The 2026 MSU-SEAS Program continues providing experiential learning opportunities for middle and high school students of the region in its 6th year

March 21, 2026


MSU-SEAS (Mississippi State University – Science and Education at Sea) is an immersive, place-based STEM education program led by the Northern Gulf Institute in partnership with the Mississippi Aquarium, Ship Island Excursions, and regional collaborators. Designed for middle and high school students—including public, private, and homeschooled learners—the program transforms the Mississippi Gulf Coast into a living laboratory where participants engage directly with marine, atmospheric, geological, and environmental systems. Through structured, day-long field experiences in the Mississippi Sound and along barrier island environments such as Ship Island, students conduct authentic scientific activities including water quality sampling, sediment analysis, and biological identification, while exploring the interconnected dynamics of coastal ecosystems.



Grounded in experiential learning theory, MSU-SEAS emphasizes learning through direct engagement, enabling students to move beyond abstract classroom concepts and apply scientific practices in real-world contexts. This approach strengthens conceptual understanding, increases retention, and fosters curiosity by allowing students to observe and participate in the processes scientists use to study environmental systems. The program also serves a broader workforce development function aligned with NOAA priorities, cultivating early interest in STEM careers, promoting environmental stewardship, and expanding access to high-impact educational experiences—particularly for students who may otherwise lack exposure to coastal and marine science. By integrating research, education, and community engagement, MSU-SEAS positions students as emerging stakeholders in Gulf resilience and sustainability while reinforcing NGI's role at the interface of science, education, and societal impact.



NGI and the Mississippi Aquarium offer the program at least twice a semester to the public and homeschooled students. Student participants in this cohort are from across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Coastal Counties, and several are from as far north as Tupelo and Kosciusko.

Our next program is scheduled for April 18th, 2026

Reservations can be made through the following link: https://www.msaquarium.org/events/2026/msu-seas

Click here for more information about Ship Island Excursions