The UVI Ocean Glider Lab

Since 2018, the University of the Virgin Islands Ocean Glider Lab has collaborated with partners to support their ocean glider missions around the US Virgin Islands and NE Caribbean. UVI has been a partner in international glider missions and built research relationships with neighboring countries. In 2022, the UVI Ocean Glider Laboratory was established through an NSF Major Research Instrumentation Award.

The UVI Ocean Glider Lab's gliders (1000m and 200 m) have Conductivity, Temperature, Depth, Dissolved Oxygen profiling, AD2CP Ocean current profiling, and DMON2 passive acoustic monitoring capabilities. UVI Ocean Glider Laboratory operations are carried out with support from UVI staff and graduate and undergraduate students, with technical assistance from experienced glider technicians and scientists at Rutgers University (NJ) Center for Ocean Observing Leadership.

The lab, located in the XIIID Innovation Center on the UVI Orville E. Kean campus in St. Thomas, is part of the UVI Center for Marine and Environmental Studies in the UVI College of Science and Mathematics. It is here the gliders are maintained, piloted, and used as ocean science research and STEM teaching resources.

The lab is supported through grants from NOAA, NSF, and VI-EPSCoR. Rutgers University is a partner, supporting glider operations and training. While at sea, glider data are transmitted by satellite and are available in real-time to researchers and the public. Glider Lab Principal Investigator and oceanographer Doug Wilson welcomes inquiries about the program (doug.wilson@uvi.edu).

Principal Investigators are Doug Wilson (doug.Wilson@uvi.edu) and Paul Jobsis (pjobsis@uvi.edu). Click here to see more about our team.

Advancing Oceanographic Research

Our Mission

At UVI Glider Laboratory, we are focused on advancing oceanographic research to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of our oceans. Our mission is to utilize state-of-the-art technology and scientific expertise to collect comprehensive data that contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of marine environments. We are passionate about protecting our coasts and beaches, and through our research, we aim to make a significant impact on global ocean conservation efforts.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be at the forefront of oceanographic research, continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. We aspire to be recognized as a leading authority in ocean data collection and analysis, contributing to global initiatives for preserving marine ecosystems. By pioneering new methods and technologies, we strive to make significant contributions to the scientific community and inspire future generations of oceanographers and environmental conservationists.