The Department of Geosciences recently provided four Master’s students enrolled in a Master Programme (MSc in Applied Oceanography and MSc by Research) with an exceptional opportunity to participate in the BridgET Summer School held in Magoodhoo, Maldives. Anna Maria Haider, Benjamin Mifsud Scicluna, Laura Holleran, and Gareth Craig Darmanin participated in this initiative that was part of the BridgET Project, a collaboration led by Prof. Aaron Micallef and Dr Adam Gauci.
Funded under the ERASMUS+ program, the project addresses the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in coastal and marine geosciences. The Maldives Summer School offered students an intensive 10-day program focused on advanced geophysical acoustic technologies, geomorphological mapping, and the integration of multisource geospatial data to create immersive 3D models of coastal and submarine environments. The program combined field activities, classroom lessons, and hands-on training. Students gained skills in using UAVs, multibeam echosounders, and ROVs to collect and process geospatial data. The experience culminated in the creation of high-resolution digital terrain models and thematic maps, equipping participants to assess geohazards in coral reef environments.
The students shared their experiences, highlighting the program's profound impact:
"Participating in the BRIDGET course was an unforgettable experience that blended cutting-edge technology with hands-on marine exploration and left a real mark on my personal and academic growth. Piloting drones, operating ROVs, and snorkelling with manta rays in the stunning Maldivian waters gave me new perspectives on marine geosciences and fostered connections with experts and peers from all over Europe." - Benjamin Mifsud Scicluna
“Participating in the BridgET Erasmus program in the Maldives was an enriching academic and cultural experience that significantly expanded my knowledge and skills in geosciences. During the program, I applied various data collection techniques, including drones, echosounders, and photogrammetry, while gaining insights into a wide range of geoscientific topics. Beyond the extensive academic learning, I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds and immerse myself in Maldivian culture.” - Gareth Craig Darmanin
“The BridgET Summer school was an amazing experience where I was able to gain practical skills for ocean research. Leading experts demonstrated how ocean monitoring instruments are used to collect oceanographic data in the field, and we attended seminars to understand how the data is applied in practice. We were also shown how to process the data in mainstream software. My favourite part was learning to operate and to process data from an ROV. This school also made it possible to build connections and make lasting memories with like-minded aspiring young researchers from around the world.” - Laura Holleran
“Our time in the Maldives with the BridgET Erasmus project was a great experience introducing us all to a new ideology of how to encorporate modern and developing technologies within the Oceanographic field. We were able to gain real hands-on experiences with tools such as ROVs, Drones and Sonar, creating models and photogrammetric imagery of the coral reefs surrounding the island of Magoodhoo where the MarHe Centre is based. One of the biggest benefits though for me was to build relationships with a number of other professionals and students within the Marine Sciences community from a variety of other European universities.” - Anna Maria Haider
“Participating in the BridgET Erasmus program in the Maldives was an enriching academic and cultural experience that significantly expanded my knowledge and skills in geosciences. During the program, I applied various data collection techniques, including drones, echosounders, and photogrammetry, while gaining insights into a wide range of geoscientific topics. Beyond the extensive academic learning, I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds and immerse myself in Maldivian culture.” - Gareth Craig Darmanin
“The BridgET Summer school was an amazing experience where I was able to gain practical skills for ocean research. Leading experts demonstrated how ocean monitoring instruments are used to collect oceanographic data in the field, and we attended seminars to understand how the data is applied in practice. We were also shown how to process the data in mainstream software. My favourite part was learning to operate and to process data from an ROV. This school also made it possible to build connections and make lasting memories with like-minded aspiring young researchers from around the world.” - Laura Holleran
“Our time in the Maldives with the BridgET Erasmus project was a great experience introducing us all to a new ideology of how to encorporate modern and developing technologies within the Oceanographic field. We were able to gain real hands-on experiences with tools such as ROVs, Drones and Sonar, creating models and photogrammetric imagery of the coral reefs surrounding the island of Magoodhoo where the MarHe Centre is based. One of the biggest benefits though for me was to build relationships with a number of other professionals and students within the Marine Sciences community from a variety of other European universities.” - Anna Maria Haider
The Department of Geosciences is proud of the achievements by these students and remains committed to fostering such opportunities through similar initiatives, furthering education, innovation, and collaboration in marine geosciences.
