Departmental Seminar

Exploratory learning has long been recognized for its benefits, particularly in STEM fields. However, many exploration-driven curricula are limited by the constraints of classroom settings, often unable to fully support the exploration of original ideas. The availability of well-equipped workshop spaces, coupled with the expertise to guide and mentor students, plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and enhancing critical thinking. In this seminar, I’ll provide an overview of my experiences managing, teaching, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty, at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. I highlight how access to a properly outfitted workshop can significantly elevate the quality of education and the scope of scientific innovation that can be achieved. 

Biography: 

Grant Lockridge is a Physical Scientist at the US Naval Research Laboratory at Stennis Space Center, MS. His research focus is the development of new and novel technology that directly assists the modern-day warfighter in battlespace environments. Mr. Lockridge received his B.S. (2008) in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and an M.S. (2012) in Coastal, Marine, and Wetland Studies from Coastal Carolina University. From 2013-2023 Mr. Lockridge was a Marine Scientist and Diving Safety Officer at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab where he provided engineering expertise to the Faculty and Students along with teaching Scientific Diving and Marine Technical Methods.