From Classroom to Open Sea: Students Take Part in NOAA Research Voyage
Wed, 10/08/2025 - 01:54pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie
Shakiya Ingram and Vandell McGill, undergraduate students in The University of Southern Mississippi鈥檚 School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) Oceanography and Ocean Mapping program, recently returned from a life-changing ocean-mapping research cruise aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration鈥檚 vessel, Nancy Foster, in Charleston, S.C.
The nine-day cruise brought together 18 students from across the country to collect hydrographic survey data and cover more than 560 square nautical miles. The data contributed to NOAA鈥檚 charting mission, a major initiative aimed at mapping the seafloor. Ingram and McGill had the opportunity to survey previously unmapped areas and explore unique underwater features. They also gained experience in shipboard communication and emergency procedures.
鈥淭his cruise prepared me to communicate effectively, learn safety protocols and handle challenging situations at sea,鈥� Ingram said. 鈥淚 learned that communication goes both ways, and everyone on board respected one another and their roles. Everyone played a major part on the ship.鈥�
Shakiya Ingram
鈥淚 enjoyed interpreting the survey data and diving into the research,鈥� McGill said. 鈥淚 felt this trip truly prepared me for a future in the field.鈥�
Ingram and McGill were selected for the opportunity by their marine science professor, Calvin Martin, who said both students represented the Oceanography and Ocean Mapping program with excellence.
鈥淭his cruise gave them invaluable hands-on experience with advanced hydrographic technologies and real-world survey operations that simply can鈥檛 be replicated in the classroom,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淭hese kinds of opportunities bridge the gap between our academic curriculum and the professional hydrographic community they are about to join.鈥�
Vandell McGill
Ingram worked the night shift aboard Nancy Foster, conducting salinity, temperature and depth casts-deploying instruments into the water to collect environmental data crucial to the mapping project. She used newly learned communication techniques, including hand signals, to coordinate with the crane operator during data collection. McGill recalled time spent on the ship鈥檚 bridge, where he navigated and piloted the vessel.
For both students, the research cruise solidified their passion for hydrography. The technical and interpersonal skills they developed provided a strong foundation for their future careers.
鈥淭his research cruise prepared me for so much,鈥� Ingram said. 鈥淚 feel like I can handle being out at sea. There wasn鈥檛 a dull moment鈥攚e were a family on the ship. We cared for one another.鈥�
Ingram and McGill are set to graduate this academic year and plan to pursue careers in hydrography and ocean science.
Click here to learn more about the Southern Miss undergraduate Oceanography and Ocean Mapping program.