Press Releases

4-25-2025

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Students Complete Experiential Learning Trip to Hawaii

BUZZARDS BAY, MA, ISSUED APRIL 25, 2025…Cadets from Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, successfully completed a Geological Oceanography field course in Hawaii, an innovative experiential learning course 8,000 kilometers from their Cape Cod campus.
 
Eleven students, majoring in Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protections (MSSEP), participated in a rigorous, hands-on educational journey to Hawaii from January 3 to January 17, 2025.  Arriving at 9 p.m. in Kona, Hawaii, after a 20-hour flight from Boston, students were notified of a 3 a.m. wake-up to drive to Kilauea caldera.  There, students observed a 200-foot-high lava fountaining eruption followed by day-long hikes through volcanic terrane. 
 
In subsequent days, students snorkeled amidst Hawaiian coral reefs, fish and invertebrate organisms in tropical marine habitats.  MSSEP students gained on-site knowledge of safety construction, island sustainability, Hawaiian cultural awareness and environmental stewardship through tours of a state-of-the-art United States Geological Survey Scientific Research Station under construction, an organic Hawaiian Kona coffee farm, Hilo-based communities devastated by volcanic eruptions from the 1990s through 2018 and deadly tsunamis from 1946, 1957 and 1960.  This immersive trip provided cadets with unique learning opportunities that aligned with the MMA Learn-Do-Lead directive while allowing them to explore dynamic geologic structures, active volcanoes, tropical marine habitats, environmental issues, and wonderful Hawaiian culture.
 
Experiential learning courses constitute a key component of MMA’s commitment to providing practical, real-world education, combining classroom instruction with field-based activities. Students conduct field-based research and apply their scientific knowledge in a setting far from the traditional classroom.  Dr. Kevin Hefferan, who created and led the MSSEP field-based Geological Oceanography course, stated, “We hit the ground running traveling to an active Kilauea eruption before daybreak 3 January upon arrival. We observed lava fountain eruptive cycles 3 and 4 at Kilauea Caldera.  As of April 10, Kilauea has erupted 17 times, and this breathtaking lava fountain cycle continues.  We investigate the cyclicity of these volcanic eruptions and observe their impact on human safety, island infrastructure, weather, climate and vegetation. We also actively immerse ourselves underwater in the marine environment; experience climate zones ranging from polar tundra, desert to humid tropical; and explore ancient, rich Hawaiian culture in this wondrous landscape.”
 
The trip allowed students to deepen their understanding of the dynamic geology of volcanoes, environmental sustainability of coffee farming, and the importance of preserving oceanic ecosystems. Alongside exploring the natural beauty of Hawaii, students engaged with local professionals, academics, and a coffee farm entrepreneur, gaining valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing “The Big Island of Hawaii.”  Cadet Jessica Rotondo of Sandwich said, “Going to Hawaii and immersing myself in the geological environment around me was one of the best ways to learn hands-on. We experienced volcanic eruptions, snorkeling, hiking, a variety of biomes, and the rich local culture, all within the short span of two weeks. Early morning hikes and refreshing afternoon swims always gave us something to look forward to. The trip was truly an adventure, offering endless opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with the raw beauty and dynamic landscapes of Hawaii.”
 
"We are excited to offer our students this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience learning beyond the classroom," said Professor John Lee, who served as the MSSEP co-lead faculty for this year’s trip.  "This trip not only enriched their education but also provided a deeper understanding of the active geology and the vital importance of environmental stewardship in coastal and oceanic regions."
 
The MMA Experiential Learning course serves as a cornerstone of the Academy’s curriculum, fostering a well-rounded educational experience that emphasizes both leadership and practical expertise. This trip to Hawaii was designed to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and cultural awareness essential for future leaders in the areas of marine science, safety and environmental protection.  MMA ranks #15 among the 30 best colleges for Environmental Science according to blog.collegevine.com, which states, “MMA is uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive environmental science education through the Marine Science, Safety and Environmental Protection (MSSEP) Program. First-year cadets participate in a tropical ecology field course in Bermuda. Cadets will also engage in hands-on and offshore work, as well as participate in a six-week co-op internship and 3-credit co-op, while utilizing environmental and marine science technology and developing critical skills in the field."  MSSEP is actively recruiting new students and producing future leaders in our global world.
 

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY (MMA): 
MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB: @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter:@MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Photo:  (Kneeling, left to right) Aidan Webb, Katheryn Deschenes, Amanda Strunk, Julia Knisley; (standing, left to right) John Lee, Daniel Kowalski, Thomas Flynn, Aiden Harrington, Jessica Rotondo, William Eltringham, Evan Barruzzo, Lucas Pender.