WHOI Sea Grant (WHOI SG) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are excited to collaborate with Sea Education Association on the Ocean STEAM Powered Women (O-STEAM) Fellowship, a competitive, week-long, no-cost, residential fellowship in Woods Hole for a cohort of young women from Massachusetts currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school.

Program Description

During this week-long, summer fellowship, with easy access to the nearby WHOI facilities, fellows are housed on the beautiful Sea Education Association campus d. They will work with WHOI Sea Grant Education Specialist Grace Simpkins, WHOI researchers, and Program Assistants to dive deep into ocean research while also meeting other female Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) professionals and learning from their collective expertise. The immersive experience seeks to expose the participants to a wide range of marine careers, involve them in research, and build a supportive network. Activities during the week include building their own underwater microphone (or hydrophone), testing their hydrophone by towing it while kayaking (weather dependent), sound analysis of dolphin vocalizations, participating in shipboard oceanographic techniques, water quality testing, constructing and deploying an ocean drifter, going on a whale watch expedition to observe marine mammals (weather dependent), and more. Fellows will also learn from communications specialists about how to share their research and experiences with their community.

Who is eligible?
We welcome students who are:

Current residents of and students in Massachusetts, and
Current high school sophomores and juniors (as of March 2025)
* No experience required *

When will it be held?
August 10-16, 2025

Free Opportunity
There is no-cost to the fellow for this program. All expenses are paid.

Expanding Access to Ocean Sciences
We are committed to fostering a welcoming and dynamic learning environment that brings together a variety of perspectives and experiences. O-STEAM was created to expand access to ocean sciences by encouraging applicants who would not otherwise have had access to research and fieldwork opportunities. Our selection process is based on merit, interest, and potential, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity to participate.

Applications are due by March 14, 2025

Contact:
If you need application assistance, please reach out to Grace Simpkins, gsimpkins@whoi.edu