By Claudia Koerting, Academic Assistant, Biology, Program Coordinator, Marine Sciences, UConn ECE Marine Science Faculty Coordinator
Now in its 12th year, the 2026 UConn Early College Experience Marine Science Symposium took place on May 29th at UConn’s coastal Avery Point campus. The symposium brought together 56 students from four high schools—University High School of Science and 
Engineering, Waterford High School, Ledyard High School, and The Sound School—to present their yearlong research projects.
Students enrolled in UConn’s Marine Science courses (MARN1001E: The Sea Around Us and MARN1003E: Introduction to Oceanography with Lab) shared their work through oral presentations and detailed scientific posters, offering an opportunity to practice communicating science to a broad audience of peers, guests, UConn faculty, and graduate students.
MARN 1001E is a marine science course for non-science majors that focuses on human interaction with the marine environment. Over the course of the year, students conducted an in-depth exploration of scientific literature across a range of topics. Their projects examined issues such as climate change impacts on marine species, microplastic pollution, shifting ocean ecosystems, marine conservation and policy, and emerging scientific and medical applications inspired by ocean research. MARN 1003E students presented hands-on research that included ocean acidification resilience, alternatives for fish bait, and even an app developed to identify fish in Long Island Sound.
The wide range of topics reflected both the rigor of the coursework and the curiosity of these emerging scientists. By connecting classroom learning with real-world research, the symposium highlighted the value of experiential education. Students left the event with strengthened presentation skills, increased confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging in the scientific community, demonstrating both professionalism and dedication in their work.
Participating in Science Olympiad is far more than just a bid for medals. It is a profound opportunity for young minds to explore their passions and ignite a lifelong curiosity about the world around them. Teams are pushed to their limits in structural building and engineering events, and rigorous written examinations and hands-on experimental design.
like access to healthcare, mental health awareness, nutrition, and community wellness. Instead of learning these concepts in isolation, students are encouraged to think critically about how these topics are experienced within their own lives, neighborhood, and larger society. This relevance increases engagement and gives their learning a deeper sense of value.
students create a day of learning for their peers and the larger community. These projects push students to think beyond memorization—they analyze, create, and apply. Elke Hernandez, Instructional Coach, shares, “Mrs. G’s (UConn) ECE Health projects turn real-world health challenges—mental health, opioids, social media, and gambling, to name a few—into student-led action. Students design, plan, and execute everything from events to advertising and media. These projects bring the community together, foster collaboration across subjects, and build transferable skills while making complex health topics engaging, creative, and meaningful.”
emphasizes diversity, culture, and challenges in urban communities, which my other classes don’t focus on as much. Overall, it feels more practical because I’m solving real problems and reflecting on my own experiences.”
