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Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences

Prospective Students

William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS are among the nation's largest and most prestigious centers for coastal and marine research and education. We are committed to developing undergraduate and graduate students who have the academic and professional skills necessary to meet the present and future needs of science and society.

We have a track record of 75+ years of exceptional graduate education. Our new undergraduate major in coastal and marine sciences stands alone as the only program in the country where all students receive full tuition support through The R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Fast Facts about the Batten School

1,000+ Graduate Degrees Granted
75+ Years of Graduate Education
56 Outstanding Faculty
120+ Undergraduate Minors in Marine Science since 2014

In the Spotlight

Gail T. Fricano ‘01

M.S. in Marine Science
Crediting her W&M education and the Batten School & VIMS alumni network, Gail Fricano has built a career in environmental consulting, specializing in habitat restoration, natural resource damage assessment, site remediation and oil spill investigations.
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Kristen Sharpe ‘22

M.S. in Marine Science
What started as part-time work in education for Kristen Sharpe turned into a full-time job at the Batten School & VIMS, which then inspired Sharpe to earn her own degree from the school. Today she serves as our Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement.  
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Katherine Bemis '20

Ph.D. in Marine Science
Bemis defended her dissertation on a Friday and started at NOAA’s Systematics Lab, based in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the following Monday. She connects research in systematics and taxonomy with fisheries management.
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Aswani K. Volety ‘95

Ph.D. in Marine Science
From starting out as a young marine scientist in India to becoming Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Aswani Volety’s distinguished career underscores the global impact of a Batten School & VIMS education.
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Erin Spencer ‘14

Minor in Marine Science
As one of the first W&M undergraduates to earn a minor in marine science, Erin Spencer’s educational path has developed her into a world-class ecologist, National Geographic explorer, children’s book author and marine restoration communicator.
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Felipe L. Arzayus ‘00

M.S. in Marine Science
Felipe Arzayus traded submarines for research samples when he left the U.S. Navy and pursued a marine science education. Today, Arzayus heads NOAA’s national monitoring and assessment of chemical contaminants in coastal areas.
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Alex Schneider ‘24

Ph.D. in Marine Science
Alex Schneider's dissertation investigated contributing factors to the blue crab population's recent rebound. She now works for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the U.S. Department of the Interior evaluating fisheries related to offshore renewable energy programs in the Atlantic.
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Michael Wagner ‘97

M.S. in Marine Science
Inspired by a thesis committee member who emphasized evolutionary history, and another who studied environmental influences, Michael Wagner today applies his expertise to developing applied solutions to the problem of invasive species in the Great Lakes.
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Caitlin Sughrue ‘24

Minor in Marine Science
Caitlin Sughrue contributed significantly to the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Program while conducting research of her own. After graduation, Sughrue joined the National Parks Service’s Scientists in Parks program.
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Office of Academic Affairs

Address

Post Office Box 1346 1370 Greate Road (shipping) Gloucester Point, VA 23062

VIMS Campus Map

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