BioGeoSCAPES at COESSING
About COESSING
The Coastal Ocean Environment Summer School in Nigeria and Ghana (COESSING) is an international summer school that advances capacity development, scientific training, and collaboration in ocean and environmental sciences. Held annually in Nigeria or Ghana, COESSING is an endorsed project of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Pictured right are participants from the 2024 summer school in Lagos, Nigeria.
2026 Biogeochemistry of Water Module
In 2026, the module was held at the University of Calabar in Nigeria and led by instructors Katie Roche, Amina Schartup, Unyime Umoh, Mak Saito (pictured left) and Hannah Adams (not pictured). Participants gained experience with field sampling, sensor deployment, DNA extraction and PCR, PlanktoScope visualization, and introductory Python programming (pictured below). Lectures connected these practical activities with microbial biogeochemistry, omics approaches, and opportunities to engage with the broader BioGeoSCAPES community.
In addition to developing scientific and technical skills, the training creates opportunities for participants and instructors to build relationships and initiate collaborative projects that can continue beyond the summer school.
