SoundWaters Research Intensive (SRI) is a year-round high school science research program and is not duplicated in the Long Island Sound region.  No other area organization offers the innovative opportunities that we provide high school scientists.  Specifically, SRI builds critical college and career readiness skills in students through science-infused activities, real-life field study, and progressively more advanced work in the laboratory, on the water and along the shore.

At the heart of Sound Science is a diverse, motivated and intellectually curious group of students seeking opportunities to grow.  We know from experience that there are Fairfield County high school students who have a passion for science and ecology but lack opportunities and/or resources to engage in an advanced year-round science research experience.  Does this sound like you?  If yes, SRI may meet your needs.  High school students may tailor the program to fit their schedule and interests.

Program Activities

SRI activities include: skill building and marine science and aquaculture research projects with a focus on bioremediation and deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.

Students will conduct research projects in marine science and aquaculture with a focus on bioremediation.  Following are examples of possible projects:

• Water quality sampling and analysis field work
• Population studies examining current levels and movement of species
• Measuring thresholds and capacities of species relative to various bioremediation factors

Students will have access to their own professional research materials and equipment.  They will learn to evaluate and map sites, identify water quality parameters to provide meaningful data and to set up aquaculture studies of kelp and oysters to test their hypotheses about varying growth rates and conditions.

2022-2023 Program Dates:
Semester 1: September 19 – December 12, Location: Cove Island
Semester 2: January 16 – April 17: Location: Boccuzzi Park

SRI is held Monday through Thursday for 10 weeks each semester.

12 students will attend SRI twice a week: one visit will be on the SoundWaters Research Vessel (RV) and one day will be in the laboratory.

RV Days (Monday and Wednesdays) and Lab Days (Tuesday, Thursday).

For more information Tim Abbott, at tabbott@soundwaters.org.