The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Wheaton Women in Ocean Science Award (WIOSA). A unique opportunity for early-career women in ocean science seeking professional growth, mentorship, and hands-on research experience.

This initiative will support one WIOSA Scholar and two WIOSA Interns, with research focused on one of the following key topics:

• Seagrass ecology
• Coastal blue carbon
• Coral recruitment dynamics

The selected projects will directly support CCMI’s Blue Carbon Offset and Biodiversity Project, furthering critical research on climate resilience and marine ecosystems.

Photo credit: Blue Carbon Offset & Biodiversity – CCMI

WIOSA Scholar Opportunity

The WIOSA Scholar position is intended for a post-doctoral level researcher seeking to advance an independent research career. Scholars may propose their own research or collaborate on CCMI’s current programming. Preference will be given to projects that investigate:

• The role of seagrass beds
• Coral recruitment processes
• Carbon cycling and its influence on reef and coastal resilience

Location: Little Cayman Research Centre
Fellowship Term: 2025–2027

Support Package:

• $5,000 USD annual fellowship
• $10,000 USD annual research support (including one month of fieldwork, diving, boat use, equipment, room and board)
• $800 USD travel support
• Conference travel funding to present at a regional scientific meeting

In addition, the selected scholar will mentor one of the WIOSA Interns through a transparent selection process.

WIOSA Internships

Two internship positions are available for graduate students (Master’s or PhD level) pursuing careers in ocean science. Interns will gain field-based experience by contributing to a project led by the WIOSA Scholar.

Key Requirements:

• Certified and experienced scuba diver
• Interest in coral recruitment, seagrass dynamics, or coastal blue carbon

Duration: 2.5 months
Location: Little Cayman Research Centre

Support Package:

• $500 USD monthly stipend
• $800 USD travel support
• Room and board provided
• One-on-one mentorship from a WIOSA Scholar

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 15 June 2025
To Apply: Email your CV and cover letter to WIOS@reefresearch.org

For full details, visit: https://reefresearch.org/about-ccmi/our-people/positions-available/

Contact

For any questions about the award or application process, please get in touch.

Abbie Dosell
Head of Fundraising and Engagement
www.reefresearch.org
facebook.com/reefresearch

A Tribute to the Ocean’s Keystone Species:

Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge, an international student art contest that promotes ocean conservation. This year’s theme, Marine Keystone Species, invited students to create artwork highlighting species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of ocean ecosystems.

Open to primary and secondary school students 11–19 years old, the competition received an overwhelming response this year. Over 1,300 young artists from 75 countries submitted artwork—each piece a unique interpretation of a marine keystone species, from sea otters and mangroves to corals and sharks. These species may not always be the most numerous or well-known, but they have an outsized impact on their environment. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity, balance food webs, and support ecosystem resilience. If a keystone species is removed, the entire ecosystem could shift dramatically or collapse. Through their art, students explored these complex ecological relationships and made a compelling case for ocean conservation.

Artwork in the competition was judged in two categories based on age. The winning entries are not only beautiful pieces of artwork—they are a tribute to the animals that keep our ocean ecosystems in balance.

In the 15–19 age group, the first-place winner of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge is Hyungjun Chin, with his enchanting piece, “The Keeper.” An 18-year-old student from the Republic of Korea, Hyungjun’s artwork depicts a sea otter eating sea urchins in a vibrant kelp forest, highlighting the otter’s role in protecting the kelp from overgrazing.

“Winning the Science Without Borders Challenge® means a lot to me,” said Hyungjun. “It feels incredibly rewarding to have my artwork recognized on an international level, especially when it’s about a topic I care deeply about—the environment. I wanted my artwork to show how every species has a role and how protecting even one can save many.”

Second place in the 15–19 category went to Kimin Kim of the Republic of Korea for her artwork, “Bridge Between Waters and Worlds.” Her piece highlights the importance of mangrove trees as habitat for species both above and below the waterline, and their role in purifying the water for nearby seagrass meadows.

Daniel Yu from Hackensack, New Jersey, claimed third place with “The Sea’s Yggdrasil,” a striking portrayal of mangroves as ecosystem engineers—stabilizing coastlines, preventing erosion, and filtering pollutants from the water to support surrounding marine life.

In the 11–14 age group, Gia Kim, age 12, from Los Angeles, California, earned first place for “Melting Grounds,” her powerful painting of krill—tiny but vital creatures that form the heart of the food web in the Arctic and Antarctic. Her artwork illustrates how the loss of such species, due to threats like climate change and ocean acidification, could lead to ecological collapse.

“I hope this piece raises awareness about our damaged ocean and what could happen if we continue to harm it,” said Gia. “This is our planet, and we can make a change, starting with our warming ocean.”

Second place in the 11–14 age group went to Kate Wang from Canada for “Seagrass Savior,” which illustrates how the large appetites of tiger sharks help protect fragile seagrass ecosystems.

Third place was awarded to Annie Douglas from The Bahamas for “The Beauty of Coral Reef,” celebrating reef-building corals. Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support roughly 25% of all marine species, including over 4,000 kinds of fish.

Each of the winners will receive scholarships of up to $500 from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to celebrate their achievements and help them pursue their interests in art and ocean conservation.

Now in its 13th year, the Science Without Borders® Challenge continues to engage students in important ocean science and conservation topics through art. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation created the competition to educate students around the world about the need to preserve our oceans and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.

“The goal of this contest has always been to educate students about the ocean through art,” said Amy Heemsoth, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education at the Foundation. “This year’s theme helped them understand how essential certain species are to the health of marine ecosystems. Their artwork serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect our oceans for future generations.”

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge, and thanks them for using their creativity and passion to inspire positive change for our oceans.

For more information:
Visit: www.LOF.org

Gallery

About the Organizations:

About the Science Without Borders® Challenge:
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international student art contest run by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to engage students in marine conservation through art. The annual competition welcomes entries from all primary and secondary school students 11–19 years old. Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to the winning entries. Students and teachers interested in next year’s competition can learn more and apply at:
www.livingoceansfoundation.org/SWBchallenge

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation:
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the world’s oceans. Through science, outreach, and education, the Foundation works to conserve coral reefs and other tropical marine ecosystems, enhance ocean literacy, and inspire conservation action. Learn more at www.livingoceansfoundation.org

REEF is opening its new Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo this June, marking a major step in its mission to connect people with the ocean. The space is designed to bring marine science, conservation, and education to life for all ages. Opening its door to explore the ocean without ever entering the water (well, we still encourage you to!).

Set for the weekend of June 7 and 8, the Ocean Exploration Center offers more than just architecture and exhibits. The space has been thoughtfully designed as a place for learning, community, and immersion. Attendees will find guided tours, hands-on science demonstrations, and an atmosphere that encourages even the most casual visitor to see themselves as part of the conservation story. Saturday’s events will unfold from 3 to 7 in the afternoon, with ocean-themed games, activities, and local refreshments. Sunday morning brings the launch celebration for REEF’s sixth annual Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, where participants gather for coffee and snacks before exploring the new center at their own pace. Admission is free, and the experience promises to leave a lasting impression. More information and RSVP details can be found at www.REEF.org/oecgrandopening.

For those unable to attend in person, there is still a way to participate meaningfully. The Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K runs from June 8 to 14, inviting participants around the world to walk, run, bike, swim, or hike their way through five kilometers in honor of World Ocean Day. The event encourages flexibility, reflection, and personal connection to conservation. It’s a movement that doesn’t rely on a podium or stopwatch, but instead emphasizes community and shared values. Proceeds support REEF’s Oceans for All Fund, a program designed to expand access to diving, science, and marine education for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Registration and details are available at www.REEF.org/5K.

For those drawn to the ocean through language and story, REEF’s Into the Blue Book Club offers yet another way to connect. The next meeting takes place on July 10 and will discuss Megalodons, Mermaids and Climate Change: Answers to Your Ocean and Atmosphere Questions by Dr. Ellen Prager and David Jones. Open to all, the virtual gathering offers a chance to explore ocean science and storytelling in conversation with others. Whether you’ve read the book cover to cover or simply want to listen in, the meeting is a warm entry point into a growing community of ocean-minded readers. More information can be found at www.REEF.org/bookclub.

REEF offers a new center, a virtual 5K, and a book club. Each invites people to engage with the ocean in their own way. In a time when conservation can feel overwhelming, REEF keeps it simple: participate, stay curious, and stay connected.

By Junior Thanong Aiamkhophueng

About the Organizations:

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is an international marine conservation organization that implements hands-on programs to involve local communities in conservation-focused activities. REEF was founded in 1990 and is based in Key Largo, Florida, with additional staff in Illinois, California, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Its mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community.