The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) invites students, alumni, families, and members of the Virgin Islands community to attend its Open House on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the newly renovated MacLean Marine Science Building on UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, located along John Brewers Bay Beach.
The event will take place during UVI’s 2025 Homecoming Week, a four-day celebration from October 30 – November 2, that brings together Buccaneers from near and far to reconnect, celebrate Virgin Islands culture, and highlight UVI’s ongoing impact and innovation.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour state-of-the-art laboratories and research spaces and meet UVI scientists and students working on groundbreaking projects in marine ecology, coral and mangrove restoration, deep-reef ecosystems, sea turtle research, and robotics and artificial intelligence in environmental studies.
“We’re proud to open our doors to the community and highlight the world-class marine and environmental research happening right here in the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Paul D. Jobsis, UVI Director of the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies. “The renovated MacLean Marine Science Building enhances our ability to conduct vital research, engage students in hands-on discovery, and serve as a hub for scientific collaboration and environmental stewardship.”
In addition to tours and research displays, attendees will enjoy light refreshments and a special limited-edition IPA — “Don’t Hold Your Breath” — crafted by Leatherback Brewing Company exclusively for the event.
Event Details:
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, co-ed, land-grant institution located in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands—the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) outside the U.S. mainland. UVI offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to student success through an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Within UVI, the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) conducts pioneering research on ecosystem health, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of Caribbean marine and coastal resources. With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and private philanthropic partners, CMES advances scientific discovery, experiential learning, and environmental stewardship in the Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean region.
UVI's Master of Marine and Environmental Science (MMES) program leverages the expertise of faculty and research opportunities within the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, as well as other units at the University. The MMES program will accept applications from November 1 to March 1 for students interested in pursuing their graduate degree.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
