In her second year of study for her Masters of Marine & Environmental Studies degree at the University of the Virgin Islands, Zola Roper’s thesis focuses on marine debris in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a pervasive and important local environmental issue. How did she get here?

One of VI-EPSCoR’s primary goals is to grow a USVI community that is scientifically and mathematically literate and engaged in issues that are scientific and environmental in nature. Our goal is realized when local scientists are able to stay in the USVI and work in their field because the employment opportunities exist.

Dr. Sennai Habtes, Research Assistant Professor of Biological Oceanography at The University of the Virgin Islands is an accidental role model and success story of VI-EPSCoR’s efforts. 

The NOAA Marine Debris Prevention Grant through UVI provides the opportunity for teachers and students to develop projects to engage and educate the greater USVI community about marine debris problems and solutions.

Debris often finds its way into our oceans and waterways. It is not uncommon to see trash floating in St. Thomas Harbour after heavy rains.