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SCHOOL OF MARINE &
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The University of South Alabama has a history of investment in marine sciences education and research,
supporting a faculty of renowned experts in a range of marine-related disciplines. The USA School of
Marine & Environmental Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to address pressing
environmental concerns of the coastal regions. The School trains the next generation of marine and
environmental scientists, conducts cutting-edge research, and extends the impact of this training and
research through service activities. SouthAlabama.edu/marinesciences
LEAH TOWNSEND
would like to put in a good word
for a misunderstood creature. “A
bunch of people are scared of
sharks,” Townsend said. “They don’t
realize that sharks aren’t out to get
them or attack them when they go
swimming. Most of the time, sharks
are just doing their thing, and we’re
the ones getting in their way.”
Growing up in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, Townsend became
obsessed with sea animals while
watching Shark Week programs
on the Discovery Channel with her
dad. She came to the University
of South Alabama for the marine
sciences program. She loved the
opportunity to take classes at the
renowned Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Marine sciences majors spend a
Semester at Sea there with the
option of living at the lab.
The School of Marine and
Environmental Sciences offers
bachelors degrees in Marine
Sciences and Environmental
and Sustainability Sciences.
Townsend’s studies at South got her
interested in two possible career
paths: rescuing and rehabilitating
marine mammals or researching
sharks. She plans to take a gap
year between undergraduate
and graduate school to gain
experience, possibly as a volunteer,
at aquariums or research facilities.
14 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA