Rick Larsen tours Shannon Point

Congressman Rick Larsen visited WWU’s Shannon Point Marine Center yesterday to discuss marine science research with students participating in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students participating in the program this year came to Washington from all around the country and Puerto Rico to study with WWU faculty advisors and utilize the unique research opportunities available to students at the Shannon Point Marine Center. Student research projects in this year’s REU cohort address a variety of topics related to marine life, the Puget Sound environment and climate change.

In addition to conversing with students about their research, Congressman Larsen toured the Shannon Point facility, located in Anacortes, and discussed WWU programs with Provost Brent Carbajal and the Center’s Interim Director Brian Bingham. During the 2018 Legislative Session, state legislators allocated funding for Western to establish a new undergraduate degree program in Marine, Coastal and Watershed Sciences, which will provide additional opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research at WWU’s Shannon Point Marine Center.