The first-ever cohort of Gulf Scholars chose to create a podcast called Echoes from the Deep: The Gulf Uncovered as their Gulf Impact Project. The podcast spans eight episodes and follows the elusive Rice’s whale, a Gulf Coast species that scientists estimate has fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild. The students spoke with experts and Gulf Coast locals alike to understand why this whale’s population is declining and what can be done to help.
The second cohort of Gulf Scholars set out across Florida’s Gulf Coast; researching, exploring, and meeting with professionals whose work connects directly to the Gulf. Their travels took them from the cutting-edge research happening at Mote Marine Lab, to the natural beauty of Venice Beach, and even onto the water while kayaking through a lush river in Homosassa. The culmination of that work is the second ever Gulf Scholars podcast: The Gulf at Knight.