Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholars Award

SECOORA honors Vembu Subramanian’s legacy with the annual Ocean Scholars Award. This scholarship supports future ocean experts by funding their participation in regional, national, or international conferences. SECOORA aims to sponsor 2-3 recipients per year and will cover all associated meeting costs.

Vembu, SECOORA’s beloved Data Manager, devoted his career to supporting networking and career development opportunities. This scholarship continues his impactful legacy.

Since 2018, ten scholars have showcased their work at conferences. The funding for this award has been made possible by the generous contributions from the Vembu Fan Club, with additional support provided through SECOORA membership contributions and other generous donors.

“I am honored to have been chosen for the 2022 Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholars Award. This will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for sharing my research with fellow ocean advocates, forming new connections, and networking with stakeholders. I would like to extend thanks to SECOORA and my advisor, Dr. Jordon Beckler, for this opportunity. ”

Mason Thackston, Florida Atlantic University

Past Scholars

Congratulations to the past SECOORA Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholar Award winners.

Lydia Ruggles

2023 Scholar

University of South Florida

Emma Graves

2023 Scholar

University of South Florida

Samantha D’Angelo

2023 Scholar

University of South Florida

Madison Lytle

2023 Scholar

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Mason Thackston

2022 Scholar

Florida Atlantic University

Luis Sorinas Morales

2022 Scholar

University of South Florida College of Marine Science

Caroline Tribble

2021 Scholar

University of Charleston

Lela Schlenker

2021 Scholar

East Carolina University Coastal Studies Institute

Kelsey Johnson-Sapp

2019 Scholar

University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

Laura McGee

2018 Scholar

North Carolina State University

“Receiving the Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholars Award will provide me with support to drive my research forward. By attending an international conference, I will receive valuable feedback on my research and build new collaborations within the global seagrass community. It is extremely motivating to have discussions with professionals in my field on the latest developments in coastal ocean science and management, knowing that we are all working towards the common goal of promoting healthy seagrasses habitats.”

Madison Lytle, University of North Carolina Wilmington

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