Middlesex College Partners with ReClam the Bay on Groundbreaking Scholarship Initiative to Foster Environmental Research and Education
Middlesex College students can apply for a newly-created scholarship program provided by the ReClam the Bay environmental organization which involves an environment project connected to the organization’s purpose. The scholarship studies committee is co-chaired by Middlesex College Professor Claire Condie.
From the classroom to the beach, Professor of Natural Sciences Claire Condie leads students on an off-campus project.
“ReClam the Bay does a lot of work with lower grade students, but they want to get more involved with high school and college students doing research projects,” explains Condie. “They can help fund students with either their research or internships.”
The ReClam the Bay organization helps promote environmental involvement and education in an effort to replenish the population of clams and oysters in the Barnegat Bay Watershed, which includes Barnegat Bay, Manahawkin Bay and Little Egg Harbor Bay.
Condie has been an active member of the organization and during her recent teaching sabbatical helped foster this idea of a new program open to Middlesex College students. It’s a rolling application, so there is no deadline. Proposals will be analyzed and the funding will hinge on the depth of the project and time needed.
“This is one of the outshoots of my sabbatical,” said Condie. “Our students in oceanography and climate science are the first ones to hear about it. We want to show the students that there are opportunities in the field and employment. This is another way to give our students real-world experience outside of the classroom.”
Condie is happy to serve as a point of contact for students to ReClam the Bay and guide them through the process. She said there is a current study underway on the findings of heavy metal inside clams close to marinas and a possible link to the paint used on nearby boats.
Students interested in applying can send an email to ReClam the Bay (info@reclamthebay.org) for an application.
