What is MERS?

The Marine Ecology Research Society was founded in 1999 at the University of West Florida by a group of inspired graduate students under the tutelage of Dr. Wayne Bennett. This student organization had one mission: to promote ecological and physiological research amongst the undergraduate and graduate students. MERS encourages students to explore the scientific community outside of the University, and to interact and educate the community regarding contemporary issues in science and the environment. Since then, our organization has grown tremendously, but our mission has remained largely the same.  We encourage anyone that has a passion for the marine environment to become a part of MERS, either as a member, or simply to support our cause through community-wide events.

 

What Do We Do?

Our work can be broken down into three categories: Research, Conservation, and Fun! Our research is primarily led by our graduate student members, often who are conducting thesis research. However, we often get a hold of a good batch of undergraduate members who come up with a new and innovative project. MERS highly encourages graduates and undergraduates to create and conduct their own project, and will actively provide assistance through such endeavors, both physically and financially.  Our conservation stance relies on charity, activism, and education. Educating the public on the issues that currently impact our marine ecosystems is the key to making a big difference, and our community service and volunteering projects often lean towards conservation goals. As for the fun...it’s hard work being a scientist, so we deserve a little fun now and then. We often take trips to regional aquaria such as the New Orleans Aquarium, the Gulf Specimens Marine Lab, and the Georgia Aquarium. We always go behind-the scenes, which may help students with future prospects of working in those settings understand just what they’re getting into.

Who’s In Charge?

While this organization has a faculty advisor, the graduates and undergraduates work together to keep the show running. Head over the Officer’s section to see who is currently making things happen.

How Do I Get In?

MERS is a non-exclusive student organization. Getting in is easier than going to the beach on a warm summer day. Membership will be granted to students of UWF who meet the following criteria:

· Currently enrolled in either an undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking program at UWF.

· Upstanding student with respect to grades and department participation.

· One time $20.00 fee as long as member remains active.

 

What are the Benefits of Being a Member?

Being a member of MERS gives you direct access to our resources, such as contacts, funding, and support in the form of manpower. You must be a member to participate in special DIS courses that we offer through our advisor, such as Basic or Advanced Aquarium Husbandry or Elasmobranch Husbandry, which look great on a CV when applying to grad school. You must also be a member to participate in many of our “fun” events such as aquarium trips or collecting trips. You’ll get discounts on MERS merchandise, such as T-shirts, calendars, and other cool stuff.

 

                        Review our Constitution

If there is anything we may of missed, you may find it by just
wandering around the site for a bit, or you can read our student
org constitution. For a copy of the MERS constitution click here.

 

About the Marine Ecology Research Society (MERS)