RBP Innovation Fund for Marine Science

The Project / Challenge

The environmental challenges affecting our blue planet are daunting ― the warming of our air and water temperatures, sea level rise, coastal erosion, harmful algal blooms, coral bleaching and a decline in our marine mammals and the diversity of our fisheries, among others. To address these issues, innovation research has never been more critical. USF alumna Robin Perlman established the RBP Innovation Fund for Marine Science to enable USF students to explore novel ideas that have the potential to advance the field of marine science, promote ocean conservation and protect marine life. 

In celebration of Robin Perlman's birthday, November 21, 2021 ― this is the perfect time to show your support by making a gift in her honor, to the RBP Innovation Fund. Your contribution to this project will fund research to help preserve our most precious resources for future generations.

Who We Are

The USF College of Marine Science conducts fundamental socially relevant research from deep sea to estuarine environments. Research topics include long-term sea level rise, coral reef demise, paleoclimate change, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, fisheries management, water quality, shoreline change and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 

We aim to understand the ocean’s impact on humans, and vice versa, and to provide solutions to make these impacts as positive as possible. We are deeply committed to research that is locally applied, regionally relevant and globally significant. Our graduate students are intimately involved in this research and our faculty members provide unique enrichment opportunities in support of the university’s undergraduate programs.

The Impact

The USF College of Marine Science seeks to increase and apply fundamental knowledge of global ocean systems and human-ocean interactions through research, graduate education and community engagement to create a more scientifically-informed society. With innovative research, our students can continue to enhance our strengths in environmental and oceanographic sciences, technology and sustainability. Support to this project will have a remarkable impact on our ability to enable students with a passion to explore ideas that have the potential to advance the field of marine science.

What Your Gifts Will Do

Gifts will provide opportunities for students to travel aboard vessels to conduct vital research in the Gulf of Mexico and work with experienced marine scientists in the field, including in the Keys Marine Laboratory on Long Key, Florida. Funding will benefit both graduate student research and provide research assistantships for undergraduate students. 

Spread the Word

We are counting on your help! Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign using the social media tools at the top of this page.