National Ocean Sciences *Spoonbill* Bowl
2025 Spoonbill Bowl winners – P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School (Gainesville) – pictured with Regional Coordinators, Makenzie Kerr (USF CMS) and Dr. Teresa Greely (USF CMS)
On February 22, 2025, University of South Florida hosted the Spoonbill Bowl, a regional National Ocean Sciences Bowl competition, welcoming eight teams from six Florida high schools to the St. Petersburg campus. Tampa Bay Surveillance were in attendance – with Dr. Heather O’Leary giving the keynote address, and Alexandra Lee and Roxann Vistocci volunteering alongside over 40 others to contribute to the success of the marine science-themed event.
Dr. O’Leary spoke about her exciting interdisciplinary project CRESCENDO (Communicating Research Expansively through Sonification and Community-Engaged Neuroaesthetic Data-literacy Opportunities). This project transforms complex environmental data, like harmful algal blooms and red tide, into engaging experiences to improve public understanding in innovative and creative ways; uniting USF faculty to develop data-driven art forms, including performances and augmented reality, and opening up research to diverse communities. By creatively bridging science and art, CRESCENDO elevates USF’s role in environmental research and public engagement. Read more here: CRESCENDO
Dr. O'Leary delivers the keynote for the 2025 Spoonbill Bowl, highlighting their interdisciplinary project CRESCENDO
P.K. Yonge students during the final rounds of the competition
Competitors demonstrated exceptional team spirit throughout the day, marked by both creative attire and positive attitudes. The quiz-show format showcased two teams of four students competing in each game. Questions were challenging; these high school students really knew their stuff! They not only had to study up on the science – there are MANY rules and strategies for winning the competition. This year’s theme was ‘Ocean Acoustics,‘ with sound in the marine environment being the focus of the quiz questions.
The Spoonbill Bowl at USF was a truly inspiring day; these bright high schoolers proved that they are not just book smart, they are ready to apply the knowledge. From National Ocean Sciences Bowl: NOSB addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education by introducing high school students to and engaging them in ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helping them become knowledgeable community members and environmental stewards. We were honored to take part.
Roxann (TBS Program Planner) and Alexandra (TBS Master’s Student) reporting for Spoonbill Bowl volunteer duty!
