The R/V Melosira, shown here docked on the Burlington waterfront, has been the most visible aspect of the University of Vermont’s freshwater research, teaching, and outreach program for over 30 years. The ship will be replaced next year with a state-of-the-art new vessel. (Photo: Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist)
“It’s all connected,” says Beverly Rubenstein. “The water, the air, the land it all goes together and we all live here on earth, so research that benefits the environment benefits everybody.”
A generous new gift from Beverly and her son Andrew to support the University’s research vessels will help generations of University of Vermont students and researchers better understand the interconnections between the broader environment and freshwater ecosystems. This, in turn, will benefit communities across the country and around the globe who depend on freshwater ecosystems for drinking water, food, tourism, commerce, transportation, and natural resource productio
A first-of-its-kind research boat is under construction for the University of Vermont.
A 64-foot aluminum catamaran, the hybrid-electric vessel will be a floating classroom and laboratory and model of seaworthy sustainability. With two AC electric motors, backed up by two 306-horse-power diesel engines, the vessel will be able to run on all-electric power for trips under two hours.
This will provide a low-emissions boat with few vibrations nearly silent for students and researchers, and less intrusive for studying fish and other wildlife on the lake. The boat also has an advanced new catamaran hull form that has been optimized to minimize resistance at low speeds, accommodate battery storage, and ensure stability even in rough weather.
UVM s new advanced hybrid lake research vessel being built vermontbiz.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from vermontbiz.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.