The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) has  announced that the Girls in Ocean Science (GiOS) Conference, returning for its second year, has been expanded to two days of programming. The conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2022,  for students in grades 6-8, and for Sunday, October 2, 2022 for those in grades 9-12. Program activities will take place from 9am-3pm each day. This hands-on event will connect leading female scientists with up to 40 junior high school students and up to 48 senior high school students and is made possible by the generosity of the Steinmetz Family Foundation.

Because women continue to be the minority in many fields of science, the conference and speakers will be encouraging these young women to consider pursuing science-based fields of study. The cost to attend the conference is $20 for SBMM members and $30 for non-members. Scholarships are available. Apply for a scholarship at https://sbmm.org/girls-in-ocean-science-scholarship-application-2/

This exciting program is designed to connect leading female experts with the next generation of potential scientists, encouraging and empowering young women to explore maritime and ocean science-based fields of study and careers.   Our goal is to bring together bright minds to create idea-focused conversations and hands-on experiences that foster learning, inspiration, and wonder. During the GiOS conference, female experts will share their lives, careers, and interests with local junior and senior high-school students. Young women who love science or are just beginning to show an interest will gain insight and potential mentors who can educate and guide them in pursuit of a possible future in ocean sciences.

Why Focus on Ocean Science?
Scientific evidence clearly shows that people are causing a decline in the ocean’s health on a global scale. Oceans cover over 70% of the surface of the earth, provide 90% of the living space, and are integral to all known life on our planet.  Scientists have come to understand and value the important fact that oceans sustain all life on the planet.  Oceans provide life-giving oxygen, regulate the climate, feed the world with needed protein, provide a place of spiritual connection, and sustain the delicate balancing act between living organisms and the physical forces of Earth.

Marine scientists are reporting that the oceans are warming and that these warming seas are having a profound effect on oceanic processes and marine life. Today’s loss of ocean biodiversity is staggering. There is an urgent need to provide opportunities for young women in our community to learn all about maritime and marine science careers so they can feel educated and empowered to help turn this trend around.

Through Girls in Ocean Science, participating student scientists will communicate the importance of marine ecology and introduce students to the unique oceanographic conditions that make the Santa Barbara Channel so productive and diverse with wildlife. GiOS Conference co-chairs are:

• Holly Lohuis, Co-chair. Marine Biologist, Naturalist, Educator, GiOS Committee Chair, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Education Committee, and Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Futures Society
• Penny Owens, Co-chair. Education & Community Outreach Director, Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper

For more information and to register: https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/girls-in-ocean-science-2022/2022-10-01/ or contact Lis Perry at lperry@sbmm.org or (805) 456-8741.