Program Description
Since its inception in 1992, over 132 students from 39 states and Puerto Rico have participated in this unique program.
Sponsoring institutions are:
- Grice Marine Laboratory of the College of Charleston (CofC)
- Marine Resources Research Institute of the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
- Marine Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Program of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Ocean Service (NOAA/NOS)
Upon arrival at Fort Johnson, students are assigned to sponsoring laboratories and initiate research under the supervision of individual mentors. Research activities continue throughout the ten week fellowship period, during which period students remain in residence in dormitories at the Grice Laboratory. Concurrent coursework consists of a five week formal lecture and discussion series centered on areas of current research interest at Fort Johnson (Biology 453, Topics in the Physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology of Marine Organisms, Dept. of Biology, College of Charleston and see an example of a course syllabus). Laboratory projects and coursework address topics such as fishery stock genetics, infection and disease resistance in aquacultured and native marine species, molecular and cellular indicators of environmental disturbance, physiological adaptations to stress and biotoxins. Students present the results of their research in a mini-symposium and in a written research paper at the end of their stay at Fort Johnson. Fellows obtain academic credit (1 unit for Biology 453) through the College of Charleston.
The Fort Johnson campus is located 8 miles from downtown Charleston, South Carolina, with direct access to the sea. Facilities on campus include classrooms for marine science courses, marine science libraries, research vessels, animal holding facilities and specialized marine research laboratories. The main downtown campuses of the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina provide additional sophisticated core library and research facilities which are readily accessible to students in the fellowship program.
Downtown Charleston is a rapidly growing port city that retains the historic charm of rich cultural influences. Nearly a half million people inhabit the metropolitan area. The city is dedicated to the arts and is renowned for its Spoleto Festival USA. The new South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston is a spectacular exhibit of aquatic organisms living in habitats ranging from the mountains to the sea. The Charleston area has many resorts with beaches and is known for its recreational activities centered around the ocean and inland waterways. The near-tropical climate of Charleston makes this city one of the loveliest in America.