MA Maritime Academy Holds Women in Steam Onboard Course

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, recently held an Academy-created multi-day STEAM program aboard the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey for high school students identifying as women and/or non-binary.

Held June 23 to 26, the Education Sail program “Women in STEAM: An Ernestina- Morrissey Interdisciplinary Experience” offered a unique and empowering experience for young women and non-binary students in grades 9 to12 from underserved communities throughout Massachusetts.

Blending maritime heritage with interdisciplinary learning across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education, the program emphasized liberal arts through hands-on activities in writing, history, and seamanship. Students explored the connections between ocean sciences and creative expression, deepening their understanding of both.

Guided by MMA faculty program facilitators Dr. Heather Burton and Dr. Morgan Banville, the 11 young participants followed a thoughtfully structured daily schedule enriched by hands-on experiences, such as sail handling, anchor raising and frequent opportunities to engage with, learn from and even interview the ship’s crew. Pamela Cerrud-Ahern, program director of the Capt. Paul Cuffe Global Institute, participated as a translator to accommodate any English as a Foreign Language (ESL) students.

Prior to embarking on the journey, SSV Ernestina-Morrissey crew members versed participants on protocol for person overboard, fire aboard the vessel and abandon ship, followed by a tour of the vessel and review of all safety systems and devices.

The students’ educational journey brought them through Stellwagen Bank, a designated National Marine Sanctuary. The underwater plateau, nestled between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, is known for its unique topography that triggers upwellings of nutrient-rich waters, drawing a diverse array of marine life. Students observed several whales and seals in their natural habitat, adding yet another layer of awe and excitement to their experience.

Each day, the student voyagers took part in watch duty and other shipboard tasks, steadily building their communication, collaboration and sailing confidence with every passing shift.  The daily humanities sessions featured lessons in interview techniques, college essay writing, critical thinking and research skills. Each evening students took time to write in their journals, processing the day’s insights and experiences.

In addition to writing and effective communication activities, academic programming included a historical review of the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey and a discussion of the role of women at sea during the whaling era.

Nighttime activities aboard the vessel – such as card games and charades – centered around bonding, and while students were not required to stand watch throughout evenings while docked, they had the opportunity to sleep on deck and star gaze!

There was also time for some onshore activity. On day two of the three-day adventure, the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey docked in Provincetown where students, chaperoned by faculty, Cerrud-Ahern and ship Captain Tiffany Krihwan, enjoyed dinner and a tour of the town.

The SSV Ernestina-Morrissey is part of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s permanent fleet, serving as an educational platform for sail and leadership training for cadets, K-12 STEM programs and community engagement.