Peerside

Sustained Program for Career Networking and Mentorship in Ocean STEAM

Peerside aims to broaden access and ongoing involvement with the ocean through an innovative program that increases and sustains social, educational, technical, and professional support and builds community for ocean Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Peerside cohort members are part of a growing network that participate in year-round career development, including one week aboard the R/V Western Flyer, a mission-dedicated vessel to support student learning and growth. Participants also learn remote science during a one-week expedition, building their skills to be part of the New Blue Economy.

Peerside’s goals are to:

1. Transform the social and technical processes by which people access the ocean and participate in ocean research and the New Blue Economy.

2. Increase ocean STEAM participation by people across broad backgrounds and experiences.

3. Build a co-operative support network to promote a sense of belonging within the ocean STEAM enterprise.

The program is open to current community college, undergraduate, and graduate students, recent graduates and early career professionals.

Expressions of Interest for 2025 process are currently under review.

Contact Peerside’s Program Manager for inquiries.

Interested in staying in the loop on Peerside programmatic activities and opportunites? Sign up for our Peerside Mailing List here

Prospective Student and Mentor Interest Forms:

Photo & Video Release Form

USF/FIO/Peerside Photo & Video Release Form (fillable PDF)

FIO-Pier-Peerside

Community & Network

Join a vibrant Ocean STEAM community that broadens access and equity for participants in ocean research and the New Blue Economy

Career Development

Experiences working in ocean science, engineering, maritime trades, communication and arts both at sea and on shore to stimulate a broader workforce. 

Ocean Science

At sea and on shore. Learn skills and find your place in the New Blue Economy. 

Mentorship

Cohort-based development program linking early career persons and mentors with attention to connections with community. 

Peerside is made possible thanks to support from its Sponsors:
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Peerside is a collaborative program with mentors coming from key partners, including FIO's partners for 2023/2024:
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Photos from the Field & Program Mentor Bios (Coming Soon)