NMEA 2026
Invited Speakers Presenter Info
Evening Events Blue Tech
Registration Info Transportation Lodging What’s Nearby Contact Us
Students
Sponsorship Exhibitors

Your Day to Dive In!

Student Day at NMEA is a dedicated, one-day program for students, ages 13 and up, featured during the annual NMEA Conference. Think of it as your chance to connect with people who are just as excited about the ocean as you are!

  • Meet Your Squad: Hang out with other students (ages 13+) and inspiring professionals who work in marine science and education.

  • Share & Create: You'll get to share your own ideas and even start collaborating on projects. You can even present your work at the conference!

  • Grow Your Network: Plug into a worldwide network of marine professionals.

  • Level Up: Participate in fun conference sessions and professional development activities that will boost your skills. Attending and/or presenting at the conference can be an asset on your college applications, resume, or c/v.

It's the perfect opportunity to meet friends, find mentors, and get involved in the future of marine education!

IN-PERSON OPTION

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 am - 4:00/5:00 pm
Location: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, Cambridge, MD
Day Includes: breakfast, lunch and attendance to conference sessions of the day; optional lab tour at the Horn Point Lab (transportation on your own)

Open to students, ages 13 and up; NMEA membership included in the registration fee

Highlights

  • Featured Speakers - Learn about both conservation and career paths in the Chesapeake Bay region, featuring Karen McDonald's fascinating look at river otter biology and tracking, alongside Imani Black's inspiring journey as an oyster farmer and her work empowering women of color in aquaculture. 

  • A powerful musical presentation "I Got Shoes," by Linda Harris and David B. Cole that narrates the incredible journey of Harriet Tubman, who successfully guided people to freedom on the Underground Railroad using her deep knowledge of local marshes and waterways

  • Optional field trip to tour the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Lab to learn about the research being conducted there (transportation on your own)

SCHEDULE FOR JULY 14, 2026

  • 7:30 Breakfast is Available/Registration Open

  • 8:00 - 9:45 Plenary Sessions

    • Imani Black - Minorities in Aquaculture

    • Karen McDonald - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center - River Otters

  • 10:00-10:50 Student Day Orientation and Visit Exhibit Hall

  • 11:00-11:50 Attend Concurrent Session

  • 12:00-1:00 Lunch 

  • 1:00-2:00 Linda Harris of the Harriet Tubman Museum

  • 2:10-3:00 Attend Concurrent Session

  • 3:10-4:00 Attend Concurrent Session

  • 4:00 Student Day concludes onsite

Optional Afternoon Alternative - Tour the Horn Point Lab

  • 3:00-3:30 Self transportation to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science - Horn Point Lab

  • 3:30-5:00 Horn Point Lab Tour with graduate students

  • 5:00 Student Day concludes offsite, at the end of the lab tour 

In-Person Presentations

Are you working on a cool project or have an awesome idea related to marine science? We want to hear it! We encourage students attending Student Day at NMEA to present their work.

How to Present: The Lightning Session

  • What is it? A fast-paced 7-minute presentation (including time for questions) given by one person.

  • How it works: 

    • You'll speak about your project in one of the smaller session rooms.

    • We recommend using slides (a slide deck) to help share your information!

  • Need to Know: You must register for and attend the conference in person to present your session.

Asynchronous Presentations

Want to present, but you can’t make it to Cambridge?

How to Present: Pre-recorded Presentations

  • What is it? A 15- to 30-minute pre-recorded video of your presentation.

  • How it works: This option is for those attending the conference remotely. Your video will be uploaded to the Whova conference platform app and viewable to all registered participants anytime. 

  • Need to Know: You must register as an asynchronous presenter for this format.

Important Dates

The Call for Student Presenters opens March 1, 2026, and closes May 1, 2026. Be sure to check back for the submission link and more details. Start thinking about your topic now!