.

Rising Tides Mentorship Program: This program is for MISS Members who are interested in mentoring another MISS Member either remotely, in their lab or at their institution. Mentors can be at any career stage (Undergraduate to Late-career), but must be mentoring someone in an earlier career stage (High School to Mid-career). This program will include a $2,000 mentor stipend, $5,000 student stipend and $3,000 for supplies and/or conference fees for mentorship pairs to work together for one year on a research project.