The University of Alaska Southeast is one of the 10 best schools in the U.S. to study marine biology. That’s according to College Magazine, which last month named UAS number 8 in its roundup of top marine biology programs.
“We’re very proud of our program, and we know that we offer students an extraordinary opportunity during their four years here at UAS,” said Sherry Tamone, professor of marine biology at UAS and chair of the natural sciences department.
Tamone said a major strength of the program is its small size, which gives students the chance to work with professors in the lab and field.
The field, in this case, being Alaska’s Inside Passage.
“And our students can go right to the ocean and study the near shore biology and marine mammals,” Tamone said.
Five faculty at UAS are actively engaged in research in the region, said Tamone. Students can help them study things like salmon migration and commercially important shrimp and crabs.
“So our students are really engaged in research that applies to Alaska,” Tamone said.
Students have gone on to work for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to Tamone.
UAS students can earn undergraduate degrees in both marine biology and fisheries. Tamone said around 55 students are currently working toward marine biology degrees.
