Malcolm X College Professor chosen to head out to sea as part of the STEM Student Experiences Aboard Ships—the STEMSEAS program

Malcolm X College Assistant Professor Halle Morrison has been selected for the prestigious STEM Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) 2026 cohort.

The Community College Faculty expedition trains faculty as future STEMSEAS instructor-mentors which in turn helps instructors better recruit and support community college students who would like study the ocean sciences.

Morrison will join the nationwide expedition representing 14 institutions across nine states and she will train as an instructor-mentor aboard the R/V Sally Ride, aiming to bring her new knowledge back to Malcolm X College with the goal of inspiring students.

“Through this training, I hope to learn how to better shift perceptions and inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in science,” said Halle Morrison. “This living classroom experience will go a long way as I continue to create an impactful classroom environment that fosters critical thinking and active learning in science.”

The expedition sails June 7–14, 2026 and the voyage departs from Seward, Alaska, and arrives in Newport, Oregon. Halle will live and work aboard the R/V Sally Ride and during the week-long voyage, Morrison and her peers will:

• Operate advanced shipboard scientific instruments
• Collect real-time oceanographic and geological data
• Design and execute mini research projects

“We are incredibly proud of Assistant Professor Halle Morrison for being selected to participate in this dynamic program,” said Malcolm X College President David Sanders. “Her dedication to our students and her multidisciplinary expertise makes her the ideal representative to participate in STEMSEAS. I know what she will learn, she will share with our students creating impact and changing lives through science education.”

Morrison teaches geology, chemistry, and physics at Malcolm X College. She is a former geological consultant specializing in active faulting and kinematics. Her research has covered the Bay Area, Los Angeles basin, and the Mojave Desert. She holds an impressive multidisciplinary academic record in:

• M.S. in Geology from San Jose State University
• M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from Northeastern Illinois University
• Graduate Physics Coursework from East Texas A&M University

At Malcolm X College, Morrison serves a highly diverse student population where she also collaborates with others to boost student success.

STEMSEAS is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded initiative designed to provide experiences for undergraduate students from all backgrounds on board U.S.-operated oceanographic research ships – providing increased exposure to the science and careers involved in oceanography and Earth science. Since 2016, the program has sailed more than 300 students alongside mentors from a wide variety of science and career backgrounds. For more information about the 2026 cohort, please visit: https://stemseas.org/2026-2yc-faculty-expedition-people/.

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