An exciting undergraduate degree available at Monmouth University is a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy (MEBP). This major prepares students for careers involving marine and environmental science and the complex policy issues regarding the conservation of our environment. Students majoring in MEBP have a variety of opportunities available to them at Monmouth to help them gain professional research experience and prepare them for their future careers.
The Assistant Dean of the School of Science and Director of the MEBP program, Professor John Tiedemann, B.S. and M.S., said “The major is perfect for students looking to get involved in a field where they can make a difference.” According to Professor Tiedemann, “Most of our courses have a real applied, hands-on approach, and a variety of our courses have field experience associated with them.”
MEBP students agree that through their major, they are provided with experiences and opportunities that will help them develop as scientists and prepare them for their future careers. Junior MEBP student Dylan Dibella highlighted some of the opportunities he has received at Monmouth, “Many of the core MEBP classes you take during your time at Monmouth have labs. Some of these labs include learning necessary laboratory techniques and gaining knowledge of interpreting data in biology.”
Dibella continued, “However, some labs also allow you to practice field techniques. I have had labs on a boat, along the beach, in the forest, and many other places. Not only am I learning field techniques (which is a particular interest of mine) but you also have a great time and get to do so many things that other students in other majors will not get to experience.”
Katie Marshall, who is also a junior studying MEBP and minoring in Geographic Information, shared, “I am the current lead technician on the Assessment of Nesting and Reproductive Risks of Diamond-backed Terrapins project across Fire Island National Seashore, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, and Sandy Hook National Recreation Area. This two-year study began last summer and aligned perfectly with my interest in turtle nesting studies, providing me with a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world conservation efforts.”
Marshall and DiBella also both highlighted two clubs related to the MEBP major, Love Blue and the MEBP Club. According to Marshall, “Love Blue organizes beach cleanups to combat coastline pollution, while the MEBP Club offers educational opportunities and enjoyable social events centered around environmental awareness. Joining these clubs enables students to make a tangible difference while fostering a sense of community within our campus.”
Dibella added, “The MEBP Club has done a ton of incredible trips such as to the Camden Aquarium and Bronx Zoo which people outside of MEBP have also been able to enjoy.”
Overall, Monmouth’s Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy major offers several courses for students to gain knowledge and first-hand experience in scientific and conservational fields. Professor Tiedemann urges any student potentially interested in an MEBP major to reach out to him at @jtiedema@monmouth.edu or 732-263-5545 to schedule a meeting.
