Mercy University Professor Delivers Keynote at International Ocean Literacy Conference in Taiwan
Meghan E. Marrero, EdD, a professor at Mercy University and a recognized leader in marine science education, served as one of the keynote speakers at the 2025 International Ocean Literacy Conference hosted at the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU). The event, led by NTOU Vice President Dr. Ming-An Lee, convened educators, researchers and students to examine emerging issues in ocean literacy and innovative approaches to ocean-focused education.
Dr. Marrero has conducted extensive research in ocean literacy for teachers and students, including co-authoring a high school marine science textbook. She is co-director of Mercy University’s Center for STEM Education and serves as the national coordinator for USA Blue Schools, a program that promotes ocean literacy through authentic learning opportunities across multiple grade levels. She is also a past president of the National Marine Educators Association (2018–19).
She delivered a keynote address titled “Building Ocean Literacy in Classrooms: Research Findings from USA Blue Schools.” Her presentation highlighted recent findings on how schools participating in the USA Blue Schools initiative integrate ocean literacy concepts across K–12 curricula through place-based and inquiry-driven instruction.
“The conference brought together K–12 teachers who are working to integrate ocean literacy into their school curriculum,” Dr. Marrero said. “Additionally, teams of students had been working on ocean literacy projects and were tasked with creatively sharing what they had learned, which they did through games, demonstrations, posters and similar formats. Judges evaluated the projects and awarded prizes to winning teams, but as speakers we were able to interact with the students and learn firsthand from their work.”
She added that presenting internationally offered valuable perspective. “This conference was an opportunity to showcase my research in an international setting and gain insight into how similar work is being done in Taiwan.”
The International Ocean Literacy Conference continues to serve as a global platform for strengthening public understanding of the ocean and advancing effective practices that prepare the next generation of ocean-literate citizens.
