University of Texas Marine Science Institute

University of Texas Marine Science Institute The first of today's marine research facilities on the Texas coast continues to change our understan

Institute Insights: A food web’s firm foundationHow do Arctic ecosystems survive months of ice, darkness, and rapid seas...
05/29/2026

Institute Insights: A food web’s firm foundation

How do Arctic ecosystems survive months of ice, darkness, and rapid seasonal change?

UTMSI graduate Mathea H. Kurtz-Shaw studied Arctic lagoons in Alaska to understand how small, microscopic algae form the base of the food web that supports fish, worms, clams, and other invertebrates. Her work shows that different types of algae take turns as food sources throughout the year: ice algae during winter, phytoplankton in summer, and sediment-dwelling algae helping bridge the transitions between seasons.

Her story also reflects on the people behind the science, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and community in supporting graduate research.

Read the full story: https://www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/a-food-webs-firm-foundation/

📷: Nathan Mctigue

Congratulations to Bailey Bonham, PhD Student in the Brandl Lab at UTMSI, on being awarded the Zoltan Florian Doctoral F...
05/26/2026

Congratulations to Bailey Bonham, PhD Student in the Brandl Lab at UTMSI, on being awarded the Zoltan Florian Doctoral Fellowship from the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation.

Bailey’s research examines how coral reefs influence nearby sandy habitats, focusing on “reef halos,” which are rings of bare sand that surround coral reef patches. Her work also explores how small fish such as gobies help transfer nutrients between reef and sand environments. Using field surveys, sediment measurements, and chemical analyses, this research will improve understanding of how reef systems function and remain resilient.

This fellowship will support Bailey’s continued work on the ecological connections that sustain coral reef ecosystems and inform conservation strategies.

📷: Marissa Kordal

🎉 Congrats to UT Austin grad student Lauren Bomer on being selected as a GCAN Fellow! She recently represented Texas at ...
05/20/2026

🎉 Congrats to UT Austin grad student Lauren Bomer on being selected as a GCAN Fellow! She recently represented Texas at the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program meeting, where she shared research, built connections, and helped shape the future of Gulf coastal science. https://gcoos.org/gcan-fellows/

Institute Insights: Marine science beyond Earth 🌊🪐Could Earth’s deep-sea microbial ecosystems reveal how life might pers...
05/18/2026

Institute Insights: Marine science beyond Earth 🌊🪐

Could Earth’s deep-sea microbial ecosystems reveal how life might persist in subsurface oceans beyond our planet? UTMSI doctoral researcher John Hinkle explores how studying energy-limited marine environments on Earth can help inform the search for microbial life on icy moons.

Read the full Institute Insight to learn more: https://www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/marine-science-beyond-earth/

📷: Illustration courtesy of John Hinkle

05/15/2026

🌊 Save the Date! 🔬🦀

Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Patton Center, 855 E. Cotter Ave., in Port Aransas for Island Science Day.

This year’s Island Science Day celebrates 85 years of marine science research and education at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute and 20 years of stewardship and discovery through the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore interactive exhibits, meet scientists, tour research facilities, board research vessels, and learn more about coastal and marine research along the Texas coast.

Additional event details coming soon: https://utmsi.utexas.edu/event/island-science-day-port-aransas/

The Amos Rehabilitation Keep - ARK at UT Marine Science Institute is seeking a part-time Animal Attendant in Port Aransa...
05/13/2026

The Amos Rehabilitation Keep - ARK at UT Marine Science Institute is seeking a part-time Animal Attendant in Port Aransas, Texas. This position supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and daily care of injured and orphaned sea turtles, marine birds, and birds of prey, while also assisting with facility operations, volunteer coordination, and outreach activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in hands-on experience in wildlife care and coastal conservation.

View the full position description and apply here: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/job/Animal-Attendant_R_00044254

It was great hosting one of our board members Maritime Division and Port Authority Advisory Committee, where we got ...
05/13/2026

It was great hosting one of our board members Maritime Division and Port Authority Advisory Committee, where we got to share new research endeavors for Gulf and estuary exchange through the Port Aransas Ship Channel and discuss ways for collaboration and data development.

The Department of Marine Science proudly recognizes our undergraduate students who participated in the 5/8 College of Na...
05/12/2026

The Department of Marine Science proudly recognizes our undergraduate students who participated in the 5/8 College of Natural Sciences Commencement Ceremony at the Moody Center.

We congratulate our graduating Marine Science degree and certificate students on this important achievement and celebrate their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the program.

Pictured from left to right: Prof. Ken Dunton (DMS Chair), Nicolas Mason, Fiorella Tunjar, Payton Bryant, Sarah Gerlach, Avery Bryan, Clarissa Guzman, and Dr. Dong-Ha Min.

We also recognize graduating students Rebecca Molina, Liesel Papenhausen, Citrine Briseno, Binh Nguyen, and Avery Wisniewski.

Congratulations to all of our graduates, and best wishes as they begin the next stage of their academic and professional journeys.

Science and the Sea: The Surprising Social Lives of Bull Sharks 🦈Bull sharks have long been considered solitary apex pre...
05/09/2026

Science and the Sea: The Surprising Social Lives of Bull Sharks 🦈

Bull sharks have long been considered solitary apex predators, but emerging research reveals they form complex social networks with preferred companions, avoided individuals, and age-related social patterns. These findings are reshaping how scientists understand shark behavior and the ecological dynamics of one of the ocean’s most formidable species.

Read the full story: https://utmsi.utexas.edu/science-and-the-sea/print-article/the-surprising-social-lives-of-bull-sharks/

Congratulations to Tamara Rivera, Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, on receiving the ...
05/06/2026

Congratulations to Tamara Rivera, Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, on receiving the Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation at the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) Affiliate Meeting!

Tamara’s research explores how melting glaciers in the Gulf of Alaska are releasing stored mercury into nearby rivers and coastal waters, where it can be transformed into toxic methylmercury. By studying how mercury moves through these environments, her work helps scientists better understand the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems, fish populations, fisheries, and human health.

📷: Valeria Hernandez

Address

750 Channel View Drive
Port Aransas, TX
78373

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University of Texas Marine Science Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category