Students to embark on a reef rendezvous with Science under Sail

For Florida native Dr. Robin Smith, protecting the environment has always taken an aquatic turn.

A Ph.D. in biological science from Florida International University in Miami, Smith’s passion revolves around Science under Sail (SUS), a sailing and mentorship expedition he founded in 2005 that promises high school seniors from around the nation the opportunity to play a part in protecting the wonders of coral reefs, while at the same time fulfilling their seafaring dreams.

Sitting aboard Blue Heeler, a 40-foot sloop Smith has called home for the past nine years, he recently took the time to talk about both his background and inspiration to become a mentor for the next generation of marine scientists.

“My whole life has been involved with sailing the oceans of the world,” the Sarasota native explained. “When I was young, my parents and grandfather taught me to sail. It was a magical time.”

Having recently completed a three-year fellowship as a post-doctoral research scientist at the Instituto de Ciencia del Mar y Limnología in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, Smith finds himself ready to share his passion for marine biology in a unique adventure that marries intellect and curiosity.“SUS will involve two groups of eight high school senior students (one each of young men and women) sailing to the Bahamas, looking to help restore a coral reef of the Exuma archipelago,” Smith explained. The reef was damaged when a sailboat ran aground earlier this year.

“Reefs are so underestimated,” Smith said. “They are among the largest structures of the natural world, yet people fail to recognize their importance.”

Prior to the accident, the reef in Exuma was a site of intense restorative activity, as Smith explained.

“It’s a restoration project that has been a collaborative effort between Science under Sail, Plant A Fish and the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership programs for the past five years," he said.

And what can the students expect during their time afloat in this Caribbean idyll?“It’s a hands-on expedition with the students very much in command,” Smith said.

“My feeling is that sailing is a very unique teaching platform,” he continued. “Being together on a boat creates a real sense of teamwork and camaraderie."

According to SUS' website, the program offers opportunities to “perform cutting-edge marine scientific research, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, to collect real data; to address ‘real’ questions. The questions drive knowledge and discovery. In nature’s magnificent underwater classroom, you learn the scientific tools to address current issues challenging our oceans.”

“The way the two-week program is structured allows the students to follow their academic interests and their sense of adventure," Smith added. "They won’t need any prior sailing or scientific experience, just a desire to learn about the best ways to help protect the world both above and below the waterline.”

However, the students have to first satisfy Smith as to their dedication to the cause.

“Each student has to be nominated for the program by a parent, teacher or mentor,” Smith explained. “Those who join me have to have a desire to discover the wonders of the sea. To leave the digital community and challenge themselves with fieldwork."Referring to Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods, Smith bemoaned the way today’s society has created a disconnect between teenagers and nature.

“During the trips I hope to impress upon the students the ability of nature to empower them. I want them to ask questions, to challenge both myself and their own minds. Science is not a closed door.

“One of my former professors once said, 'The questions are more important than the answers.' SUS, I hope, will create a thought process that encourages the students to ask 'why?’”

Smith admits he is ready for a testing time aboard the 46-foot sailing catamaran, Island Girl, which the students will call home.

“I want to test their character and help them achieve their ambitions,” he said. “But at the same time I hope to be challenged, too. I enjoy talking to young people and understanding their perspective. The students are at the point where they are finding themselves and asking their own questions without the influence of parents or teachers. It’s an exciting time for all of them and I hope I can help them to a positive place in their lives.”

-  The application deadline for this year's expedition is June 15, 2013. To nominate a seafarer and to learn more about Science under Sail, go to scienceundersail.com