MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – A team of outstanding science students from Marshfield High School is set to represent Wisconsin on the national stage at the 2025 National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Finals, one of the premier academic competitions in the country for ocean-related science.
Hosted by the Center for Ocean Leadership at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), this year’s National Finals will take place virtually via Zoom on May 17–18, 2025. The event will bring together regional champion teams from across the nation to compete in a rigorous, fast-paced contest designed to test their knowledge of ocean science, policy, and current environmental issues.
Marshfield High School earned its spot at the national competition after winning the Lake Sturgeon Bowl Regional, held February 1 at the UW–Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. As part of their regional victory, the team has also been awarded a hands-on research opportunity aboard the research vessel R/V Neeskay later this month, where they will collaborate with scientists to collect and analyze freshwater samples from Lake Michigan.
This marks Marshfield’s 16th appearance at the NOSB National Finals over the past 23 years—a remarkable achievement that includes four national titles. This year’s team includes sophomores Cade Dahl and Prisha Varre, junior Neel Gonugunta, and seniors Kai Rens (team captain) and Ean Sautebin. The team is guided by longtime coaches Paul Herder and Dean McFarlane.
The NOSB is designed to cultivate the next generation of oceanographers, environmental leaders, educators, and policymakers. Students compete through a series of buzzer-style questions, multiple-choice rounds, and open-ended team challenges. The 2025 competition theme, “Sounding the Depths: Understanding Ocean Acoustics,” highlights the importance of ocean sound science in marine conservation, navigation, and climate research.
Follow along with the scoreboard this weekend at this link!
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Author: News Desk
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