SANDY HOOK, N.J. — How does time out of water and changes in temperature affect lobsters during transport? Marine Academy of Science & Technology (MAST) senior Evan Shor will investigate that question with a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory through a new research agreement between NOAA and the Monmouth County Vocational School District.
Beginning in November, Shor, a resident of Ocean Township, will work with NOAA scientist Dr. Andrij Horodysky on a project examining lobsters’ oxygen consumption and how time out of water and changes in temperature affect lobster metabolism and recovery. The research could help identify transport conditions that reduce lobster mortality.
“Since my first day, the knowledge and insight I've gained in laboratory research, data analysis, and use of science research data for real world application has been immense,” Shor said. “The skills and lessons I've learned have been transformative, and I look forward to beginning my personal project.”
The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement creates opportunities for MAST students to conduct research with NOAA scientists. Students will have access to laboratory facilities, staff expertise and other resources as they pursue projects that support their academic goals and the goals of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, which operates the laboratory.
“This agreement provides MAST's marine science students the opportunity to engage with NOAA Fisheries scientists in advanced research techniques, furthering their education beyond a typical high school curriculum,” said Dr. James Vasslides, director of the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory. “For NOAA's scientists, working with these highly motivated students allows us to expand our research into interesting new areas, while training potential future colleagues.”
MAST is a full-time, four-year career academy in Sandy Hook and part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District. Its college-preparatory curriculum focuses on marine sciences, oceanography, marine technology and engineering.
“Students come to MAST expecting focused, hands-on learning and the opportunity to conduct research that most students don’t get until they’re in college, but this agreement with the James J. Howard Laboratory further elevates our students’ experience,” MAST Principal Earl Moore said. “They are gaining access to NOAA scientists as mentors while conducting meaningful ecology research.”
NOAA’s Cooperative Research and Development Agreements support research with outside organizations and are coordinated through its Technology Partnerships Office.
About Monmouth County Vocational School District
MCVSD operates six full-time Career Academies including the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Academy of Law and Public Safety, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School, High Technology High School and Marine Academy of Science and Technology. Each welcomes students as freshmen and retains those students through their senior year of high school, for a focused learning experience that helps them take meaningful steps toward their college and career goals.
MCVSD also operates more than 30 shared-time programs, a Career Center for students with special needs and adult programs. Questions about the admissions process for the MCVSD Career Academies or any other career and technical education program offered by MCVSD should be directed to applications@ctemc.org.