On March 5, the University of Massachusetts Boston and the New England Aquarium launched a partnership to create more research between the two institutions. Even though scientists from both institutions have collaborated before this partnership, this new opportunity will create even more avenues for research and exploration.
UMass Boston Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Winston Langley and New England Aquarium President Bud Ris agreed upon a partnership that will strengthen the level and opportunity of research enterprises at both institutions.
According to UMass Boston Communications Specialist Anna Pinkert, “as a part of this partnership, researchers from the New England Aquarium will teach courses at UMass Boston. Twelve researchers have already been named faculty members at UMass Boston’s School for the Environment. The two institutions will also be able to share lab facilities in Boston and at their field stations.”
The relationship between these institutions brought together a convergence that at once is easily seen as symbiotic. According to Chancellor J. Keith Motley, “the partnership with the aquarium will bring together experts from many fields to work on regional and global environmental challenges.”
Motley said, “I’m grateful to CSM Dean Andrew Grosovsky and SFE Dean Robyn Hannigan for their efforts in developing this partnership, which I am certain will be of enormous benefit to the aquarium, the university, and to the environmental health of our planet.”
Ris shared his thoughts with reporters: “we’re dedicated to research and public education for the public good. We share a strong commitment to managing our oceans and our coasts more wisely.”
Former UMass Boston graduate student Eric Wilcox-Freeburg wanted to assist with projects at the aquarium because of their connection to Boston. Wilcox-Freeburg is currently working with the aquarium to create three-dimensional models that interpreters can use to teach the public about the anatomies of fish.
As the partnership grows, more opportunities for UMass Boston students to become involved with the aquarium will become more accessible.