Professional Development

Develop a Professional Development Plan! 

Employers across a wide range of job sectors are looking for the same or very similar skills and competencies in their employees.  Do you know what they are? 

Career Competencies (W&M)

The SMS Individual Development Plan (.xlsx file) template developed for the M.A. program will help you identify the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) you need for career tracks in marine science and closely allied fields.  It includes a worksheet with KSAs prioritized by over 250 VIMS/SMS alumni and Virginia Sea Grant program alumni or partner employers for careers in areas such as Resource Management or Policy, Not-for-Profit, For-Profit, State or Federal Agencies, Education & Outreach and Higher Ed.

The MyIDP at Science Careers portal provides:

• Exercises to help you examine your skills, interests, and values
• A list of 20 scientific career paths with a prediction of which ones best fit your skills and interests
• A tool for setting strategic goals for the coming year, with optional reminders to keep you on track
• Articles and resources to guide you through the process

The Academic Career Readiness Assessment (ACRA) rubric is a tool developed by the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) with a grant from Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The goal of this tool is to provide graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with the information they need to explore, plan for and apply to faculty positions at different types of institutions, regardless of their understanding of the intricacies of the U.S. education system and independently of the mentoring they receive.

Develop a Network!

As a VIMS student you will regularly encounter people on the VIMS and W&M campuses who can be part of your network and connect you with their networks.  Campus organizations are also opportunities to connect.  Explore the many ways to connect on the VIMS and W&M campuses.  You will also have major opportunities to network with external colleagues and VIMS graduate program alums at meetings and conferences hosted by professional societies. With a little advanced preparation you can turn simple introductions and chance encounters in the coffee line into opportunities to build and strengthen your network.  

Recommended reading:

Scientists Gotta Network, Too (HeyScienceSam, Samantha Yammine)

10 Tips for Easier Networking at Scientific Conferences (HeyScienceSam, Samantha Yammine)

19 Practical Networking Tips for Your Next Conference (Four Waves, Matthieu Chartier)

Networking Tips from W&M's Career Development & Professional Engagement Center offers suggestions for how to develop talking points, how to ask for an informational interview and example outreach emails. 

External Fellowships

The following list is a sampling of professional development-oriented fellowships.  For additional fellowship opportunities, visit the Funding Opportunities page.

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF): AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) provide opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking while contributing their knowledge and analytical skills to the federal policymaking process. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government in Washington.

AGU Mass Media Fellowship: a 10-week summer program that places science, engineering, and mathematics students at media organizations nationwide. Fellows use their academic training as they research, write, and report today’s headlines, sharpening their skills in communicating complex scientific issues to the public.

Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program: A  full-time hands-on training and educational program that provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation.

Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science Fellowship (COVES): Fellows are trained in science policy and science communication through a Fellowship Orientation and Bootcamp in Richmond, Virginia. Fellows are placed in legislative offices, executive agencies, or prominent companies and nonprofits in the state of Virginia starting in May and ending in August each year.

Environmental Fellows Program at the Yale School of the Environment: a 12-week summer fellowship opportunity that seeks to diversify the environmental field by cultivating the career aspirations of master’s and doctoral students from historically underrepresented groups.

Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship: graduate students are matched with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one-year paid fellowship.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC): The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is dedicated to fostering the development of the next generation of environmental scientists through an active fellowship and internship program with an international scope.

William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship: Through this fellowship, The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues and challenges affecting philanthropy, social enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other actors in the social sector.

LinkedIn Group (VIMS)

From the GSA's Professional Development Committee (PDC):

Calling all students and alumni: Please join the VIMS student and alumni LinkedIn group to facilitate networking within the greater VIMS community. Spread the word!

Listservs & Email

Listservs maintained by professional organizations, agencies and others may be beneficial for finding funding, jobs, professional development opportunities, special courses, new papers, and more.  Here are some examples: ECOLOG-L by ESA; Coral-List by NOAA; AGU Connect; Crust-L from The Crustacean Society; Scuttlebutt by VIMS (marine science education); NSF Ocean Sciences listserv; Connecticut Sea Grant provides a Professional Development Listserv for Researchers and Students; New England Marine Science Opportunities; A list of listservs related to water and the environment

The well-connected VIMS community uses vims-misc email to share job announcements and professional development opportunities provided by outside organizations and colleagues.  Academic Affairs will forward student-specific opportunities to grads at vims.edu.

Opportunities through Professional Organizations

Professional organizations offer a plethora of professional development opportunities at their meetings or conferences, provide year-round support for members and most also have a good selection of open access resources on their websites.  Membership dues are typically significantly reduced for student members, which makes joining a professional organization an excellent, cost-effective way to gain access to professional development training and a network of colleagues with similar interests.  Academic Affairs provides travel funding that helps to make it easier to attend meetings and conferences.

Here's a sampling of what some of the major professional societies have to offer:

American Fisheries Society (AFS): The AFS mission is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. At their 2023 annual meeting the schedule included events such as a Soft Skills for Enhancing the Success of Early Career Professionals workshop and a Student-Professional Mixer.  The AFS DEI website provides links to 10 videos about diversity and inclusion in fisheries produced for the Diversity Theme Day, organized by the AFS Equal Opportunities Section, at the 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting.

American Fisheries Society (AFS) - Tidewater Chapter: AFS-TC hosted a Student Mentor Lunch at their  March 2024 meeting. It was an opportunity for students to meet and chat with a fisheries professional about career paths, best practices for job-hunting and networking, or, just how cool fish are!  Professionals had a chance to meet the new cadre of fisheries folks and to pass on hard-earned and sage advice!  

American Geophysical Union (AGU): AGU's mission is to support and inspire a global community of individuals and organizations interested in advancing discovery in Earth and space sciences and its benefit for humanity and the environment. Check out the AGU Learn and Develop website for open access resources.  AGU members can connect with the AGU-sphere using AGU Connect.  AGU also offers the "Voices for Science" science policy and communication training program. VIMS/SMS is an AGU Bridge Program Partner.  The Bridge Program offers training for faculty and students and serves as a recruitment pipeline for the graduate program.

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO): ASLO fosters a diverse, international scientific community that creates, integrates and communicates knowledge across the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, advances public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research, and promotes scientific stewardship of aquatic resources for the public interest.  They sponsor mixers and professional development workshops for students at their summer and winter meetings.  

Atlantic Estuarine Research Society (AERS): This regional society brings together students, scientists, managers, and educators from US Mid-Atlantic states to discuss estuarine and coastal environmental issues and policies. They hold meetings twice a year except during Fall of odd years that coincide with CERF conferences. Costs of attendance are relatively low, which makes an AERS meeting an accessible opportunity for students to network and make a presentation. 

Black in Marine Science (BIMS) - BIMS' mission is to celebrate Black marine scientists, spread environmental awareness and inspire the next generation of scientific thought leaders.  They held their inaugural conference in Fall 2023.  Check out their Tidal Wave and Immersion programs and BIMS TV.

Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF): CERF's mission is to promote the understanding and wise stewardship of coasts and estuaries worldwide. Their Early Career Networking Event at their biennial conference connects those who are early in their careers with one another and with folks who are already established in their careers. Attendees are able to meet with a variety of professionals spanning various career paths including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits, academia, private industry and government (federal and/or state).  CERF sponsors the CERF Rising Tides program and events that are designed to make it easier for members of affinity groups to connect at conferences. 

Ecological Society of America (ESA): The ESA advances the science and practice of ecology and supports ecologists throughout their careers.  Their August 2024 annual meeting will emphasize the society’s mission of supporting professional development and put a focus on the transformational potential of effective mentorship.  Previous meetings have offered an impressive number of career and professional development opportunities for students and early career scientists.  ESA also hosts an online Career Development portal and the ECOLOG-L list serve.  ESA members have organized groups of diversity-focused ecologists who work to heighten awareness of the human dimension in ecological practices and highlight the interests and representation of diverse environmental professionals.

Geological Society of America (GSA): The mission of GSA is to advance geoscience research and discovery, service to society, stewardship of Earth, and the geosciences profession. The online GSA Center for Professional Excellence supports the growth and excellence of geoscientists throughout their career trajectory. 

National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG): The National Association of Black Geoscientists, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was founded in 1981 with the purpose of building community – enabling Black Geoscientists to connect, communicate, and network with other minority professionals. The organization has evolved into a hub that attracts geoscientists from diverse fields, offering them opportunities to partake in career and educational endeavors, present cutting-edge research, build connections, advance professionally, and provide mentorship to aspiring Black Geoscientists.  The annual NABG Technical Conference offers a unique perspective on ways careers in the geosciences can be effectively bridged into the 21st century. Attendees can expect thought-provoking and illuminating discussion throughout the sessions and special professional development workshops.  

National Science Policy Network (NSPN): NSPN is an association of civically engaged individuals and local chapters committed to strengthening the role of science in society. Founded and led by early-career scientists, they provide education and training in Science Policy, Communication, Advocacy, Diplomacy, Equity, and Inclusion. NSPN offers a wide range of events including workshops, webinars, networking opportunities, and collaborative meetings with early career led topic-based committees. They also connect members with other events that are happening with our partners and other science policy and advocacy adjacent organizations.

Ocean Sciences: AGU, ASLO and TOS co-host the international Ocean Sciences Meeting in winter of even years. The 2024 Ocean Sciences Meeting schedule includes a full-day pre-conference Student and Early Career Workshop that will foster discussions centered around proposal writing, networking strategies, and faculty applications and give attendees the opportunity to connect with peers from across ocean policy and research fields. Other workshops and session during the conference focus on connecting with alumni of programs such as the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program and AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, how to negotiate salary and benefits, how to build a professional website, and much more.

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM): oSTEM empowers LGBTQ+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Their annual conferences are spaces designed for attendees to share their professional and personal experiences and learn from one another in an authentic and vulnerable way. The Career & Graduate School Expo allows attendees to connect and network with professionals, academics, and colleagues from STEM industries and universities. oSTEM's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) team hosts affinity groups. oSTEM also has a community on Discord. To join, create an account on Discord and use this invite: discord.ostem.org

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS): SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.  The programming at their annual conference is designed to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. Check out their Mentor Activation Program for Students (MAS), webinars, and Career Center.

Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC): SETAC is dedicated to advancing environmental science and science-informed decision-making through collaboration, communication, education and leadership.  Visit their Network & Grow website for more information.  SETAC supports Affinity/Interest groups by providing a forum for engagement.

Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS): The Society for Women in Marine Science brings together marine scientists of all career levels to discuss the diverse experiences of women in marine science, celebrate the research done by women in the field, and promote the visibility of women in the marine science community.  For more information about this organization, contact our local chapter, SWMS @ VIMS.

The Coastal Society (TCS):The Coastal Society is an organization of private sector, academic, and government professionals and students. The Society is dedicated to actively addressing emerging coastal issues by fostering dialogue, forging partnerships and promoting communications and education.

Batten School Graduate Coursework

The following courses are designed to introduce VIMS/Batten School graduate students to the world of science application and translation beyond academia and they also provide opportunities to practice networking skills.

MSCI 552A/B Shellfish Aquaculture in Practice

Summer (2) Walton Graded Standard Letter

These short, intensive courses provide a hands-on experiential learning opportunity, immersed in shellfish aquaculture in Maryland and Virginia (MSCI 552A), or in a region outside Chesapeake Bay (e.g., New England, the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf Coast).  Students will be actively engaged at each operation (e.g., helping sort oysters, harvesting clams, assisting with hatchery larval care, etc.); students should expect to get wet and dirty and be tired at the end of each day. This course will provide students with an overview of the various types of shellfish aquaculture practiced in the visited region, and an understanding of the implications for both public stock enhancement and private production.

MSCI 688 Marine Policy & Management Seminar

• gain increased familiarity with diverse environmental and resource management organizations and agencies, and how these entities use science;
• develop an understanding of ways science and scientists are involved in environmental and resource management, policy development and science-informed decision-making;
• increase their awareness of critical professional skills and competencies scientists need for careers at translational marine science-policy-management interfaces;
• have opportunities to practice networking skills with professionals who participate as guest panelists in the classroom at VIMS or in Washington, D.C.

VIMS GSA Professional Development Committee

Quick link: GSA PDC

The professional development committee (PDC) was formed in 2013 to extend the scope of professional preparation activities for VIMS graduate students beyond training for academic careers. They host the annual Alumni Networking Event that brings VIMS/SMS alums from various career sectors back to campus to share advice and experiences with current students.  PDC also sponsors workshops on topics such as grant writing, professional social media presence, mock interviews, and resume/CV building. 

Virginia Sea Grant (VASG)

Quick link: VASG Professional Development Opportunities, Fellowship Opportunities

Virginia Sea Grant is committed to providing early-career scientists, engineers, designers, lawyers, and others in related professions the capacity to be tomorrow’s coastal and marine science, management, policy, business, and community leaders. Their professional development portfolio is aimed at providing funded fellows and alumni with the knowledge, expertise, and skills to thrive now and in the future.

Visit the VASG website to learn more about how to become a VASG Fellow.

W&M Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement

Quick link: Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement

The Center offers career development programs, services, connections, and resources, designed to help students and alumni navigate rapid change and thrive from their first job to their last. Here's a sampling of what they have to offer:

• TribeCareers is the main job, internship, and event posting site for the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement. Log in using your William & Mary username and password to access thousands of postings from employers seeking W&M students and alumni, sign-up for industry specific newsletters, and learn more and RSVP for upcoming workshops, information sessions, and recruiting events.
• Schedule an appointment for 1-on-1 career advising or peruse the resources available through Career Advising. 
• Career Development & Professional Engagement Handouts by topic, such as cover letter checklist, effective interview strategies, networking guide, professional correspondence. understanding your job offer and more
• Dress to Impress - an initiative that provides students with the opportunity to borrow professional attire for interviews.
• Suit Up is an annual shopping event that offers W&M students 30% or more off professional clothes at an exclusive, private shopping event.  Announcements are via email from TribeCareers to your W&M email account.
• Professional Headshot Booth - a free service for students, alumni, faculty and staff
• Professional Development Week - was Feb 26 - March 1, 2024.  Watch email for future events.
• Launched in late 2023, W&M's One Network platform brings together the William & Mary community of alumni, students, staff and faculty for professional networking on a global scale. Community members have exclusive access to networking, mentorship opportunities and career resources. 

For more information, contact Don Snyder, W&M's Director of STEM Careers, by email at [email protected].

Preparing for Job Searches & Postdoc Applications

Finding and Applying for Jobs: Grad Students and Postdocs (includes sections on interviewing and negotiating; UCSF, Office of Career and Professional Development)

How to write a cover letter for a postdoctoral application (Bill Sullivan, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

Your Job Search: Developing Application Materials (PhD and Postdoc Success, Northwestern University)

Batten School Graduate Coursework

SMS regularly offers two courses that are designed to help you build your oral and written communication skills:

MSCI 506 - Scientific Communication Skills
Spring, even years (2) Steinberg, Patrick. Graded Pass/Fail

The important elements of oral and written presentation skills for communicating scientific research to diverse audiences will be reviewed in this course. The course addresses topics such as best practices for writing, submitting, and revising scientific papers, proposals, and reports, and developing effective figures and other illustrations. Oral and written presentation skills are emphasized through written exercises and class presentations, with peer review. Other topics include development of effective poster presentations and application materials, such as CVs, cover letters, and research and teaching statements.

MSCI 509 - Communicating Science to Diverse Audiences
Spring, odd years (2) Rivest

The objectives of this course are to provide (1) a foundation of skills for communicating scientific topics and research results to a variety of audiences, (2) an introduction to different mediums of science communication, and (3) an introduction to difference audiences and how they engage with science. Tools/skills for science communication will include the COMPASS message box, eliminating jargon, humanizing your science, and connecting with what your audience cares about. Students will create a portfolio of their science communication products.

Writing Boot Camp

The Office for Academic Affairs sponsors Writing Boot Camp for graduate students 1-2x a year. Shorter 2-3 day writing days for boot camp alumni are offered approximately monthly.

The primary goals for Boot Camp are to help you:

1. Identify and use effective strategies to become a more productive writer.
2. Reflect on your individual writing process and habits as a basis for developing a strategic plan for writing, as well as target completion dates.
3. Make time for writing!

And, overall, to encourage the formation of a peer writing community so that you continue to receive peer support post-Boot Camp.

VIMS - Communications & Marketing

Quick link: Communications & Marketing

Communications & Marketing disseminates VIMS news and information to the public via our website, press releases, social media, and other channels. Located in Davis Hall, the team also supports internal audiences with its Publications Center and Print Shop, and through management and oversight of VIMS' online content.

Become a better advisor, coach and mentor

Review the advising, coaching and mentoring guidance for VIMS/Batten School faculty.

The Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM website of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine offers an online guide, podcasts and other resources on mentoring. 

The Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) provides a long list of mentoring resources.

AGU has a YouTube playlist focused on mentoring and a mentoring resource guide (pdf).

Get the advising, coaching and mentoring you need

This worksheet (pdf) from Duke University's School of Medicine is designed to help you identify and connect with potential mentors. 

"Getting good mentoring is not a matter of luck; it is a matter of intention and a genuine desire to succeed." Read more at Science Careers, Getting the Mentoring You Need.

"In the end, it is a two-way street, and there are things that early-career researchers can do to make sure they get the attention and resources they need to succeed." Read more at Science Careers, How to get what you need from your Ph.D. or postdoc supervisor.

The Graduate Student Mentoring Guide (pdf) from University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School is one of the best guides out there; "it has been requested, adopted, and adapted by graduate students, faculty, and staff around the country."  The guide and additional resources are also available on their website.

Mentoring365 is a free and global mentoring platform for the Earth and space sciences (ESS) community.  This community includes oceanographers and marine scientists.  The platform provides space for students and professionals to connect with each other to exchange ideas, create connections, and build a more inclusive ESS community.

Batten School Graduate Coursework

The Office for Academic Affairs maintains a list of graduate courses that contribute to quantitative skills development.  The list includes the frequency of each offering, software packages used, and topics covered. 

Additional Coursework Opportunities

Graduate students also have access to coursework offered by W&M Arts & Sciences and Old Dominion University. 

Need help with in-depth research, RefWorks, or data management?

Quick link: W&M Library Services; Publishing & Scholarly Support (W&M); Hargis Library Author's Toolbox; Hargis Library Guides

The W&M Library system provide many services to support your research, teaching, and course projects.  Their research consultation service is intended to give point-of-need assistance to individuals who could benefit from in-depth research help. William & Mary's Publishing & Scholarly Support resources cover copyright, data management, open access or other aspects related to your scholarship.  Hargis Library provides an Author's Toolbox and links to guides on key topics and RefWorks.  

Library Research Assistance

• Email reference questions: https://libraries.wm.edu/forms/email-research-question
• Ask-a-Librarian live chat: https://libraries.wm.edu/contact/ask-librarian
• Schedule an appointment with a Librarian: https://libraries.wm.edu/appointments
• Suggest a book or other resource for purchase: https://libraries.wm.edu/forms/suggestions-purchase

• Copyright and publication questions
• WM ScholarWorks https://scholarworks.wm.edu and
• VIMS research data assistance  https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vims/
• Open Access information https://guides.libraries.wm.edu/scholcomm/oafund

VIMS Hargis Library, located on the ground floor of Watermen's Hall on the VIMS campus, provides quiet work spaces and access to an impressive collection of printed journals, books and other resources.  Online resources can be accessed through the website.  

W&M Swem Library provides students with robust resources and spaces for learning. The Graduate Student Commons, a dedicated study space for graduate students, is on the second floor of Swem Library. Your W&M ID is required to swipe into the space.

Grant writing and grant submission basics

(note: for guidance on prospectus, capstone, thesis and dissertation writing, refer to the related Milestones in the VIMS/SMS Student Handbook)

Grant Proposals (Or, Give Me the Money!) (The Writing Center, UNC-Chapel Hill)

Grant Writing Materials for Graduate Students (a big toolbox!) (Graduate College, University of Illinois Chicago)

Planning and Writing Grant Proposals: The Basics (Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Many external agencies require a Broader Impacts statement:

NSF 101: Five tips for your Broader Impacts statement

Broader Impacts Support at VIMS - The VIMS Broader Impact Practioners is a team of professionals who help foster science communication across and beyond the VIMS campus community and coordinate education and outreach programs for external audiences.  VIMS BI Practioners often collaborate with VIMS scientists to assist in the development and implementation of BI components of research proposals. VIMS researchers, including graduate students, looking for assistance with Broader Impacts are encouraged to contact any of the VIMS BI professionals. 

How to Submit a Grant Proposal (VIMS process)

All VIMS proposals for funding to an external organization, including student proposals and proposals to W&M, must be reviewed by VIMS Sponsored Programs and the Associate Dean for Research and Advisory Services prior to submission.  Visit the Research Support section of the faculty and staff portal for detailed information.

If you plan to submit a proposal for external funding, contact your section or center financial officer or business manager and VIMS' Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) ASAP.  Be aware that you will be required to adhere to VIMS proposal submission guidelines, including the timelines. 

To determine the appropriate OSP contact for the agency to which you wish to submit, reference OSP's Administrator Responsibility by Agency list.

NSF Graduate Fellowship Program - advice, tips and timeline suggestions for submitting a successful application

The NSF GRFP - Advice from a panel of [geoscience] awardees (FutureRockDoc)

NSF GRFP: Secrets Revealed (a three part series by Acce-Sci-ble, on YouTube)

From Clare McKay Bowen, an NSF GRFP fellowship recipient (2015) who worked for the University of Notre Dame’s Office of Grants and Fellowships for two application cycles (2014-2015, 2015-2016). In that position, she reviewed and advised hundreds of graduate student applications for the NSF GRFP.  She also officially reviewed NSF GRFP applications.

Tips from NSF

For discussions on the application process, check out The GradCafe Forum.

Ready to write?

Join us for Writing Boot Camp!

How to write a research paper (Science Careers)

Ready to publish?

Tips for publishing in scientific journals (Science)

How to publish a scientific paper (UC Berkely Library)

7 steps to publishing in a scientific journal (Elsevier)

Making the Right Moves (a "how to" guide)

Making the Right Moves (pdf) is an older publication, but it remains a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in pursuing a postdoctoral or faculty position and for those who are already in those positions. Much of the material is also relevant to scientists pursuing nonacademic career paths.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and other compliance training

The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) provides W&M compliance committee members (IACUC, PHSC, and IBC, RAD), principal investigators, students, and staff with on-line trainings that document compliance with various federal mandates.  More information and instructions for accessing the VIMS training modules are available through the Research Support section of the faculty and staff portal

Graduate Coursework

MSCI 507 - Responsible Conduct of Research  Fall (1) Hilton.

Students will discuss responsible research and scholarly practices and develop an ability to recognize ethical choices for informed decisions based on key principles of research integrity.  Class attendance and completion of VIMS CITI RCR modules are required.  Grading is pass/fail.

Teaching Fellows

Quick link: Teaching Fellows Call for Proposals (AY 2024-2025)

The Teaching Fellows Program provides opportunities for senior VIMS/SMS graduate students to teach their own course.

Teaching fellows are senior PhD students chosen through a competitive application process to teach 15-person undergraduate seminar courses (MSCI 398s), with guidance from the Undergraduate Marine Science Program Co-Directors. This is the premier college education-training opportunity offered at VIMS, in that grad students serve as “instructors of record” for their own courses: an impressive addition to any CV as well as a fantastic learning experience.

For more information, contact one of the Undergraduate Marine Science Program Co-Directors.

W&M's Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation

Quick link: Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation (W&M)

For a broad array of teaching-related professional development opportunities that are open to William & Mary graduate students, including those at VIMS, check out W&M's Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation (STLI).  STLI's mission is to inspire and advance teaching and learning across the university.  They offer consultations, provide many resources on the website, and host programs and events throughout the academic year.  

VIMS/Batten School Teaching Information & Resources

Quick link: VIMS/SMS Teaching Resources for Instructors

The portal provides information and resources for topics such as course design, assessment and reflective practices, as well as information specific to teaching at W&M.  If you are preparing to teach a course as a Teaching Fellow, you will definitely want to check out the Teaching Resources developed for VIMS faculty and other instructors.

K-12 and Public Education & Outreach Resources

Quick links: Outreach & Education at VIMS; VIMS Broader Impact Practitioners

VIMS is very actively engaged in marine-science education for a wide variety of audiences and age levels. Members of the  VIMS Broader Impact Practitioners can connect you with opportunities and resources to enhance your teaching and outreach skills, and broaden the impacts of your research. 

Example VIMS resources and programs:

The Bridge Ocean Science Education Resource Center is an ever-growing collection of the best marine education materials available online. The Bridge provides educators with a convenient source of accurate and useful information on global, national, and regional marine science topics, and gives research scientists a contact point for broader impacts and educational outreach projects. 

Virginia Scientists & Educators Alliance (VA SEA) - Educators from the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERRVA) and VIMS' Marine Advisory Program created the Virginia Scientists & Educators Alliance (VA SEA) in 2015.  VA SEA is a network of graduate students, teachers, and informal educators aimed at translating scientific research into usable lesson plans.

• gain more experience communicating your science to non-scientists;
• create an engaging, hands-on K-12 lesson plan based on your research that can be used by teachers & students around the globe;
• add an education publication to your resume; 
• earn workship;
• have a fun time with other grad students, channeling your creativity into a tangible product ...

Other resources:

AGU's K-12 Education Resources

Make the most of being at VIMS!

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and its federal partners offer a number of educational opportunities for professionals and citizens involved in managing and restoring marine resources.  If you're interested in these professional development opportunities, contact the individuals listed below to ask if you can be put on a mailing list for notifications of upcoming events.  Depending on the nature of the event, you may be able to actively participate, be an observer, or gain exposure and meet people by helping as a volunteer.  You won't know unless you ask.

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR)

Quick link: CBNERR Coastal Training Program

The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve program at VIMS (CBNERR) addresses critical resource management issues through its Coastal Training Program by providing up-to-date, science-based information, access to technologies, and skill-building opportunities to key professionals responsible for making decisions about coastal resources.

Contact: Cirse Gonzalez at 804.684.7144 or [email protected]

Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM)

Quick link: CCRM Workshops

The Center for Coastal Resources Management at VIMS (CCRM) holds workshops and offers other educational opportunities for policymakers, marine contractors, members of local wetland boards, and others involved in marine resource management and conservation.

Contact: Karen Duhring at 804.684.7159 or [email protected]

Marine Advisory Program (MAP)

Quick link: Marine Advisory Program

Example programs and events:

Education - The VIMS Marine Advisory Program/Virginia Sea Grant Extension education team offers resources and services in ocean sciences education for diverse audiences. If you are a teacher or student, have a professional or personal interest in the ocean, or just a desire to learn more about marine environments and issues they have something for you!

Contact: Lisa Lawrence at 804.684.7608 or [email protected]

Seafood Education - The Marine Advisory Program Seafood Education Program at VIMS communicates current research information on seafood in an interesting, useful, and timely manner through workshops and seminars, cooking demonstrations, and professional development programs for chefs.

Contact: Lisa Lawrence at 804.684.7608 or [email protected]

Shellfish Aquaculture - The Marine Advisory Program has been a leader in marine aquaculture initiatives across the Commonwealth. Efforts in past years have focused on the production of soft-shell blue crabs and the culture of marine finfish for food, stock enhancement, and live bait. The current focus of MAP aquaculture is supporting the sustainable growth of molluscan shellfish culture. See also: Shellfish Aquaculture Program.

Contact: Karen Hudson at 804.684.7742 or [email protected]