Krinsk Research Initiative Provides Critical Support for New Scientists and Students

Supporting the research of new scientists is a top priority for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, and in these efforts the institution recently found new partners in Jeffrey and Marcy Krinsk.

On Sept. 1, 2010, Scripps and the Krinsks launched the Jeffrey and Marcy Krinsk Research Advancement Initiative, or KRAI, with a reception at the couple’s Point Loma, Calif., home.  Jeffrey, an attorney and philanthropist, and his wife Marcy have founded KRAI to address definable, immediate, emergent, or unanticipated needs among researchers and students that would enhance ongoing research projects.  These needs could be equipment, student support, lab space, matching funds to leverage federal grants, state and regional contracts and grants, or K-12 student education programs.

The kick-off event featured welcoming remarks from UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox.  Scripps Director Tony Haymet and Vice Chancellor of External and Business Affairs Steve Relyea, who were instrumental in the development of the initiative, also spoke to the crowd after guests had an opportunity to look at research samples and posters and discuss ongoing work with students and scientists.

“The interest that Jeffrey and Marcy have shown in Scripps research and in the Scripps family has been our great fortune,” said Haymet, “and the great fortune of the research community as a whole.”

Haymet presented the Krinsks with a Scripps Institution of Oceanography medallion in recognition of their support.  The medallion was designed especially for this event by the Scripps Marine Science Development Center.

“We can’t visit Scripps, or even think about Scripps, without focusing on the core stuff – the researchers and their students, and the things they need to excel,” said Marcy Krinsk.

KRAI is uniquely valuable in its focus on practical resources with immediate application.  With KRAI support, Scripps geophysicist Neal Driscoll and graduate student Liz Johnston were able to acquire a high-resolution terrestrial light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system, an ideal tool for acquiring a quantitative time series of sea cliff morphology.  Marine ecologist Stuart Sandin and graduate student Brian Zgliczynski have secured a Mark IV Zodiac inflatable vessel for coral reef investigations.

“The Krinsks’ initiative is unique in its recognition of the need for new ways to support the most groundbreaking research within our respective groups,” said marine biologist Amro Hamdoun, a recipient of initiative support. “These are the people and projects that are pushing boundaries and, in doing so, sit outside the scope of traditional sources of support.”

Approximately $116,000 was received in the soft launch of the initiative to address critical needs of Scripps researchers.  The kickoff event was a “soft opening,” with the main initiative drive planned for the summer of 2011.

Those interested in supporting the Krinsk Research Advancement Initiative are encouraged to visit the advancement initiative website.

--Andrea Gordon