Centre for Ocean Life - Seminar 3 and end of Fulbright experience

My last few days at DTU Aqua were a whirlwind of reviewing our progress, preparing several draft reports and my final seminar for the Centre for Ocean Life students and faculty.

The third seminar focused on writing goals, SMART objectives, evaluation and the resulting Project Description in the COSEE NOW Broader Impacts wizard. Several examples were prepared to share with the participants based on audience: professional development for  K-12 teachers, working with media to develop a video, and an example regarding policy and government.

Seminar 3: Preparing the goals, objectives and project description.
Photo credit: Ivo Grigorov

Following the seminar and lunch, Kirsten, Ivo and I held a debrief meeting to review our progress to date and plan the follow-up activities to ensure our work would continue upon my return to the US. I was fortunate to work with fantastic people - many thanks to my office mates Ivo Grigorov, Kirsten Thomsen, and Henrik Haslund!

Ivo Grigorov, my DTU Aqua host.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

The mid-afternoon surprise was a lovely farewell gathering in the castle dining room, complete with homemade cake provided by Mrs. Magic, Lis Vinther Elmsted! Then right back to work in developing a logic model to outline the work we've done and outline where we plan to go in the next few months.

As I prepared to leave my office in the castle for the last time, I reflected on my amazing experience - three seminars for graduate students and faculty, meetings with staff of the Copenhagen International School and the Den Blå Planet, a presentation to the communications group at the ICES conference, the TransAtlantic Ocean Literacy meeting, the EMSEA conference in Crete, and a visit to the DTU Aqua Shellfish Center! We'll finish the TOL meeting report as well as update the 2014 TOL Implementation Plan, and continue to refine the logic models developed for the Shellfish Center and the Centre for Ocean Life. Although I head for home, the good work will continue!

A fond farewell to Charlottenlund castle.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

DTU Aqua

Image credit: DTU Aqua

I am quite fortunate to spend my Fulbright experience at DTU Aqua. Our focus for this project is to demonstrate how research and education/outreach are mutually dependent to foster public acceptance of ocean science research, resources and policies. We also intend to create mutually beneficial partnerships between DTU Aqua and local formal and informal education venues.

DTU Aqua

My host institution is the National Institute for Aquatic Resources - DTU Aqua - part of the Technical University of Denmark. DTU Aqua’s mission is to conduct research, provide advice, educate at university level and contribute to innovation in sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic resources. Investigations include the biology and population ecology of aquatic organisms, aquatic physics and chemical processes, and ecosystem structure and dynamics while taking account all the relevant natural and anthropogenic drivers. DTU Aqua began in 1889 as the Danish Biological Station and has grown to include facilities in Lyksvad, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals.

DTU Aqua is located in Charlottenlund, just outside of Copenhagen. Offices have been housed within Charlottenlund castle (Charlottenlund Slot), a former Danish royal summer residence, since 1936.

Charlottenlund is located just north of Copenhagen.

Charlottenlund castle, home of DTU Aqua.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

DTU Aqua coordinates the EURO-BASIN project, helped draft the Galway Statement between the EU, US and Canada, and hosts the Centre for Ocean Life. 

Seminars at DTU

I will lead three seminars at DTU Aqua during my Fulbright experience. I will provide an overview of the Fulbright Specialist Program, outline the three seminars I will present for DTU graduate students, and discuss my work with NOAA Sea Grant, specifically my duties for Connecticut Sea Grant education in connecting ocean science researchers and educators. I will also highlight my experience as an evaluator for the NSF-funded COSEE-TEK and my involvement with Ocean Literacy campaign in the US, Europe and beyond.

The seminars focus on graduate students and post docs at the Centre for Ocean Life. Topics within the seminars include Ocean Science Research in a Societal Context, Non-experts' Perception of the Ocean, Sharing Ocean Science Research with Non-experts, Evaluating Your Education and Outreach Efforts and How Education and Public Outreach Can Benefit Your Career.

DTU Aqua Shellfish Center

During my stay, I will also visit the DTU Aqua Shellfish Center in North Jutland. I will meet with Education Center staff working on the SeaCHANGE project. 

DTU Aqua Shellfish Center is located in Nykøbing Mors on the LimFjord.
Image credit: GraphicMaps.com

SeaCHANGE

DTU Aqua is a partner in the EU-funded SeaCHANGE project, which "aims to bring about a fundamental 'Sea Change' in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea by empowering them - as 'Ocean Literate' citizens - to take direct and sustainable towards healthy seas and ocean, healthy communities and ultimately - a healthy planet." I look forward to working with my SeaCHANGE colleagues!

The Fulbright Adventure Begins

Today I head for Copenhagen to begin my adventure as a Fulbright Specialist! All told, it will encompass 32 days based at the Technical University of Denmark's National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua). I will work with colleagues at DTU to build partnerships with local schools and informal education venues and provide seminars for graduate students and faculty.

The experience includes travels to Crete, Greece for the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) conference and to the DTU Aqua Shellfish Center. In addition, I'll attend the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea ICES 2015 and help host a TransAtlantic Ocean Literacy meeting. Check back regularly to follow along! Tomorrow's post will feature my host institution, DTU Aqua.

Nyhavn
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Crete Aquarium
Photo credit: CretAquarium