Thirty people from DMS attended the Ocean Science Meeting in New Orleans this February. Check out what we presented to the ocean science community.
by Mengyang Zhou
Every two years, the Ocean Science Meeting (OSM) brings together the ocean community around the world. This gathering serves as a platform for sharing latest discoveries and discussing the far-reaching impact of ocean science. This February, thirty DMS members attended OSM24 in New Orleans. The full list of presentations from DMS can be found at the end of this article. Here are some highlights of our departments’ participation at OSM24 that include student presentation highlights, DMS booth and reflections from first timers at OSM.
We delivered presentations that covered diverse fields in ocean sciences, especially those by talented students. Here are some great examples. Ph.D. student Halle Berger presented her poster on the effects of ocean acidification and warming on the vulnerability of the U.S. Atlantic sea scallop. Her study will help fisheries management by identifying candidate areas for future fishing zones. Bernard Akaawase, also a Ph.D. student, gave an oral presentation on the directional wave-breaking kinematics and the energy spectrum from 3-D stereo-image observations of ocean waves. Undergraduate student Vicki You presented a poster on using DNA metabarcoding of fish diets to understand fish’s prey preference and selectivity, and the contributions of fish predators to the food web dynamics of the pelagic ecosystem.
Our department left a mark at OSM24 with an engaging booth that attracted visitors with its lively displays and interactive demonstration. We showcased our laboratories, ongoing scientific projects and educational programs spanning un dergraduate and graduate levels, as well as opportunities for postdocs and faculties. It served as a hub for building connections with fellow researchers and potential collaborators. Notably, many DMS alumni dropped by the booth and shared updates on career trajectories.
For many students attending OSM for the first time, it was an unforgettable experience filled with excitement as well as some challenges. Second year Ph.D. student Catherine Crowley shared her experience at OSM as a first-timer: “OSM was a great opportunity for me to learn more about my field of study and meet collaborators who are working on similar niche questions. This was the first conference I attended where there were so many people interested in isotopes and the marine nitrogen cycle. I really enjoyed attending the talks and I learned a lot while at the conference. However, there were times when the conference felt overwhelming due to my schedule being planned to the minute, and I had to run from one end of the building to another to get to another interesting talk. Having a UConn booth at OSM was an interesting way to connect with prospective students and faculty members. I believe that UConn has a lot to offer as a program, and this was a unique way to showcase how cool our program is and highlight the research of various colleagues.” Paban Bhuyan, also a Ph.D. student, said: “Attending OSM for the first time felt like stepping into a grand fair, where oceanographers from across the globe gather to exchange groundbreaking ideas and state-of-the-art technology. It presented itself as the monumental opportunity I had long anticipated, allowing me to finally meet the esteemed researchers whose work I have diligently followed and admired. The chance to engage with them directly, to listen to their presentation in person, was an invaluable experience. Equally striking was the realization of being part of a vast community dedicated to similar research interests. Discovering so many scientists attending my session, engaging with my poster, and posing questions that delve into the core of my research inquiries was both surprising and reaffirming. Their questions opened new avenues of thought, highlighting aspects I had yet to consider but now recognize as essential. This interaction has inspired my research journey with a newfound sense of direction and purpose.”
OSM24 was a celebration of ocean sciences. Our department’s presence at OSM24 was both impactful and memorable. We showcased our commitment to advancing ocean science and education through engaging presentations and interactive booth displays. Looking forward to the next OSM in 2026!
