Johann Vollrath Studies on Board Robert Seamans

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American Samoa Community College student Johann Vollrath is studying Pacific coral reefs and environmental change through a four week study abroad program in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

The program is under the Sea Education Association and this year, students are given the chance of a lifetime to sail from Hawaii to French Polynesia to the islands of Kiribati, exploring how coral reefs are adapting to climate change.

Johann will also be learning practical navigational skills, studying how Polynesians traveled in the past and other seamanship training while sailing the Robert C. Seamans vessel.

This past Sunday, Johann posted online, “Sailing onboard Robert C. Seamans feels great. Everyone has a purpose, 24 hours a day.  We all do science of course, but it’s so much more than doing science. We’re doing boat checks that include checking the engine room.  Then we’re hauling sails until our blisters get blisters. But the smiles on our faces only get bigger!”

Aside from conducting snorkeling surveys on coral reefs, Johann will also get the chance to be a Junior Watch Officer, taking full command of the vessel during a watch.

For information on this study abroad program or to read more about Johann’s ongoing sailing experience, log onto www.sea.edu

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