Billion Oyster Project Hosts 6th Annual Research Symposium Online

The Annual BOP Research Symposium is the culmination of student participation in Billion Oyster Project’s school-based education programs. Held every year in June at the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School on Governors Island, this event normally attracts K-12 students from across NYC to take part in a Science Fair style event that showcases original research projects developed by students based on their work in restoration-based field science inspired by BOP’s efforts to restore oysters to New York Harbor.

This year, of course, it was impossible for students to gather on Governors Island so they came together on Zoom instead. On Friday, June 12, nearly 190 people across the Billion Oyster Project community gathered virtually to celebrate the work of students across New York City. Although we were disappointed to miss the opportunity to speak with students in person, we were impressed by the creativity and thought that went into more than 70 student projects submitted from eight different schools.

The new online format meant that in addition to PowerPoint presentations, we received videos, illustrations, poems, and petitions. The students presented their findings and creations to guest reviewers from Billion Oyster Project, the Harbor School, CUNY, NY Aquarium, NYSDEC, Waterfront Alliance, Morgan Stanley, and more. Click here to view this year projects, including those deemed “exemplary” or of “honorable mention”.

Thank you to Investors Foundation for making this day of learning possible, and to New York City Council members Borelli, Constantinides, and Dromm, plus Staten Island Deputy Borough President Ed Burke, who joined the Symposium celebration via video. We also want to thank the National Science Foundation, Pace University, the NYC Department of Education, and the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development for supporting our education programs this year.

In spite of the limitations that COVID-19 presents, the Billion Oyster Project community is gearing up for a productive summer of oyster installations and reef monitoring. Although volunteering and educational workshops can’t be hosted safely in person, we look forward to delivering virtual content to a screen near you and resuming our work together as soon as possible.