Patrick Boehmer

Boehmer's "Bringing Marine Biology to Rural North Dakota" project brings study of ocean habitats and animals to perhaps the furthest point from an ocean in the United States. As part of the project, students establish three separate saltwater aquariums: one holding a coral reef; a second 25-gallon touch tank containing a variety of sea vegetation; and a third 55-gallon tank housing various fish and invertebrates. Through hands-on observation and documentation, students are able to study the nitrogen cycle, water chemistry, predator-prey relationships, marine ecology and biology, and many other aspects of ocean sciences, despite living near the geographical center of the country.