CMAST News

Apr 18, 2014

Birds Receive Annual Exams at the Aquarium

The birds at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (NCAPKS) recently received annual exams to evaluate their health status. The veterinary care for the Aquarium is routinely provided by Dr. Craig Harms and zoological medicine residents from the College of Veterinary Medicine based out of NCSU-CMAST. However, there are occasions for capitalizing on the…

Apr 16, 2014

Bucking Conventional Wisdom, Researchers Find Black Sea Bass Tougher Than Expected

In a new study, fisheries researchers from North Carolina State University found that black sea bass (Centropristis striata) can usually survive the physical trauma that results from being hauled up from deep water then released at the surface. The finding is part of a larger study of the fish’s mortality rate, which will inform stock…

Apr 10, 2014

Former CMAST Undergraduate Summer Scholar Accepted into NASA Program

It’s not every day an English-major-turned-food-scientist gets a chance to work with experts at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), but that’s the future for Ryan Dowdy, a 2013 CMAST undergraduate summer scholar. Ryan, who worked in the NC State Seafood Laboratory, has been accepted in the NASA National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s 2014…

Mar 11, 2014

Leatherback Sea Turtle Stranded in Atlantic Beach

On Saturday, March 8, a large sea turtle was reported stranded in Atlantic Beach, NC. Veterinarians and staff from NCSU-CMAST responded to find an adult female leatherback turtle in shallow surf just off the New Bern Street public beach access point. Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtles, and are very rarely seen nesting…

Mar 7, 2014

SciRen 2014 Workshop

The SciREN 2014 Workshop, sponsored by graduate students from Duke Marine Lab, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, and the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, was an evening for K-12 teachers and local marine scientists to interact in a relaxed environment. CMAST was well represented with displays and activities by Dr. Vicky Thayer, Dr. Pat Curley…

Mar 5, 2014

CMAST 2014 Outlook

Mission Discovering innovative solutions to questions and problems in marine systems is the principal mission of the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST). CMAST provides effective communication of these discoveries by promoting multidisciplinary studies among research scientists, educators and extension specialists from the participating NC State University colleges, enhancing interaction with other educational institutions…

Feb 21, 2014

CMAST’S Craig Harms Receives Widespread Recognition for Whale Euthanasia Study

“It’s not what I thought I’d be doing back when I went to veterinary school at Iowa State, and it is not a pleasant task, but relief of animal suffering, collaborating with colleagues who have varied expertise, and applying diverse training to novel challenges is all consistent with that preparation.” So said CMAST’s Craig Harms,…

Feb 11, 2014

CMAST 2014 Summer Fellows Open for Registration

NC State University’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City, NC enthusiastically supports undergraduate research – providing students with opportunities to design projects and gain rewarding research experiences. In consultation with a faculty advisor that matches their interest, each student will: 1) identify a study project addressing a current issue affecting coastal ecosystems…

Feb 5, 2014

ROVs Used to Introduce Students to Marine Technology

The Science House at CMAST is continuing to integrate a coastal theme into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. It has begun an initiative using underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to provide teachers with resources for introducing students to marine technology and engineering. Dr. Pat Curley, Director of the Science House at CMAST has…

Feb 3, 2014

Carteret Country Students Get Hands-On Experience

Students at Harkers Island Middle School and East Carteret High School had the opportunity to witness and participate in dolphin necropsies at CMAST recently. This program was the brainchild of CMAST and DMF’s Vicky Thayer, who is the Stranding Coordinator for the North Carolina Central Coastal Stranding Network. Her daughter, Lindsey, is an ECHS student,…