The STEM Student Experiences Aboard Ships program has announced its 2026 cohort for the Community College Faculty expedition aboard Scripps Institution of Oceanography-operated research vessel R/V Sally Ride.
Those selected headed out to sea June 7-14, from Seward, Alaska, to Newport, Oregon. Among the cohort was John Burris, professor of Geology at San Juan College.
Burris has taught at San Juan College since 2004 and is known for creating hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore geology beyond the classroom.
“Professor Burris has spent more than two decades creating transformative field experiences for our students, encouraging them to explore beyond the classroom and engage directly with scientific discovery,” said Veronica Evans, dean of the School of Math, Science and Engineering at San Juan College. “We are excited to see how this experience will strengthen opportunities for our students to participate in research and STEM career pathways.”
Through his participation in STEMSEAS, Burris hopes to gain new perspectives on oceanographic research while expanding opportunities for SJC students to engage in STEM experiences and explore careers in the geosciences.
“Participating in STEMSEAS is an incredible opportunity to experience science in an entirely new environment and bring those lessons back to our students,” said Burris. “I’m excited to gain firsthand experience with the program and help connect San Juan College students to opportunities that expand their horizons, build confidence and inspire them to pursue careers in science.”
Selected from a competitive nationwide applicant pool, this cohort represented nine states and 14 institutions spanning the country.
While on board, the faculty was led by an experienced four-person team of community college faculty who had previously participated in STEMSEAS.
Participants mimicked the student experience, learning about the instruments on board, collecting data, hearing from a variety of personnel about career paths and designing and implementing mini research projects.
This expedition aimed to equip faculty to become STEMSEAS instructor-mentors on future expeditions and increase recruitment and participation of community college students.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for community college faculty, one of our nation’s most overlooked resources. Our hope is that this unique professional development expedition will lead to increased collaborations between two- and four-year institutions, greater numbers of community college faculty sailing as mentors, and increased opportunities for community college students to experience science at sea,” said Sharon Cooper, one of the program’s leaders.
STEMSEAS is a National Science Foundation funded initiative designed to provide experiences for undergraduate students from all backgrounds on board U.S.-operated oceanographic research ships, providing increased exposure to the science and careers involved in oceanography and Earth science.
Since 2016, the program has sailed more than 300 students alongside mentors from a wide variety of science and career backgrounds. The first two-year college expedition was held in 2023 and led to a significant jump in participation from community college faculty and students.