KINGSTON, R.I. – June 27, 2022 – For the first time in two years, University of Rhode Island Professor of Biological Sciences Brad Wetherbee will hold URI Shark Camp, hosting 16 high school students from The Met School in Providence and from the Narragansett Indian Tribe aboard the Cap’n Bert trawler July 12-14. Wetherbee began the shark camp in 2018 as a way to interest students from underserved communities in the biological sciences and marine programs at URI. 

“Every year, very few of my marine sciences students are from the BIPOC community,” said Wetherbee. “There are many reasons for that, but one of the reasons is that kids from underserved communities don’t have the same opportunity that those from wealthier communities have growing up. That’s the whole premise behind this.”

Joining him this year are two current URI marine biology majors, Maricarmen Serna of San Antonio and Deanna Torres from the Bronx. Students who participate will have the opportunity to catch sharks and many other forms of sea life aboard the Cap’n Bert trawler. Sharks are measured, sexed, and returned to the water.

Students will also receive tours of the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences on the URI campus and meet professionals in the marine sciences field, as well as alumni of the program who are currently students at URI, to discuss the prospect of going to college.

“They’re here learning about sharks, but they’re also learning about college,” Wetherbee said.

Members of the media who are interested in covering URI Shark Camp are encouraged to reach out to Professor Brad Wetherbee at (401) 450-8086 in order to reserve space on the Cap’n Bert. The trawler leaves the dock at 9 a.m. and returns at 2 p.m. each day.

WHO:  URI Professor Brad Wetherbee, URI biology majors Maricarmen Serna and Deanna Torres and students from The Met School in Providence and from the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

WHAT: Free URI Shark Camp.
This is the first URI Shark Camp in two years due to COVID-19.

WHERE: The Cap’n Bert trawler leaves from the Wickford Shipyard
100 Steamboat Ave., Wickford, R.I.

WHEN: July 12, 13, 14
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Note for Media: Members of the media who are interested in covering URI Shark Camp are encouraged to reach out to Professor Brad Wetherbee at (401) 450-8086 in order to reserve space on the Cap’n Bert. The trawler leaves the dock at 9 a.m. and returns at 2 p.m. each day.