Earlier this April, CEI was fortunate enough to have a visit from Pete Muñoz of Natural Systems International, which specializes in ecological engineering and biotechnology. Pete’s background includes extensive work on water systems, ranging from storm water run off to catchment methods to waste water treatment; in many respects he is at the forefront of his field in the world. Through working with CEI’s Josh Shultz, Sam Kenworthy, and Geoff Walton, Pete was able to gain a deep understanding for how CEI and Island School collect, use, and treat their water, and how we could improve our current practices. Specifically, Pete and his team at Natural Systems are going to help us to create a new, innovative method to deal with all of CEI’s waste water, as well as adjust our wetland system (“poopoo garden”) at IS to maximize productivity and potential energy generation. Treating our water properly could allow for more food production, fewer energy inputs, and less waste generation. A win on all fronts. Pete and Natural Systems work all over the U.S. and the rest of the world. Chances are they have worked on projects close to you. If you’d like to learn more about what Natural Systems does, check out their website: http://www.natsys-inc.com/
Monthly Archives: May 2012
CEI’s Kristal Ambrose Sets Sail
Over the course of three days in early February, 5 Gyres scientist Marcus Ericksen hosted a conference at the Cape Eleuthera Institute for educators on the impact of marine plastic pollution. Eriksen gave presentations detailing voyages to these gyres to study their makeup and movement. His passion inspired CEI’s Kristal Ambrose to action. Motivated by the dilemma of plastic marine debris in the local waters of the Exuma sound and oceans around the world, Kristal pursued an opportunity of a lifetime.
The CEI aquaponics intern decided she wanted to accompany him on one of his voyages. Following a series of fortunate events Ambrose got her chance. Thanks to efforts on her part to secure funding and support from Chris and Pam Maxey, Christian Henry, Josh Shultz , Annabelle Brooks, The Nature Conservancy, and Bobbie Hallig, she will be headed to the Marshall Islands to begin her Journey. Then, from May 1-23, Kristal will be joining Marcus Eriksen and his team on a research expedition to sail across the pacific ocean from Majuro, Marshall Islands to Tokyo, Japan to study the Japan Tsunami Debris.
Organized by the 5 Gyres Institute, Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and Pangea Exploration, the expedition seeks to answer questions that explore what happens Continue reading
Lionfish Collecting and Handling Workshop at CEI
The next “Lionfish Collecting and Handling” Workshop organized by REEF in collaboration with the SPAW RAC will take place on May 15-18, 2012 at the Cape Eleuthera Institue. The workshop is a 2-day workshop focusing on hands-on collecting/handling and monitoring for key resource managers or their official designee. This workshop is the second of 3 workshops that will be held in the region and funded in part by a NFWF (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) grant. This workshop is by invite only. Please contact Skylar Miller at skylarmiller@islandschool.org for more information.
Alumni Advisory Board Annual On-Island Meeting
This past weekend, 6 members from The Island School’s Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) made the trek to South Eleuthera for their annual on-island board meeting. During their few days at The Island School, they had the opportunity to connect with Spring 2012 students, as well as hear about everything that’s happening on the Cape, making sure that their alumni perspective is being heard both by staff and The Island School Board of Directors. All 6 attendees left the island with lots of energy to go home and spread the word of all the things they heard and learned this weekend.
The AAB was created in 2008 to reengage Island School alumni and add structure to the Island School alumni community that has spread from Eleuthera across the globe. The AAB promotes effective global citizenship by supporting connectivity and collaboration among the alumni community and through preservation of the mission and vision of the Island School for future students. Every student’s Island School experience is different, and with an ever-changing campus landscape and research scope many returning alumni are often confronted with a different school than they remember. The AAB works to ensure that all alumni feel connected to The Island School, regardless of miles traveled or time passed.
If you have any questions about the Alumni Advisory Board or alumni support, please feel free to contact alumni@islandschool.org.