Vanessa Siggers outstanding performance at the statewide Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF) at the University of Alabama-Huntsville earned her more than just a top three finish in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category. Siggers also earned a full scholarship to the Marine Science Course for high school students at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium sponsors this DISL award at Alabama Science and Engineering Fair through a grant to Discovery Hall Programs, DISL’s K-12 education and outreach group.
The four-week residential course is a unique experience. Students spend part of their day in lecture, and the other outside in various marine ecosystems, putting into practice what they have learned.
"You're immersed into the lessons and get to go in the field to relate to what you learn," Siggers said about the course. "I didn't know much about marine biology, but this course has changed that."
Siggers added that her favorite part of the course was the boat trips, but she also enjoyed digging in and learning about sharks.
"The shark dissection was one of the best labs," Siggers said.
Siggers appreciates the scholarship from Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. "Thank you to Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant," Siggers said. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for this award."
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium also sponsors two awards at the statewide science fair for middle school students. This year, Andrew Clark from Muscle Shoals Middle School and Suhas Patil from Clark Shaw Magnet Middle School in Mobile won full scholarships to Gulf Island Journey, a week-long summer camp hosted by Discovery Hall Programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Dr. Tina Miller-Way, Chair of Discovery Hall Programs said, “It is so important to keep students interested in the sciences and it’s fun to share just a bit of science with them on the boat and at the beach! We really appreciate Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium support for these awards.”