Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s (GIC) elementary and middle school summer camps were invited to explore ocean sciences recently alongside inspiring local female scientists, educators, and conservation leaders.
The one-day event was part of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s (SBMM) annual Girls in Ocean Science (GiOS) conference.
“This one-day conference builds on SBMM’s mission to inspire the next generation of maritime and ocean stewards,” organizers said.
“Through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and field-based experiences, participants explored careers in marine biology, oceanography, environmental science, and other STEAM fields, guided by women who are actively making waves in their professions,” they said.
“We are thrilled to bring this impactful program to the Carpinteria community,” said Lis Perry, SBMM education director.
“By connecting students directly with local female role models, such as Rachel Rhodes from the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory at UCSB, who was born and raised in Carpinteria, we hope to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a lasting passion for protecting their coastal community,” Perry said.
Participants rotated through seven interactive stations, covering topics such as whale conservation research, shark ecology, ocean literacy, oceanography, commercial diving, and coastal ecology.
There was also an art lesson, led by art educator, Sondra Weiss. SBMM believes in integrating art into ocean science as it allows girls to explore the natural world creatively and emotionally, helping them connect more deeply with the ocean and see themselves as both scientists and storytellers, according to the museum.
“We’re so grateful for the Girls in Ocean Science program and the opportunity it gave our girls to engage with hands-on marine science right here on campus at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria,” said Jamie Collins, GIC executive director.
“They loved the interactive stations, and being in a familiar, supportive space made the experience even more meaningful, helping them feel seen, inspired, and excited about what’s possible,” Collins said.
“Experiences like this open our girls’ eyes to the possibilities ahead and show them that a future in STEM is truly within their reach,” she said.
GiOS said it aims to address the gender gap in science fields by empowering participants to envision themselves as future scientists and environmental stewards.
Past participants have gone on to pursue degrees in ocean-related subjects, citing the conference as a key moment in their personal and academic journeys.
Scientists and experts who participated included:
COAST Lab, UC Santa Barbara: Dana Myers, Lost Art of Love Letters: Sondra Weiss; Santa Barbara Channelkeeper: Penny Owens (GiOS Conference co-chair) and Veronica Moran Santoro Lab, UC Santa Barbara: Nicola Paul and Jeemin H. Rhim Shark Lab, California State University, Long Beach: Felicity Eriksson Marine Diving Technology, Santa Barbara City College: Emma Horanic and Alina Snyder
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Claire Fackler
Whale Safe, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory: Rachel Rhodes and Rachel Bacal.
“Representation matters,” said Holly Lohuis, co-chair for GiOS, co-director of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. “When girls meet women who share their stories and passions in science, it shows them they truly belong.
“We want these students to become active stewards of their own coastal ecosystems in Carpinteria.”
SBMM will host its fifth annual Girls in Ocean Science conference on Sept. 27 for middle school students, and Sept. 28 for high school students.
The Steinmetz Foundation sponsors girls in Ocean Science.
Learn more about the Maritime Museum at sbmm.org.