Dr. Keith Muhlestein (left), Director of the National Spill Control School, shakes the hand of Dr. Richard Smith, Executive Director of the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

The National Spill Control School (NSCS) has joined the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science (CBI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as its newest research unit.

Now in its 50th year, NSCS is nationally recognized for its oil spill research and was named a consulting, training, and research resource for the National Response Team in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. NSCS offers specialized hands-on OSHA mandated training for professionals and workers in the oil spill, HAZMAT, and emergency management industries as well as others in exploration, production, and transportation who deal with spill prevention, planning, and response.

“The work NSCS does as an all-hazards school coalesces with what we do at the institute in terms of mapping, analysis, and data collection,” said Dr. Richard Smith, CBI Executive Director. “This is a great opportunity for both the institute and the school, and I’m excited that it’s happening.”

The partnership will enhance collective capabilities and expand the realm of innovative solutions that can be offered to the community.

“Combining our expertise allows the school to perform spatial analysis, surveying, and evaluation of an oil spill or hazardous material release at a deeper, more scientific level,” said Dr. Keith Muhlestein, NSCS Director. “The alliance fosters a natural synergy in research and development, and we’re honored to join the Conrad Blucher team.”

In addition to increased collaborations and synergistic research, plans also include expanded course offerings with online delivery and innovative in-person offerings using virtual reality (VR) technology.

“Pooling Blucher’s rich history and expertise in measurement science with the school’s history and expertise in hazard preparedness and response, we enhance our collective capabilities,” Smith said. “By combining the two, we can work together to lead both industry and the science.”

To learn more about the National Spill Control School, visit nscs.tamucc.edu.