Students Backed by Colleges in 2022 Disclose Their Experiences
In the world of marine science, college students have the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience through NOAA's summer internship programs. This year, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center hosted eight students from six states and seven different colleges and universities, each embarking on unique projects under the guidance of experienced mentors.
One of these students is Lorelei Ing, a Biology major from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Lorelei's project focuses on the damage caused by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on Atlantic silverside and mummichog fish embryos. Her mentors, Ehren Habeck, Delan Boyce, and Chris Chambers, provide guidance and support throughout her research.
Another student, Noah Laber from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, majoring in Biology and Environmental Science, is working on a project using passive acoustics to document hourly baleen whale presence in Dampier Marine Park off the coast of Western Australia. Noah's mentor, Jessica McCordic, guides him through this fascinating research.
Samuel Pletcher, a student from Yale University pursuing a Master's program in marine biology, is examining the behaviour of scup that interact with oyster aquaculture gear in Long Island Sound, Connecticut. Samuel uses GoPro footage and the software Observer XT for assessment, and his work is part of a larger study conducted by scientists at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's Milford Laboratory. His mentors, Renee Mercaldo-Allen, Julie Rose, and Xavier Mouy, offer invaluable advice and guidance.
The projects undertaken by these students range from ocean acidification, aquaculture, chemical pollution, to fish behaviour, reproduction, and aging. Each student gains a unique insight into the world of marine science, developing skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their future careers.
For instance, Samuel Pletcher gained insights into the world of acoustics, developed skills with new software, and had a behind-the-scenes look at the scale of a large, complex research study. Anne Smith, another student from Drexel University, learned new acoustic programs that will help her in any future internships or jobs working with sound technology.
Bryn Stillwell, working with the Science Center's Apex Predators Program on a shark ageing study, sectioned and analysed night shark vertebrae to better understand their age and growth. This experience provided Bryn with a deeper understanding of the divisions that exist between research and conservation, and witnessed the research needed to enact protection and what happens behind the scenes of fisheries management.
NOAA offers several college-funded summer internship and fellowship opportunities in marine science in partnership with universities and colleges. One such example is the Minnesota Sea Grant Fellowship, a well-funded fellowship ($55,000 stipend + $2,500 professional development) for graduate students or recent graduates focused on science and policy related to water resources, including marine science topics relevant to Minnesota.
NOAA Ocean Exploration also provides internship programs that start in summer, engaging students in marine science research, with a likely collaboration with academic institutions. For detailed, up-to-date summer internship opportunities, interested students should check NOAA’s official internship pages and Sea Grant programs at their universities, as well as contact NOAA fellowship coordinators.
[1] Minnesota Sea Grant Fellowship
[2] Marine and Coastal Opportunities (MACO)
[3] NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Programs
[4] NOAA Office for Coastal Management Fellowships
- The Minnesota Sea Grant Fellowship, a well-funded opportunity for graduate students or recent graduates, focuses on science and policy related to water resources, including marine science topics relevant to Minnesota, offering a stipend of $55,000 and $2,500 for professional development.
- The Marine and Coastal Opportunities (MACO) program provides an immersive experience in marine science research, catering to undergraduate students and offering learning opportunities in areas such as fisheries management, aquaculture, and environmental science.
- NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Programs aim to engage students in marine science research, collaborating with academic institutions, offering a chance to gain hands-on experience in areas like online education, learning, and education and self-development. For comprehensive and updated information on summer internship opportunities, students should check NOAA’s official internship pages, Sea Grant programs at their universities, and contact NOAA fellowship coordinators.
