University of New Haven Unveils New Marine Science Center Providing Direct Access to Long Island Sound

Sophia Ruh ’25, president of the University of New Haven’s Marine Conservation Society, is proud to be a vocal supporter of the University’s marine and environmental sciences major.

“I cannot say enough good things about this program,” says Ruh, a peer tutor for her classmates. “While content in the sciences may be challenging, the professors do an amazing job of preparing us in the best way for our future, from giving field experience and teaching you how to write a lab report freshman year to guiding you while designing your own research project senior year. This program really builds you from the ground up, and there's support all along the way.”

Ruh reflected on her experiences as a Charger as University of New Haven and City of New Haven leaders came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the University’s new Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center at the Canal Dock Boathouse on the Long Island Sound.

“While the program is already filled with tons of hands-on experience, Canal Dock is only going to increase those opportunities for the students,” said Ruh who plans to pursue a master’s degree before pursuing a career in marine fisheries or oceanography. “With direct access to the Sound, students are going to be able to work in the environment that we're learning about in the classroom, which is really awesome. The professors here have prepared me for the future, and I'm super confident in taking the next steps when I graduate.”

‘We hope to inspire’

Located on the shore of the Long Island Sound, the Lee and Wilkins Marine Science Center serves as the anchor for the University’s Marine and Life Sciences programs, which includes a bachelor’s degree in marine and environmental sciences, with concentrations in marine biology, marine policy, and environmental science, as well as master’s degrees in environmental science and marine policy and management.

“Our students learn by doing, whether it's inside the classroom, in the laboratory or out in the field,” said Amy Carlile, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and environmental science and assistant dean for faculty and curriculum for the College of Arts and Sciences. “In addition to having a profound impact on our academic programs, this center will allow us the space we need to further our community engagement work and help us achieve our vision to become a hub for marine education and outreach for the greater New Haven community.

“We hope to inspire the next generation of marine and environmental scientists while also connecting the greater New Haven Community with their blue backyard,” Dr. Carlile continued.

‘Private university with a public mission’

President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., described the University’s programs in marine and environmental sciences as among the best in the region, saying “they are only going to get better with this facility.

“These programs are centered around, like many programs at the University of New Haven, hands-on, high-impact, and practical learning experiences,” explained Dr. Frederiksen. “We are deeply concerned about delivering a return on investment for our students and that is in terms of joining the workforce as well as collective impact and community benefit.

“We frequently talk at the University of New Haven about being a private university with a public mission,” continued President Jen Frederiksen. “What could be more to the public benefit than environmental sustainability as, in many ways, that's the condition for the possibility of everything else we do.”

‘Help impact the environmental trajectory’

City of New Haven mayor Justin Elicker explained that the Canal Dock Boathouse, which officially opened in 2018, will be the centerpiece of the revitalization of the Long Wharf area in New Haven.

“You are going to look down this corridor a few years out and see a coastline that has dramatically changed,” he said, noting the city has received more than $200 million in federal funding to support this work.

“We're excited that these students have chosen a pathway in which they will be researching and using tools that impact the environmental trajectory of our country and our world to make sure that we pass on a world that is safer and more beautiful,” said Mayor Elicker. “We're grateful to the students for stepping up to this challenge.”