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Focus on Development, Diversity, Outreach, Research and Training
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Morgan State University, a doctoral public urban research university in Baltimore City, signed a new educational agreement today that seeks to promote collaborative research, community outreach, economic development and opportunity, and workforce training.
This first-of-its-kind agreement between the two state institutions was signed at the Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory, known as the PEARL, during an open house event that featured remarks from Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton, and Morgan State University President Dr. David Wilson.
“This unique partnership between our respective parties will aid ongoing restoration activities in Baltimore City, in Maryland and throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “By leveraging the academic prowess and deep-rooted relationships Morgan has crafted over the last 150 years with the practical expertise and knowledge of our staff, we will be able to reach more citizens and communities and connect them with of our ongoing resiliency and restoration work.”
“This partnership will open many new doors for the department and Morgan State University students, be it in applied sciences, internships or skills training in emerging ‘green’ careers and fields,” Belton said. “This is a historic and significant day, and marks the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on the citizens and communities we serve.”
As per the agreement, the department will provide more opportunities for Morgan State University students through apprenticeship, fellowship or internship programs focused in the fields of construction, engineering, green infrastructure, information technology and science. The two entities will also work on joint research projects, including academic presentations and publications as well as economic development programs, from Chesapeake Bay restoration innovation to shellfish aquaculture. The collaboration will also design, develop, implement and market specific activities aimed at benefiting all underserved communities – rural and urban – to ensure dialogue, diversity, engagement, inclusion and – ultimately – success.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Department of Natural Resources on this important work that we believe will help make a difference in the future of Maryland and its citizens,” said Morgan State President David Wilson. “Together, with the unique capabilities both bring to the project, Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university and DNR will foster innovative, novel, and transdisciplinary solutions to the critical environmental challenges of metropolitan Baltimore and the State of Maryland.”
Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Joanne Throwe and Morgan State Vice President for Research & Economic Development Victor McCrary crafted the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Morgan State University agreement. Both individuals will continue to serve as responsible agents and respective liaisons for the new agreement, which commences June 23, 2017, and concludes June 22, 2020.
