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: 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 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 is now open! The deadline to submit your proposal is May 15, 2026. Preview the submission questions here.
Student Day At NMEA Conference Scholarship
Open to students, ages 13 and up; NMEA membership not required.
There are two options for students to participate in the 2026 Student Day at NMEA.
In-person Student Day at the NMEA Conference on July 14, 2026 Cambridge, Maryland for $70. NMEA membership included. Scholarships are available to cover $50 of the $70 registration fee.
Virtual Participation
Asynchronous presentation and full access to the Whova conference app to engage in the NMEA Conference virtually for $25. NMEA membership included. Scholarships are available to cover $15 of the $25 registration fee.
No presentation - Full access to the Whova conference app to engage in the NMEA Conference virtually for $10. Scholarships are not available for this participation option
Scholarship applications are being accepted through June 1, 2026.
Scholarship funds are limited. Application for scholarship funds does not guarantee receipt of funds. Recipients will be notified by June 8, 2026
Sponsored by Xylem Watermark
We are proud to announce that Xylem Watermark is an official sponsor of Student Day at NMEA 2026. Their generous support ensures that the next generation of water professionals can access this event through:
Subsidized Registration: Xylem Watermark is underwriting a significant portion of the cost for every student attendee.
Partial Registration Scholarships: Dedicated funding is available to cover a portion of registration fees for students in need.