Kauaʻi Community College held a blessing ceremony for the campus’ newly completed Marine Science Laboratory on Thursday, September 26.
Kauaʻi CC added a new degree program in natural sciences last year with courses specifically for biological and physical science majors. Now, the college offers all the biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics classes that any student will need for the first two years of a bachelor of science degree. The new lab will meet the needs of students working toward careers with an emphasis on marine biology and life sciences.
Students at Kauaʻi CC have already developed a reputation for excellent community projects through the Marine Option Program. More than 10 Marine Option Program students were hired, given fellowships or paid internships in the past year for their work on water quality, marine debris and beach erosion projects. Last spring, Kauaʻi students competed and surpassed students from four-year institutions to win awards at the state-wide Marine Option Program Symposium held on Maui.
The new laboratory “is a clear indication of both our community support and the strengthening of our science programs,” said Chancellor Helen Cox. “The college prides itself on working with the community to identify needs and then to respond accordingly. That is what happened in this case,” Cox added.
“We want high school students and their parents to know, you don’t have to leave the island to get started on a science degree. We want these students and the community to know we have great programs, faculty, projects, and now, facilities right here on Kauaʻi, for Kauaʻi,” said Stephen Taylor, assistant professor of physical sciences and Marine Option Program coordinator.
For more information, read the Kauaʻi Community College news release.
