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SHARK!! Dan Abel takes the insides out on the streets of Morocco
Professor Dan Abel teaches Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University. On the MV Explorer he’s known as The Shark Guy. His enthusiasm for marine life is infectious. During the ship’s first day in Casablanca, Morocco Abel stumbled across the local fish market where he saw several species of sharks. He immediately emailed the class to meet on the last day in port for an exploration of the market and shark dissection. What ensued was an electric combination of biology, teaching, learning, smelling, and street performance.
*Note: the shark used in this dissection was too old to eat (in fact the market director didn’t want us to take it in fear we might get sick). The best possible use of this shark was for education, rather than going straight to the trash.
Dr. Able is the coolest. And the fact that this could happen is what makes Semester at Sea is so awesome.Well written piece, Russ!
What a GREAT teacher! Our oceanography professor on the Fall 73 voyage wouldn’t even go out on deck with us to show or explain things. All lectures in the bowels of the ship.
What an amazingly spontaneous experience. If well planned, it probably would not have been as exciting, captivating or informative. Thankfully, Dr. Abel knows a “teachable” moment when he spots one. This photo essay captures the experience start to finish— all that is missing are the smells and sounds. I know that students will look back on these photos for years to come and smell every aroma and hear every sound. Great job, Russ!
I had the pleasure of being a student of Dr. Abel’s years ago at Coastal Carolina. I have to say he is the best Professor I ever had or possibly will ever have. Thank you for all you have taught me Dr. Abel. Great writing Russ to show what a great teacher Dr. Abel is wherever he ends up. 🙂