Gulf Coast Library to host Feb. 12 Science Caf on the Coast, Mississippi Sharkology: Taking a Bite Out of the Myths

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Coast Library will host “Mississippi Sharkology: Taking a Bite Out of the Myths,” the second edition of the spring Science Café on the Coast series, Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Gulf Coast Library, room 204, at the USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach.

Jill Hendon, a research scientist and the interim director of the Center for Fisheries Research and Development in the University's School of Ocean Science and Engineering, located at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), will give a hands-on presentation about sharks found in the Gulf of Mexico. She will have shark specimens, including jaws, teeth and pieces of shark bone for attendees to touch and hold.

Hendon's research focuses on shark population assessments in the waters off of the Mississippi coast, as well as shark reproduction and physiology analyses. She is also involved in evaluating the stress physiology of elasmobranch species related to capture and handling stress, and seasonal environmental changes.

Science Café offers those with minimal background in science the chance to meet and discuss issues in a relaxed social setting, and is a collaboration between the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Libraries, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Harrison County Library System, Long Beach Public Library, and Hancock County Library System.

This event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Popcorn, lemonade and coffee will be served. 

For more information, contact Jamie Stanfield at 228.214.3467 or Jamie.Stanfield@usm.edu.  Follow Science Café on the Coast on Facebook for upcoming events and live streaming by visiting https://www.facebook.com/sciencecafeonthecoast.