Program Components

Orientation
The first week and a half of the SURFO program involves acclimating the participants to the research environment of the Graduate School of Oceanography. This involves a series of social events, background lectures, and introductory sessions with selected research advisors. The range of activities include:
  • A welcoming breakfast and tour to introduce the students to the Narragansett Bay Campus.
  • A series of Oceanography lectures by graduate students to provide an overview of the field.
  • Daily meetings with research advisors to discuss background and goals of research projects.
  • An initial cruise on the 50' trawler R/V Capt. Bert to introduce students to oceanographic data collection.

Research Projects
At the heart of the SURFO program is the research project. Once students demonstrate they understand the scope and goals of the project they proceed with their research. Frequent meetings with their research advisor and graduate student help guide the student through the project. The final products of the research are:
  • a 15-minute professional oral presentation of their results
  • a scientific report summarizing the research project
Examples of previous talks and research papers are available on the "Successes" page.


Seminar Series
A series of weekly "Hot-Topic" lectures/seminars designed for the SURFO participants will be provided by various members of the GSO Researchers. At least one lecture from each of the sub-disciplines of Oceanography (Biological, Chemical, Geological and Physical) will be presented, but these talks will highlight the highly interdisciplinary nature of the Oceanography. Examples of these seminars include:
  • Exploration of deep-water circulation in the Gulf of Mexico
    by Kathy Donohue
  • What can Oceanography tell us about Astrobiology
    by Bruno Soffientino
  • The global fate of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
    by Rainer Lohmann
  • Initial results of ACEX drilling at the North Pole
    by Kate Moran
  • Hydrothermal biology and activity at Kick 'Em Jenny Seamount
    by Karen Wishner
In addition, seminars on Archaeological Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, or Astrobiology may also be provided.


Instructional Workshops
A series of weekly instructional workshops designed for the SURFO program are provided to supplement the research experience of the students. Subjects covered during these workshops include:
  • Research and problem-solving styles.
  • Ethical conduct of researchers.
  • Oceanographic data collection.
  • Methods of presenting data.
  • How to give a professional presentation.
  • How to write a scientific paper.
  • Roundtable discussion about graduate school and science careers.

Social/Recreational Events
Numerous planned and spontaneous social/recreational events are available to the SURFOs to help them assimilate into the GSO Narragansett Bay Campus community.
The planned events include:
  • Weekly lunchtime BBQs on the Horn Lab veranda every Friday.
  • A kayak trip in the Narrow River estuary.
  • A SURFO vs advisor softball game.
  • A GSO-sponsored Rhodey Rumble Rhode Race triathlon.
  • A post-final presentation dinner.
Other spontaneous events include:
  • Weekly ultimate frisbee games.
  • Pick-up softball games.
  • Graduate student beach volleyball party.
  • "Cultural" trips to Providence, Newport and Boston.


  
 
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