Ocean Institute Welcomes 4th Annual Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference

DANA POINT, CA, October 13, 2008 - The Ocean Institute will host its 4th annual Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference on Saturday, February 7, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The day-long conference is designed for enthusiastic 8th -12th grade girls who have an interest in science. The goal of the conference is to inspire and excite young women to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences.

Eight prominent female ocean scientists from around the country will interact with the girls on the Institute's research vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, and in the Ocean Institute's teaching labs. The scientists include video journalist Mary Lynn Price, who is planning to film in Antarctica, Dr. Debbie Thomas, an Assistant Professor at Texas A & M University, Jessica Meir, a researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Marine Biologist and Director of the CMBC Nancy Knowlton, Nautical Archeologist Della Scott-Ireton, and UC Santa Barbara researchers Nann Fangue, Mackenzie Zippay, and Anne Todgham. The teens will explore careers in areas such as engineering, ocean conservation, marine biology and education.

"The conference will be a great opportunity for young women interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. They'll get first-hand experience and advice from positive female role models who are experts in their fields," commented Jacqueline Blackburn, Girls in Ocean Science Conference Coordinator. Registrations begin on a first-come, first-served basis on December 15. Registration fees are $20 and the conference includes lunch and a cruise on the R/V Sea Explorer. For additional information about Girls in Science, please contact Jacqueline Blackburn at (949) 496-2274, ext. 325 or girlsinoceanscience@ocean-institute.org.