Students Work Attracts a Growing Interest from the Marine Industry

Winners of the main awards at the 2013 Research day from left to right, Sam Mullen best watersports student, Lauren Bambury and Brynoy Nash, best overall project award and Nick Archer best marine biologist student.

Degree students from Falmouth Marine School showcased their final year projects at The Poly in Falmouth to industry experts, academics and the public this week. 
The event, which is supported by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, attracted a record number of attendees which included representatives from Cornwall Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, National Marine Aquarium, A&P, Plymouth University, Cornwall Seal Group, Marine Discovery, University of Exeter, Marine Biological Association and many other businesses.   

Marine Sports Science and Marine Science degree students have been working with businesses in the sector on live projects as part of the Falmouth Marine Enterprise (F.a.M.E) initiative.  Head of Falmouth Marine School David Stedman commented:  “This partnership programme was developed as a result of the industry’s need for concrete evidence about issues and solutions that affect it and the students’ need to be ready for the workplace from the offset.  Matching these two factors created F.a.M.E, where practical industry projects are linked directly to student research, and forms the foundations of our degree courses.”   

The students produced materials and used interactive displays to communicate the findings of their final year research projects.  Projects ranged from eelgrass mapping and non-native species in Fal Harbour to how music can affect kayaking performance.    

Presentations were delivered throughout the day from the students, with a key note from past student James Ray who started his own business, ‘Fitness Wild’ upon completing his Marine Sports Science foundation degree, he said:  “I couldn’t even swim when I came to Falmouth Marine School and I left as a fully qualified instructor.  The F.a.M.E project is an excellent initiative for both students and businesses.  I look forward to having a student working with me next year.”  

Marine Science foundation degree student Chloe Burrin, worked with Cornwall Wildlife Trust identifying and mapping sightings of Atlantic grey seals in Cornwall, she said: "I have really enjoyed working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, it’s satisfying to know that my research can and will be used to identify the locations of seals throughout the year.  I have gained a great deal of skills and knowledge through the application of live research and working on a live project.”   

David Ellis, Chairman of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: "The level of professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm from the students was phenomenal.  We highly value our link with Falmouth Marine School.  The standard of the student projects is very high and they are delivering evidence that is of use to industry providing both background information and potentially commercially valuable innovations.  We are committed to supporting these young researchers and developing the F.a.M.E partnership."  

David Ellis presented the student awards, which were: Marine Science student of the year, which was awarded to Nick Archer, Marine Sports Science student of the year, awarded to Samuel Mullan and F.a.M.E project of the year went to Byrony Nash and Lauren Bambury for their project with Cornwall IFCA.   

Students were awarded with a certificate and Amazon vouchers from Falmouth Marine School.  They also received Beach Break Live tickets from Plymouth University, who accredits Falmouth Marine School’s degree courses.  Nathan Gornall, Plymouth University Student Experience Outreach Coordinator said:  “The University of Plymouth Students’ Union is proud to represent all Plymouth University students, in particular when we are celebrating their achievements. We like to reward our hardworking students, with thanks to Beach Break Live which takes place in Newquay from the 20th to 24th of June, for providing tickets to each of tonight’s winners.”  

Raoul Humphreys, Acting CEO, delivered the welcome speech at the event, he said:  “The importance of researching current issues and interacting with the business community is a vital developmental element of our degree programmes.  F.a.M.E and today’s showcase provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their own research specialities and to communicate within a real business context in preparation for their next steps in education or employment.”   

If you are interested in studying at Falmouth Marine School call: 01326 310310,
email: falenquiries@cornwall.ac.uk or visit www.falmouthmarineschool.ac.uk.