Dolphin Challenge: Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders

Each spring, bright young minds from across Texas and surrounding states gather in Galveston to put their ocean knowledge to the test. The Dolphin Challenge, Texas’ regional competition for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), is an academic launching pad for future scientists, educators, and environmental leaders — this year’s theme: Sounding the Depths: Understanding Ocean Acoustics.

A Launchpad for Ocean Education

Hosted by Texas Sea Grant at Texas A&M University–Galveston in collaboration with Sea Camp, the Dolphin Challenge is part of a nationwide program designed to address a critical gap in Earth and environmental sciences in U.S. classrooms. By immersing students in the science of the ocean and coast, the competition promotes ocean literacy and encourages participants to consider careers in marine and environmental fields. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Sea Grant Coastal and Marine Agent, Brandi Keller, is the Regional NOSB Coordinator for coastal Texas. “Students leave the Dolphin Challenge with a new appreciation for how interconnected our oceans are with global systems,” says Keller. “It’s about more than winning — it’s about inspiring the next generation of ocean leaders.”

Behind the Scenes of a Statewide Effort

Keller serves as both organizer and ambassador for ocean science education in her role as Regional NOSB Coordinator. She handles everything from planning the competition schedule and securing the venue to recruiting and training the many volunteers who serve as moderators, judges, and scorekeepers. She also engages schools and coaches, manages team registration, and ensures the event follows national guidelines while providing students with enriching opportunities such as lab tours and interactions with scientists. Acting as the link between Texas Sea Grant’s regional competition and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, the coordinator helps winning teams advance to the national finals while fostering partnerships, sponsorships, and community support that make the Dolphin Challenge a success year after year. Keller was also able to offer a unique element of expertise to this year’s competition in underwater acoustics. She drew on her experience with the United States Navy and offered valuable insight to develop and review the questions for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl finals.

The format is rigorous and exciting. Teams of high school students face off in a quiz-bowl style contest, answering rapid-fire toss-up questions as well as more complex, collaborative bonus questions. Subjects span the breadth of ocean sciences, from marine biology and chemistry to physical oceanography, geology, and even marine policy. Success requires not only quick thinking but also teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world issues.

Connecting Students to the Scientific Community

Beyond the buzzers, the event also connects students to the broader scientific community. Past competitions have included tours of Texas A&M–Galveston’s research facilities, interactions with scientists, and presentations on pressing environmental challenges in the Gulf. Volunteers from groups such as the Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalists help make the experience possible, serving as moderators, judges, and mentors for the competing teams. Once a student participates in any regional competition, they qualify for the NOSB Scholarship Program. In addition, they become connected as a NOSB alum, sometimes going on to be moderators and judges themselves for future competitions.

The stakes are high. Winners of the Dolphin Challenge earn a coveted spot at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl finals, where they represent Texas on the national stage against top teams from across the country. The experience builds leadership, confidence, and connections that last far beyond high school. Congratulations to the 2025 Winners — Seth Alfaro, Saara Bindingnavele, Unal McLauchlan, Anuar Medina, and Vera Hsiang — coached by Leslie Peart and Lorinda Hamilton. (Caption suggestion for photo: The 2025 Dolphin Challenge champions gather around the iconic turtle sculpture at Texas A&M–Galveston.)

For Texas Sea Grant, the Dolphin Challenge is a perfect fit with its mission to build resilient communities and a scientifically literate workforce. By engaging students in ocean sciences early, the program cultivates curiosity and passion that can translate into lifelong careers protecting and studying the world’s oceans. 

Note: The NOSB is an academic competition of the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL), a University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Community Program.Note: The NOSB is an academic competition of the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL), a University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Community Program.