Welcome
Dear Rosenstiel School parents, families, and friends,
As we begin a new academic semester, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for the future of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. August 1 marked my first year as dean, and each day has reinforced what I have long known: this is an extraordinary school with an extraordinary mission.
That mission feels more urgent than ever. From extreme heat and flooding to hurricanes, sea-level rise, coral reef loss, and the changing health of our oceans and how this effects people. The challenges facing Miami and the world demand science that is rigorous, relevant, and deeply connected to the communities we serve. At the Rosenstiel School, our faculty, researchers, staff, and students are meeting that moment with purpose, creativity, and resolve.
Now in our 83rd year, the Rosenstiel School continues to advance world-class science while preparing the next generation of leaders in marine, atmospheric, and earth science. We are committed to giving our students immersive, hands-on experiences—what I often describe as feet wet, hands dirty, and data immersed. Just as important, we are expanding opportunities for students to engage in research earlier, build meaningful connections with faculty mentors, and pursue internships and partnerships that prepare them for impactful careers.
Our location in Miami gives our students a living classroom unlike any other. Here, they study environmental change not as an abstract concept but as a daily reality—on the water, in the lab, across coastal communities, and through data that helps inform decisions about resilience and sustainability. This semester, they will continue to learn from leading scientists, participate in discovery, and contribute to solutions that matter locally and globally.
This work is strengthened by our long-standing partnerships and by new opportunities that expand the reach of our research. The Rosenstiel School remains deeply engaged in NOAA-supported science through the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, and we are also contributing to new national efforts to advance sustainable aquaculture and strengthen America’s seafood supply. These efforts reflect the breadth of our expertise—from ocean observing and environmental forecasting to marine ecosystems and coastal resilience.
To our parents and families: thank you for entrusting us with the education and growth of your students. We see their talent, curiosity, and determination every day, and we are honored to help them develop the skills, confidence, and sense of purpose they will carry into the world.
To our donors and friends: thank you for believing in the Rosenstiel School and investing in its future. Your support fuels student success, accelerates discovery, and allows us to pursue bold ideas at a time when science has never been more essential.
As we look ahead, I am inspired by the momentum of this school and by the people who make it exceptional. Together, we will continue to elevate the Rosenstiel School to its next level of greatness—advancing science, educating future leaders, and helping build a more resilient and sustainable future for Miami and beyond.
With gratitude,
-Ben Kirtman
Dean, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
