Members of the RUCOOL team.
Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL) is the recipient of The Oceanography Society’s (TOS) biennial Ocean Observing Team Award. The RUCOOL team is recognized for its distinction in sustained ocean observing, applied scientifically and practically. RUCOOL is a leading innovator of new oceanographic technologies, a developer of integrated ocean observing and modeling networks, and has educated oceanography’s future generation for over thirty years. Comprised of senior and junior faculty, RU COOL has created a transdisciplinary group that addresses society’s needs through ocean observation and public outreach, creating a generation aware of ocean-related concerns.
Glider missions have taken Rutgers scientists, researchers and students to all 7 ocean basins and both polar seas. Credit: Rutgers_RUCOOL
The team is also revered for its emphasis on outreach and education, especially in the K-12 sector. The group’s certificate includes a citation that recognizes RUCOOL for transforming oceanography by sharing their pioneering sampling platforms, sensing methods, and their integration in models and education. Since 1995, RUCOOL’s Education and Outreach group has been committed to bringing Rutgers’ resources and training programs to K-16 students and educators to aid in developing the STEM workforce.
Oscar Schofield, co-director of RUCOOL and department chair of Rutgers’ Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at SEBS, says, “What makes me proud about this award is that it celebrates TEAM. This is what RUCOOL has always been about – a shared pool of talents of passions, and the sum ends up being much greater than the parts. Also, the RUCOOL team are some of my best friends. What an awesome life, having extreme adventures for the good of the world with friends! I am blessed to work with these people.”
The members representing the RUCOOL team include Oscar Schofield (co-director), Scott Glenn (co-director), Janice McDonnell, Josh Kohut, Grace Saba, Travis Miles, Alex Lopez, Daphne Munroe and Thomas Grothues. The team is dedicated to data transparency and open access. Team members will be honored on February 21 at The Oceanography Society’s Honors Breakfast in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This article is written by OOC intern Emily Ranieri.
