Reanimating a love for marine science at the first annual trunk or treat
William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) began a new tradition on Friday, October 23, by inviting the community to the campus’ first annual trunk or treat.
The event, hosted as part of the Discovery Lab series, featured an array of uniquely decorated vehicle trunks that celebrated ongoing research at VIMS & the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, alongside interactive booths that allowed guests to gain a new perspective on marine science.
“It's important to provide opportunities for students and youth to see real science and inspire the next generation of scientists, nature lovers, ocean lovers and advocates,” said Kristen Sharpe M.S. ’22, associate director of outreach and engagement.
With the inaugural trunk or treat, Sharpe wanted to provide the community with an event that combined Halloween festivities and marine science in a new way.
“Historically for Halloween, we did what we called the ‘Mad Lab,’ which was a spooky science lab experience,” she explained. “A trunk or treat allows us to elevate that by incorporating educational, Halloween-themed marine science activities that allow our faculty and staff to directly engage with the community.”
Over 200 guests attended the event, with many of the participants being first-time visitors to VIMS campus.
“We saw the event advertised through Facebook, and we thought it would be cool to come down and see what the school had to offer,” said attendee Cynthia Richards. “The booths and trunks all show the dedication faculty and staff have for the event.”
Trunk décor represented various topics in marine science and entire vehicles were transformed into captivating oceanic scenery, from the ruins of a shipwreck to showcasing the effects of discarded fishing gear, informally known as “ghost traps.”
One trunk hosted by the Mariners’ Museum and Park used their vehicle to demonstrate how the wreckage of the U.S.S. Monitor, located off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, has been transformed into an artificial reef. However, invasive species such as lionfish have begun to colonize the reef, harming local species and disrupting food web processes.
“For our trunk, we wanted to commemorate the U.S.S. Monitor in a respectful manner,” said Claudia Moncada-Wireman M.A. ’23, senior science educator at the Mariners’. “We also thought a display highlighting the haunting nature of invasive species like lionfish was a good way to educate the public.”
In between trunk or treating, guests could visit a variety of interactive booths where they could engage firsthand with critical marine science processes. A fan-favorite booth throughout the night was one that used slime making to educate guests about defense mechanisms of hagfish, who release milky mucus when threatened by predators.
“This booth lets me interact with the public and makes kids excited about science,” said Aileen McDonald, an M.A student at the Batten School. “It’s been amazing to see kids who are excited to learn in this unique way.”
Another popular booth was one that displayed various sea creatures that inspired horror movie monsters. Many of the younger guests braved the booth and learned how these creatures play a critical role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
“I wasn’t scared at all!” exclaimed one young attendee who was dressed up as Spider-Man. “Looking at those fish was super cool.”
Looking to the future, Kristen Sharpe is eager to expand upon the success of this year’s trunk or treat by utilizing more campus facilities to accommodate for increased attendance.
“I'm definitely interested in expanding the event and potentially hosting it in Chesapeake Bay Hall,” Sharpe explained. “I would love to do a combination of a trunk or treat outside in the parking lot of Chesapeake Bay Hall, while inside scientists and staff could work in their labs and have guests partake in a ‘night at the haunted science lab.’”
While planning next year’s trunk or treat, Sharpe expressed that the goal of the event will continue to be focused on connecting the community with the research of VIMS & Batten School scientists and students.
“We're not a research lab that just happens to be in Gloucester Point. We’re part of the local community ourselves,” said Sharpe. “So, it’s nice whenever we can provide a free event for that community that also builds awareness of our science and helps people understand what we do.”
