Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science has established a new scholarship offered by the West Palm Beach Fishing Club. The Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation – Captain Al Nathan Memorial Scholarship will support graduate-student education in the marine-science program.

“Al Nathan was a lifetime member of the Fishing Club and an ardent marine conservationist. Creating this scholarship is a fitting way to remember someone like Al who cared about giving back to the community and to the resource,” said Tom Twyford, executive director of the foundation.

“We wanted to broaden our educational outreach in our community and our board members have been impressed with FAU’s marine science education program. We hope to be able to expand our support in the future.”

This year’s scholarship will support a biology graduate student currently assisting Dr. Jay Baldwin, assistant professor of biology. Dr. Baldwin is researching the population and behavioral characteristics of Wahoo. Once a thriving species off of Florida’s coasts, the Wahoo population is in decline. FAU researchers and students are working to address the problem. The PB County Fishing Foundation will help them through this scholarship and from field information provided by the fishing club’s members.

“We are very appreciative to the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation for establishing this scholarship,” said Kevin Petrovsky, director of development for FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “Support for our students is the top priority of the College. After graduation, these students become important contributors and leaders in our community. These scholarships are an investment in our human capital for the future.”

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science provides undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in biological sciences, biomedical science, chemistry and biochemistry, geography and geology, mathematical sciences, physics, and psychology. The College recently received a $10 million state grant to create a Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology.