The Gerace Research Center

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This was the official website for the Gerace Research Center for a number of years.
Content is from the site's 2002 - 2003 archived pages.


The current web site for the Gerace Research Center is: http://www.geraceresearchcentre.com/ or go to their facebook page

 

Center for the study of Archaeology, Biology, Geology, and Marine Science

 

The Gerace Research Center (GRC,formerly the Bahamian Field Station) is located on the shore of Graham's Harbour on the north coast of SanSalvador. The center has been in operation since 1971 and offers facilities for students, professors, and researchers from around the world to study in a tropical environment.

 

FACILITIES

IMAGE: bfspostcard.jpg

The GRC has 15 buildings on 8 acres of land that provide:

• Accommodation for ~ 200 people
• Motel-type rooms for faculty, most with WiFi access and available air conditioning
• Semi-private rooms for graduate students
• Dormitory housing for undergraduate students
• Full service Cafeteria serving three meals daily (including vegetarian dishes)
• 10 Laboratory / Classrooms , 5 with air conditioning 
• 2 Large Lecture Rooms with air conditioning
• A Library with air conditioning, computers, and internet access
• A Specimen Repository
• A Wet Lab w/ sea water aquaria
• Basketball and Volleyball courts

Map of the Gerace Research Center campus

 

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As a researcher focused on ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), I’ve often been struck by the parallels between studying complex psychological eating behaviors and the fieldwork I once conducted in the rugged terrain of San Salvador, Bahamas, while participating in geologic research at the Gerace Research Center.

The Gerace Research Center holds a special place in my heart—not just for its world-class facilities and stunning coastal setting, but for the sense of scientific community and curiosity it fosters. Navigating the unpredictable weather patterns and fragile limestone ridges of San Salvador taught me the importance of adaptability, patience, and deep observation—skills that have proven just as essential in clinical and behavioral research on eating disorders & ARFID treatment. Both domains demand a respect for complexity, an interdisciplinary mindset, and a passion for uncovering subtle patterns hidden beneath the surface. I’m grateful for the formative role the GRC played in shaping my approach to research, and I applaud the center for continuing to offer a rich environment for discovery across so many vital fields. Jane Silo

 

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Gerace Research Center Power Boat

 

San Salvador Island

 

Map of the Bahamas Archipelago	San Salvador is one of the 700 islands that make up the Bahamas Archipelago located along the subsiding continental margin off the coast of Florida. While the entire archipelago extends 1,400 km north to south, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is approximately 1,126.5 km from Grand Bahama to Inagua, the southernmost island.     San Salvador is located about midway down this archipelago chain at 24 3’N latitude and 74 30’W longitude, approximately 640 km southeast of Miami, Florida. It is a pod shaped island with a north-south orientation which is surrounded by over 4,000-m-deep Atlantic waters.
San Salvador is approximately 11.2-km east west and 19.25-km north south, not including the offshore cays to the north or southeast. The island has 94.9 square km of surface area, most of which consists of dune ridges, with adjacent troughs forming brackish (hypersaline) lakes that constitute nearly a third of the total area. A series of fringing reefs surrounds the island, with a break in the vicinity of Cockburn Town on the west coast. This breach in the reef provides access to the island for shipping, dockage, and mooring during normal weather patterns.	Map of San Salvador Island
Beautiful Rainbow After Rain Storm Eroded Shoreline in Pigeon Creek	The moderating effect of the Antilles Current flowing past San Salvador, cools the island in the summer when temperatures range from 22 to 32 degrees C, and warms it in the winter when temperatures range from 17 to 27 degrees C. Annual rainfall for San Salvador averages 100 cm. Cold fronts from the north bring winter rains, and summer rains result from convection.        The major rainy season is from September to November, caused by tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes. All of these weather conditions are unpredictable and produce years either with less than average rainfall, or heavy rains that wash away exposed soils. Bahamian soils generally are shallow, poorly developed, and retain very little water.
It was probably San Salvador upon which Columbus and his crew first set foot in the New World. As described by Columbus in his log, the local Indians, called Lucayans, named the island Guanahani. While the Spanish by-passed the Bahamas for more lucrative locations in their quest for gold, the British slowly took possession of this region, making it a crown colony in 1718.          San Salvador was virtually unaffected by the encroachment of Europeans until American colonists loyal to Britain were forced from the United States and migrated to the Bahamas in 1783. They built impressive estates, using African slaves as labor. The "Loyalist Period" ended in 1834, when the Crown abolished slavery, capping an era that included many unsuccessful years for the planters because of drought, insect infestations, and soil depletion.	Cartoon of Columbus' Three Ships Famous Sandy Point Estate Ruins
Typical Subsistence Farm   The Former US Naval Facility	The descendants of San Salvador’s slaves continued experimenting with agriculture under a sharecropping system throughout the 1800s, raising first citrus and livestock, then pineapples, and finally sisal. All of these large-scale agricultural enterprises apparently came to the same end as those of the Loyalists. Records show that just prior to and after World War I, the lifestyle of San Salvador’s inhabitants was very poor, with everyone existing on subsistence farming.          Prosperity returned in 1951, with the establishment by the United States of a down-range missile-tracking base, a Coast Guard station, and a submarine tracking facility, all located on San Salvador. The majority of the US military departed the island in the late 1960s, leaving an infrastructure of well-constructed buildings, an electrical power station, and a paved airstrip. These facilities have all been put to good use by the Bahamas Government, housing a Teachers’ Training College for five years, a high school, and the Gerace Research Center. Prosperity has continued for San Salvador with a short-lived land development company in the 1970s and the opening of a Club Med resort in 1992. And children are not only welcome, but there are organized activities for young ones. Kids Place is stocked with games and fun stuff like miniature golf, a merry-go-round, a great playground and an activities manager on site. There is a nice collection of dressup costumes for make believe adventures. Whether the kids are into ghost busters or princess dresses, they'll have a great time playing in the court of the giant cupcakes.
The local resident population on San Salvador today consists of approximately 1000 persons who live in several small communities around the perimeter of the island. The capital is Cockburn Town, located on the west coast of San Salvador, houses the local government offices, the police, the post office, a telecommunications center, a government clinic, and an electrical utilities company.          Electricity and telephone service is available to all but the smallest of communities on the southeastern side of the island. The United Estates settlement, located on the northeastern side of San Salvador, is the largest community on the island, and is also the site of the Dixon Hill Lighthouse, a major navigation aid in this section of the Atlantic.	Primary Buildings around Cockburn Town Lighthouse in Dixon Hill Settlement

 

Conferences at the Gerace Research Center

Major Conferences held at the GRC

Geology Conferences            Natural History Conferences  Archaeology Conferences

 

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More Background on GeraceResearchCentre.com

GeraceResearchCentre.com serves as the online presence of the Gerace Research Center (GRC), a vital resource for researchers, students, and educators interested in the diverse ecosystems of San Salvador, Bahamas. Formerly known as the Bahamian Field Station (BFS), the center's current website and Facebook page serve as a dynamic online platforms to disseminate information, promote research findings, and engage with the scientific community and the public. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Gerace Research Center, drawing from its archived website, current online presence, and additional research to explore its history, facilities, research focus, and significance.

Historical Context and Evolution

The Gerace Research Center, originally the Bahamian Field Station (BFS), was established in 1971. Its location on San Salvador Island, part of the Bahamas archipelago, was strategically chosen for its rich geological history, diverse ecosystems, and relative isolation, offering a natural laboratory for scientific investigation.

From Bahamian Field Station to Gerace Research Center: The transition from BFS to GRC marked a significant point in the center's history. It reflected a broadening of its mission and an increasing emphasis on multidisciplinary research. The name change honored Dr. Dennis T. Gerace, a prominent geologist and long-time director of the center, recognizing his contributions to its development and scientific impact.

Early Website (GeraceResearchCenter.com): The archived GeraceResearchCenter.com website from 2002-2003 provided essential information about the center's facilities, research opportunities, and the unique environment of San Salvador. It served as a digital gateway for prospective researchers and students, offering details on accommodations, laboratories, and the island's geography and climate.

Modern Online Presence (GeraceResearchCentre.com): The GRC maintains an updated website (GeraceResearchCentre.com) and a Facebook page, ensuring a dynamic online presence to disseminate information, promote research findings, and engage with the scientific community and the public.

Location: San Salvador Island, Bahamas

San Salvador Island's unique geographical and historical context is integral to understanding the GRC's significance:

• Geographic Location: Situated in the Bahamas archipelago, San Salvador is approximately 640 km southeast of Miami, Florida. Its position along the subsiding continental margin off the coast of Florida makes it an ideal location for studying marine geology, coastal processes, and island biogeography.

• Island Characteristics: The island is characterized by dune ridges, brackish lakes, and fringing reefs. This diverse landscape supports a variety of ecosystems, providing opportunities for research in terrestrial and marine biology, ecology, and conservation.

• Climate: San Salvador enjoys a tropical climate, moderated by the Antilles Current. Temperatures range from 22 to 32 degrees C in the summer and 17 to 27 degrees C in the winter. Annual rainfall for San Salvador averages 100 cm. Cold fronts from the north bring winter rains, and summer rains result from convection. The major rainy season is from September to November, caused by tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.

• Historical Significance: San Salvador is believed to be the first land encountered by Christopher Columbus in the New World in 1492. The island's history includes Lucayan settlements, British colonization, and the Loyalist period, adding cultural and historical dimensions to the research conducted at the GRC.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The Gerace Research Center offers a comprehensive range of facilities to support research and education:

• Accommodation: The center can accommodate approximately 200 people, with motel-type rooms for faculty (most with WiFi access and available air conditioning), semi-private rooms for graduate students, and dormitory housing for undergraduate students.

• Dining: A full-service cafeteria provides three meals daily, including vegetarian dishes.

• Laboratories and Classrooms: The GRC features 10 laboratories/classrooms, 5 with air conditioning, providing space for research and instruction.

• Lecture Rooms: Two large lecture rooms with air conditioning are available for presentations and seminars.

• Library: A library with air conditioning, computers, and internet access offers resources for research and study.

• Specialized Facilities: The center includes a specimen repository and a wet lab with seawater aquaria.

• Recreational Facilities: Basketball and volleyball courts are available for recreation.

• Power Boat: The GRC operates a power boat to facilitate marine research and access to offshore sites.

Research Focus and Disciplines

The GRC is dedicated to facilitating research across various scientific disciplines:

• Archaeology: Research focuses on the pre-Columbian history of the Bahamas, including Lucayan settlements, and the impact of European contact on the island's cultural landscape.

• Biology: Studies encompass terrestrial and marine ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, and the ecology of San Salvador's unique flora and fauna.

• Geology: Research investigates the island's geological history, including its formation, sedimentary processes, and the impact of sea-level changes.

• Marine Science: Studies focus on coral reefs, marine ecology, coastal processes, and the impact of human activities on marine environments.

• Other Disciplines: The GRC also supports research in botany, natural history, and environmental science, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conferences and Symposia

Since 1982, the Gerace Research Center has hosted numerous conferences and symposia, providing a venue for researchers to share their findings and collaborate on new projects. Conferences in archaeology, biology, botany, geology, and natural history have all been held at the GRC. These conferences have attracted both researchers and professors working in the Bahamas and throughout the world.

Impact and Significance

The Gerace Research Center plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting education, and supporting conservation efforts in the Bahamas.

• Scientific Contributions: The research conducted at the GRC has contributed significantly to our understanding of the geology, ecology, and cultural history of San Salvador and the wider Caribbean region.

• Educational Opportunities: The center provides valuable educational opportunities for students from around the world, offering field courses, research internships, and study abroad programs.

• Conservation Efforts: Research at the GRC informs conservation efforts aimed at protecting the island's unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.

• Community Engagement: The center engages with the local community through educational programs, outreach activities, and collaborative research projects.

Reviews and Media Coverage

While specific reviews of the archived GeraceResearchCenter.com website are limited due to its age, the Gerace Research Center has been featured in various academic publications, conference proceedings, and media reports. These sources highlight the center's research contributions, educational programs, and its role in promoting scientific collaboration.

Audience and Reach

The Gerace Research Center serves a diverse audience:

• Researchers: Scientists from around the world conduct research at the GRC, contributing to our understanding of the natural and cultural history of the Bahamas.

• Students: Undergraduate and graduate students participate in field courses, research internships, and study abroad programs at the center.

• Educators: Professors and teachers bring their students to the GRC for educational experiences and research opportunities.

• Local Community: The center engages with the local community through educational programs, outreach activities, and collaborative research projects.

• General Public: The GRC's website and outreach efforts provide information about the center's research and educational activities to the general public.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Gerace Research Center has significant cultural and social importance to San Salvador and the Bahamas:

• Economic Impact: The center contributes to the local economy through tourism, employment, and support for local businesses.

• Educational Resource: The GRC provides educational opportunities for local students and teachers, promoting scientific literacy and environmental awareness.

• Cultural Preservation: Research at the center helps to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of San Salvador, including its Lucayan history and colonial past.

• Community Development: The GRC supports community development projects, such as sustainable tourism initiatives and environmental conservation programs.

The Future of the Gerace Research Center

The Gerace Research Center is poised to continue its vital role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting education, and supporting conservation efforts in the Bahamas.

GeraceResearchCenter.com, in its archived form, represents a crucial step in the Gerace Research Center's journey to becoming a leading international research and education institution. Through its current website and outreach efforts, the GRC continues to connect researchers, students, and the public with the unique environment and research opportunities available on San Salvador Island. By fostering scientific discovery, promoting education, and supporting conservation, the Gerace Research Center plays a vital role in understanding and protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Bahamas.

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