The
Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute is the not-for-profit
conservation and research arm of the Tennessee Aquarium.
Its mission is to conserve
and restore through research, restoration and education, with
a primary focus on southeastern organisms.
History:
TNARI was created in 1996 as a collaborative not-for-profit
enterprise through a partnership between the Tennessee
Aquarium, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the
Tennessee River Gorge Trust. Today, we are an independent
non-profit organization that seeks to protect the natural
resources, research native aquatic fauna, and train future
generations of scientists through collaborative, multidisciplinary
projects with our partners in Chattanooga and around the
United States.
Goals:
TNARI seeks to ensure the sustainability of the region's natural
resources by:
- Contributing useful knowledge about environments of the
Southeast gathered through scientific research;
- the next generation of environmental professionals and
educating the public to instill a greater understanding
and appreciation of science and nature;
- Fostering and initiating conservation efforts aimed at
ensuring the health and long-term sustainability of natural
resources;
- Using knowledge gained through scientific research to
encourage, promote and support sustainable economic development;
and
- Producing young scientific leaders and serving as a national
model for other communities seeking a healthy balance between
economic growth and the environment.
Location:
TNARI is located in a modern, well-equipped laboratory in
Cohutta, Ga.
Funding:
TNARI projects are partially supported by grants and contracts
from federal, state and private agencies.
Role of students:
TNARI nurtures the professional development of talented young
scientists by providing hands-on research opportunities
for undergraduate and graduate students. Results of these
student internships are impressive. Many interns present
their research findings at professional conferences and
some publish results in scientific journals. Participation
in TNARI's student intern program helps interns begin a
career in a scientific field and/or helps them open the
door to graduate school.
