Cape May Point Science Center prepares for debut | Cape May Star & Wave
CAPE MAY POINT — June 8, 2022
Saving the building was just the first step in realizing the ultimate vision for the former St. Mary by the Sea Retreat, originally built as the Shoreham Hotel in 1889.
In the two months that have passed since the Cape May Point Science Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, took ownership of the iconic landmark, Bob Mullock and his son, Dillon, have been busy preparing for a summer launch: recruiting a world-class team, commissioning exhibits curated by renowned scientists and vetting potential partners, including prestigious universities.
“I know a lot about the history of this building, the sentiments of our community and the critical environmental importance of the southernmost point of New Jersey, which is why I knew we had to save the Shoreham Hotel,” Mullock said. “But I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no scientist, so we’ve set out to recruit a team of experts that can effectively drive our mission to promote marine, ornithological and ecological research, education and advocacy.”
Cape May is among the top bird-watching destinations globally, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs converge on the Delaware Bay to breed annually, dolphins and whales feed off the Atlantic coast, and curious onlookers flock to Cape May Point each fall to see monarch butterflies roosting.
The Science Center sits at the nexus of these natural wonders and many more, providing the ideal location for students and field scientists to conduct their research.
Many of the exciting opportunities for new study at the Science Center will build upon discoveries driven by Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT). Founded by West Cape May resident Michael Lanzone in 2007, CTT develops cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of what is possible in wildlife tracking studies for biologists, universities and governmental organizations in more than 200 countries across the world.
The valuable data collected through CTT products facilitates the study of animal movements, informing the protection and conservation of species worldwide.
In addition to leveraging the Science Center as a research and testing outpost for CTT, Lanzone will serve as co-chairman of the Science Council alongside his wife, Tricia Lanzone, Ph.D.
As executive director and a senior wildlife biologist at Conservation Science Global, Tricia Lanzone conducts research to inform the conservation and management of natural resources.
Most of her research focuses on tracking birds to understand how their movements put them at risk from human infrastructure and applying that knowledge to reduce risk to both humans and wildlife.
In their volunteer roles on the Science Council, the Lanzones will utilize their vast expertise to lead a group of trained specialists to steer the Science Center’s major research projects and select special projects to receive grant funding.
“The Science Center provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with other researchers to expand scientific research and education in Cape May and southern New Jersey,” Tricia Lanzone said. “The ecological significance of our region is extraordinary. The Science Center will facilitate collaborative research that will help us better understand the region’s ecology and address threats like climate change, sea-level rise and declining biodiversity.”
Sean Burcher, Ph.D., who spent his childhood summers appreciating the natural beauty of Cape May Point beaches, joins the Science Center team as director of scientific operations.
The volunteer position will build upon his experience as an embedded software developer for wildlife telemetry devices at CTT.
“I hope that everyone who comes through the Science Center doors leaves with an understanding of just how special Cape May is in terms of the unique wildlife and natural spaces,” Burcher said. “Further, I hope that this type of innovation and collaboration made possible by our nonprofit and university partners will make the Science Center a world-renowned institution for environmental research.”
The Science Center will debut to the public with about five scientific exhibits highlighting local and migratory marine life, monarch butterflies and birds of prey.
The exhibit hall will continue to evolve and grow to reflect groundbreaking discoveries made on-site and highlight new partnerships throughout the scientific and academic communities.
A gallery of wildlife and nature photography by photographer Dennis Flanagan will be on display. Each photograph was captured in Cape May, further emphasizing the unique beauty and diverse natural population of the area.
Later this month, the Science Center will announce its opening date, including tour options that will allow locals and visitors to see the inside of the iconic red-roofed building for the first time.
The Science Center plans to award grant funding to fuel additional research using the proceeds from tour tickets.