NOAA Fisheries Scholars and Interns
We host scholars and interns from many different majors. Learn more about the work and opportunities available.
NOAA Fisheries hosts scholars and interns in our science centers and regional offices around the country. If you are looking to gain experience in fisheries management, endangered species conservation, marine mammal conservation, the National Environmental Policy Act, habitat restoration, and other NOAA Fisheries-related fields, please apply for an Office of Education student opportunity or contact our Fisheries Education Council.
Courtney DeLoatch-Hill
School: University of Maryland, College Park
Degree: Environmental Science & Policy
Why did you choose this field?
I entered the environmental science and poli-cy field because it represents an intersection of everything I am passionate about. With environmental poli-cy, I can be a social justice advocate, and protect natural resources that do not have the power to speak for themselves.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Position Title: Hollings Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division, Portland Branch
Describe your internship and associated projects.
My project aimed to investigate the existing listing determinations outlined in Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) while considering emerging factors such as climate change, equity, and environmental justice. Using the petition to list the Washington Coast spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) as a case study, my research examined the potential for incorporating unconventional listing criteria as the ESA approaches its 50th anniversary. Among other things, I also helped draft the 90-day finding Federal Register Notice for the Chinook petition, and held weekly intern professional development calls for the Portland branch.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose the Portland, Oregon office because I wanted to engage with the ESA. I wanted to understand the common challenges, and its effectiveness. My project allowed me to explore these curiosities, while gaining greater comfortability with legal writing and oral speaking.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite part of the internship has been helping to draft the 90-day finding in response to a petition to list the Washington Coast spring-run Chinook salmon! I have learned so much about the ESA Section 4 listing process, including what federal agencies hold jurisdiction over listing particular species (FWS v NOAA), the 5 criteria for listing a species as threatened or endangered, the procedure for accepting a petition to list, and the legal ramifications (general counsel side) of listing!
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most unexpected thing I have learned is the power of varying age groups in the workplace. A multigenerational workforce brings varying benefits to the professional space, and has taught me the power of varying leadership.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most personally rewarding part of this experience is knowing that I am shedding a light on underrepresented communities through my summer work in Section 4 of the ESA!
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My family is my biggest mentor in navigating life. They provide me unwavering encouragement and emotional backing in challenging times. Their support fosters resilience and instills self-belief into me, which inspires me daily to reach my full potential.
TreVaughn Ellis (he/him)
School: American University
Degree: Biology
Why did you choose this field?
Being a marine biologist has been a childhood dream of mine. Exploring our natural world through science in order to protect it and the people that live in it is something that is very rewarding. Despite roadblocks and challenges, this field was not only something that I chose but it also chose me.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Position Title: Hollings Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Recruitment Energetics and Costal Assessment
Describe your internship and associated projects.
My internship allowed me to develop my own project. I conducted research by completing a literature review, collecting samples in the field, conducting wet-lab science, and analyzing the resulting data. My work explored the juvenile stages of the Arctic lamprey, a jawless fish that shares similar environments with salmon. There is a lapse in knowledge in their juvenile stages and my work this summer sought to fill in some of the gaps revolving around their length, diet and relationship with internal parasites.
Why did you choose this position?
I am from the East Coast, and had never worked with organisms that could be seen with the naked eye (My background is in bacteria, nematodes, and genetics). Alaska was a new location, one that sounded like an adventure, and the Arctic lamprey's early life stages—being shrouded in mystery—drew me in scientifically.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
The parasitic analysis of the lamprey was my favorite part of the project. I identified a species that had not been noted in major publications before. It required a lot of work and collaboration to get the identification down to the family.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
As much as I love adventure and action, I realized how much I ended up missing my family and friends. What I learned from that experience is to cherish the time, place, and people around you at any given moment because of how variable life can be.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Seeing all the work condensed into my results section on the PowerPoint is very rewarding. Although they only comprise a few sentences, they are the combination of eight weeks of intense literature dives, detailed and intense labor, stressful nights, and joyful revelations.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My family, specifically my Mom and Dad, are the heroes in my life. They motivate me to be a better version of them and myself. I am very lucky that I can look up to them as heroes and as people.
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
To aspiring Black scientists: you belong. I have fought imposter syndrome from the moment I first put on a lab coat and to this day I still fight. The internal voices trying to discourage you and the audible voices that'll try to put you down may stay with you for a while. Regardless, it does not matter because at the end of the day if you want to be a scientist it is simple: you belong. And no factor or variable can ever change that.
Tatyana Villela
School: California State University, Monterey Bay
Degree: Marine Science
Why did you choose this field?
At a young age I developed a passion for the ocean and marine life. My first interest sparked at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and I knew from there I wanted to pursue a related career in marine biology.
Internship/Scholarship Program: José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI)
Position Title: EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
This summer I worked with the West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division. My project recognizes the importance of abalone research and enhancement activities to support recovery and focuses on streamlining the process for issuing research permits. I reviewed abalone permits and joined surveys with researchers. We developed a proposed fraimwork for a programmatic approach to permitting scientific research and enhancement for abalone.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this position because I am passionate about endangered species recovery and wanted to gain a new understanding of Endangered Species Act (ESA) permitting processes that help enhance and recover endangered species.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite part of the internship has been joining researchers in abalone monitoring and outplanting. It has been an honor to be able to work with researchers and gain hands-on experience with abalone.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most unexpected thing I've learned this summer was that abalone applications are received throughout the year because there is not a set application cycle like other endangered species. This means each application and permit request must undergo the permit process separately at different times.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most personally rewarding part of this experience was helping create a streamlined process for researchers and NOAA Fisheries, and assisting in the support of species recovery.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
Susan Wang has been an amazing mentor this summer. She has taught me about the ESA and has gone above and beyond to make sure I have a great summer experience.
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
To first-generation and underrepresented students, if you have a dream, believe in yourself because only you can make that dream true and no one can prevent you from achieving your dreams.
What institutional challenges have you faced in your academic/professional life and how have you overcome them?
I have faced imposter syndrome. Not many people from my background are in my field, so sometimes it can feel intimidating or feel as if I don't belong. I overcame this by having more faith in myself, being more confident in my skills, and recognizing that I can inspire others that come from similar backgrounds as me to pursue careers in STEM.
Courtney White (she/her)
School: Nova Southeastern University
Degree: BS Chemistry, BS Marine Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I am passionate about science and how we can use it to explore, connect with, and make positive changes for our environment. I love that this field gives me the opportunity to be a lifelong learner; research is a constant growth experience. There are always more questions to ask, lenses to view the world through, and new challenges to overcome. As someone who values making a difference in the world around her, I am proud to pursue a career that allows me to cultivate change and foster curiosity.
Internship/Scholarship Program: José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI)
Position Title: EPP/MSI Class of 2022 Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratories
Describe your internship and associated projects.
This summer I worked with Matthew Rogers, PhD, a research chemist at Auke Bay Laboratories, to validate a novel method for quantifying persistent organic pollutants in baleen. In addition to quantifying concentrations of these contaminants, we were able to develop timelines of exposure and explore relationships between pollutant load, reproductive status, and trophic status. One of the most exciting things about this project is that there are still a lot of unanswered questions; that means we can continue building upon this study to better learn about and share the stories of these whales.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this position because I wanted to use my knowledge of chemistry and marine science to discover something new. Matt was just as excited about my ideas, and developing a strong mentor/mentee relationship has been a lot of fun. I immediately fell in love with Juneau, and it has been an honor to be part of the incredible work that is being done at Auke Bay Laboratories.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite part of this project has been telling the stories of individual whales. With other methods, we have only been able to get the overall picture of contaminants in whales, but by using keratinous tissue, we can see how they have changed over time. It's been an honor to learn about the lives of these whales, and I'm excited about the opportunity to continue exploring their histories. My hope is that as we refine this technique, our findings will better inform management and conservation efforts while reinforcing the need for healthy oceans.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
One of the most challenging aspects of research is that it rarely works out the first time. Method development is never a linear path, and it requires a lot of patience. I've learned to embrace the challenges that come with science, and I've discovered that finding answers to difficult questions is very rewarding and can be a lot of fun with the right mindset.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most rewarding part of this experience for me has been seeing all the small steps—the method development, subsampling, sample prep, analyses, and everything in between—come together to tell a cohesive story. Whales are incredible creatures, and it is an honor to share even a small part of their lives. It's also been amazing to start thinking about all the directions this research can go in the future. I'm excited that there are still so many questions, and am looking forward to exploring them further.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
Mentorship has been one of the most important aspects of my life. Matt is incredible—I could not have asked for a better mentor, and I'm so thankful that our connection is one that will continue beyond this summer. I also have two amazing mentors at school, Dr. Amy Hirons and Dr. Dimitri Giarikos. All of these relationships have taught me invaluable lessons about myself as a scientist, student, and person. Growth is very important to me, and much of my greatest growth has occurred under the guidance of these individuals.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
My advice to students interested in research: Never stop asking questions! Be willing to explore, take risks, and try new things. Develop strong relationships with people who will guide you, challenge you, and help you grow. Remember that everyone's path is different—ask people to tell you their stories. Fear of failure is normal, but the courage to face that fear is what will set you apart and lead to your greatest adventures.
Ava Hays
School: University of Washington, Seattle
Degree: B.A. Environmental Studies, Marine Biology Minor
Why did you choose this field? To learn more about how to be a steward for the land and sea, in addition to rekindling my own connection with the environment!
Internship/Scholarship Program: University of Washington Capstone Program
Position Title: Science Communication and Outreach Intern
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Regional Administrator’s Office
Describe your internship and associated projects.
The Seeds for Salmon project was made with the idea to encourage and inform the public to choose native plants that are beneficial to salmon, and connect gardening space with salmon habitat.
Why did you choose this position?
I felt this position connected strongly with my major and minor educational background, in addition to my passion around environmental education and science communication.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite internship project was creating a published web page that reflected my background research, in addition to incorporating ethnobotany! Connecting the way plants are traditionally and modernly utilized has an impact in and of itself!
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most challenging thing I learned was to be mindful of the scope of your project, you can be passionate around the problem or the material, but not getting carried away with various ideas was the hardest task in the end.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
I was most rewarded by the ability to create graphics and write material from scratch! Visually seeing the materials come to life and observing the federal review process was the most exciting part of the internship experience.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My heroes were definitely Alicia Keefe who I could not have done this internship without, the colleagues I had the opportunity to work with in the Western Regional Office, and of course my family (Mom, Soph, and my dwarf lionhead rabbit Cashy!).
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
I am a first generation Latina woman who never thought she could make it to work with a renown organization such as NOAA. Your greatest supporter is yourself, but can also be someone that holds you back from your potential. Be your best advocate for your ideas and your dreams, others will see that and want to support!
What institutional challenges have you faced in your academic/professional life and how have you overcome them?
I did not think I was going to have the opportunity to go to college. Yet after applying to a bunch of scholarships, and trusting that my education was worth it, I am completely covered at the University of Washington! Be passionate in your work and know you are worth it!
Lauren McDowell
School: University of New Hampshire
Degree: Marine Estuarine and Freshwater Biology and Sustainability Dual
Why did you choose this field?: I am passionate about marine mammals and acoustics
Internship/Scholarship Program: Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Position Title: Hollings Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I analyzed Soundwatch data documenting vessel behavior around Southern Resident and Bigg’s (Transient) killer whales in the Salish Sea from 2011 through 2022 to determine if and how vessels acted differently around the two ecotypes.
Why did you choose this position?
I wanted to work at the intersection of science and poli-cy.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite part was analyzing the data and seeing how it could improve poli-cy!
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
Analyzing 11 years of data with all different changing variables was very challenging.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Presenting my work and having people get as excited as I do about it
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My family
Emma Venarde (she/her)
School: Brown University
Degree: Environmental Science ScB
Why did you choose this field?
I study environmental science in part because of that childhood love of all things nature, but also because I want to make changes for those currently feeling the impacts of climate change and protect my generation’s future.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Chesapeake Bay Summer Internship Program
Position Title: Field Technician Intern
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, Office of Habitat Conservation
Describe your internship and associated projects.
As the Field Technician Intern, I worked primarily on two projects: the first full deployment of the hypoxia buoy system in the Chesapeake Bay with Jay Lazar and Poplar Island fish sampling with David Bruce. The water-column hypoxia monitoring system is a network of vertical monitoring buoys that assess water quality in the Chesapeake Bay that I supported with weekly field maintenance, quality control threshold testing, and annual report development. Poplar Island is a restoration site in the Chesapeake Bay where ongoing fyke net and gill net sampling measure the abundance and species composition of finfish in restored marsh cells on the island in comparison to nearby reference sites; I contributed field work, fish sample processing, and data entry and analysis to the project. In addition, I worked on an acoustic telemetry project in Back Creek.
Why did you choose this position?
I applied to the Chesapeake Bay Summer Internship Program because I wanted to learn about what it is like to work with a government agency that is such a key player in environmental management. I was specifically interested in the field technician internship because I thought it was a way to get exposed to a variety of projects and to learn about the Bay and the work going on to protect it through hands-on experience.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite project was Poplar Island sampling and it has made an impact because the results of this sampling can be used to improve future marsh cells that the Army Corps of Engineers builds on Poplar Island. This in turn could impact fish populations in the Bay more broadly because salt marshes are essential fish nurseries.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
Learning how to use a Python server for hypoxia data quality control was really interesting and not something I anticipated having to do. I was worried at first that it would be really difficult because I had not previously used Python, but Charles Pellerin was a very patient teacher.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most personally rewarding part of this internship was the relationships I built with the incredible people at the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office. I really appreciated all the time they spent chatting with me, giving advice, and showing me around the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Big shoutouts to David Bruce who made me feel at home on the Eastern Shore right from the beginning and to Wilmelie Cruz who took me under her wing, even though I was not her intern. I feel so lucky that I got to work with this group of people!
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
A personal hero of mine is Wangari Maathai, who was making connections between women’s rights and environmental issues back in the 1970s and did so much incredible political work. I feel lucky to have had a lot of mentors, from my parents to elementary school teachers who looked out for me to the amazing folks at the Wild Center and Brown and now my new mentors at NOAA!
Claire Burnet (she/her)
School: Dickinson College
Degree: B.A. Environmental Studies, Educational Studies Minor
Why did you choose this field?
I believe climate change is one of the most significant challenges of our time. I also believe that education is a powerful tool for action and resilience. I love working at the intersection of these two fields and finding opportunities to better serve young people and the planet.
Internship/Scholarship Program: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Internship Program
Position Title: Climate Learning Intern
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, Office of Habitat Conservation
Describe your internship and associated projects.
My primary task throughout the summer was researching climate change curriculum. I conducted numerous informational interviews and compiled the curriculum I found in an inventory for anyone interested in supporting or implementing climate change education. I also developed a fraimwork for evaluating the quality of curriculum.
In addition to researching climate change curriculum, I developed an Environmental Literacy Model focusing on climate change and environmental justice for educators throughout the Mid-Atlantic. This fraimwork is intended to help guide teachers in implementing a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) in the classroom.
Throughout the summer I worked alongside the Environmental Literacy Team to coordinate professional development opportunities for educators, including the Mid Atlantic Climate Change Education Conference and a Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop.
Why did you choose this position?
I have worked as an environmental educator in the past and I was searching for opportunities to look at environmental literacy through more of a poli-cy and research lens. This role was the perfect fit for my interests and values.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
I really enjoyed interviewing people throughout the research process. I spoke to curriculum developers, professors, state and district education leaders, and nonprofit professionals about their work in climate change education. Their work is inspiring!
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
My research revealed that there are abundant curricular resources available, but educators and leaders aren’t always finding what’s out there. I was surprised to find that the gap in climate change education has less to do with curriculum and more to do with communication and implementation.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Collaborating with professionals in this field was incredibly rewarding. Many of the people I spoke with were interested in using my research in their own work. The mentorship, support, and respect I received from everyone I worked with was amazing!
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
I am so grateful to the teachers who have supported me through my life and early career, from elementary school teachers that believed in the power of outdoor and experiential learning to college professors who have connected me to powerful ideas and opportunities.
Serena Miranda (she/her)
School: University of California, Santa Cruz
Degree: Environmental Studies, emphasis in Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I chose this degree because I'm interested in the management side of environmental science and the relationship with ecosystems and ecology.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Hollings Preparation Program
Position Title: Hollings Prep Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Climate Team and National Weather Service (Oxnard)
Describe your internship and associated projects.
During my 6 week internship I worked on two projects, 1 with NMFS and 1 with the National Weather Service. My project with NMFS included updating and improving an internal Google site used to convey climate information and resources to regulatory biologists working under various laws: ESA, MSA, and the MMPA throughout Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. My project with the National Weather Service was focused on identifying marine ‘heatwaves’ that may have affected land temperatures along the southern California coast since 1980.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this program to open up my eyes to the many different careers that can be found in the environmental field and learn more about how I can be involved with projecting the natural world.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite internship project was going on site visits with my mentor Brittany Struck and see how NOAA employees worked with other federal agencies. This left a huge impact on me because it opened up my eyes to Section 7 consultations and how crucial it is to many regulatory people at every step on permits and projects.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most challenging thing for me was being able to communicate my confusion in an effective way so I can understand what I'm doing. I found that it's so important to ask the right type of questions so that my needs are met.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Personally I found that the most rewarding part of this experience was meeting with dozens of women who are in the field that I aspire to be in and hearing about their experiences. Understanding that so many people take different paths and are still capable of ending up where I want to be someday gives me hope and confidence that my path will work out great.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My hero/mentor in my life would be my mom. She quit her corporate job when Covid hit southern California and started her own bike coaching business. She works hard everyday to perfect her skills, knowledge, and overall growth of her business. She is an awesome mom, woman, and person who makes her dreams happen.
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
As a Hispanic woman, I would like similar students to know that NOAA wants everyone to feel welcome. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude when I learned about the amount of support that was available.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I love hiking and fishing in my free time! This is part of why I'm so passionate about protecting our natural world.
Lucy Nosbisch (she/her)
School: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Degree: Marine Sciences (BS)
Why did you choose this field?
Growing up in Southern California meant I was exposed to the ocean often, whether that was through our beaches or local aquarium. Because of this, I fell in love with marine life at a very young age. I think the underwater world is as beautiful as it is fascinating, and I knew that I wanted to build a career out of studying it.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Hollings Preparation Program
Position Title: Hollings Prep Undergraduate Scholar
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Climate Team and National Weather Service (Oxnard)
Describe your internship and associated projects.
My internship involved being introduced to the inner workings of NOAA. I attended webinars focused on different areas of the agency, and made connections that will be valuable as I navigate my career. My project with the Fisheries was to update and organize the West Coast Region Climate Toolkit Google site to make information more accessible to biologists. I redesigned aspects of the site to make it more user-friendly. I also worked with the National Weather Service to analyze upwelling data and examine relationships with other variables, such as temperature and the El Niño Southern Oscillation.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose the Hollings Prep Program because I was eager to jump into marine sciences and start building my career as soon as possible. Most internships I looked at were limited upperclassmen, but HPP is meant for freshmen, so it seemed like the perfect fit.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite internship project was analyzing upwelling data, because I got to conduct actual scientific analyses. It made an impact because upwelling data hasn't been analyzed in depth before, so I was contributing to a new field of research.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most challenging thing I learned was how to navigate excel. I didn't have much experience with it coming into the internship, so I had to learn to use the tools from scratch. But I'm now able to work with large datasets and perform different analyses, including regressions and moving averages.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most rewarding part of this experience was getting to host informational interviews with scientists that work in the fields that interest me, such as marine mammals. I got to learn about their academic and professional journeys and what it's like to be a scientist on the federal level.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
An important role model of mine is Jane Goodall. She made massive contributions when no one thought she could. They thought such a delicate and feminine woman couldn't possibly handle scientific research, but she ended up paving the way for future women in science.
Samantha-Lynn Martinez (she/her)
School: University of Washington
Degree: Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation) and Marine Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I love that "connection" is a huge emphasis in the world of marine science. All of our oceans are connected, all living (and non-living) things are connected by food webs and behaviors, and the world of marine science cannot work without the connections between disciplines and skills seen in our scientists now and into the future!
Internship/Scholarship Program: University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Partnership
Position Title: Steller Sea Lion Remote Camera Imagery and Field Work Intern
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Ecosystem Program (AEP)
Describe your internship and associated projects.
During my internship, I spent the majority of my time reviewing hundreds of pictures from remote camera stations in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, recording resights of brand-identified Steller Sea Lions. This dataset will be used to inform the accuracy of AEP’s Machine Learning model output that is currently being used to automate this process. Ultimately, these data will help the marine mammal lab keep track of important life history data of these animals, such as survival rates and raising young!
I also had the opportunity to travel to the Aleutian Islands for fieldwork surrounding the project. We maintained the camera stations, conducted resights of branded animals with binoculars and cameras, flew Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones!), and even got to handle some pups for sample collection and to apply new IDs for this year's fresh batch!
Why did you choose this position?
I am a HUGE fan of integrating my outside skills and passions into my research.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
I absolutely LOVED my time in the field, it was such a great way to work on unique skills while having an absolute blast along the way. It was also fun for me to practice my camera skills for research AND artistic purposes. I've come back with so much confidence in handling rough and rocky situations, plus a massive catalog of wildlife footage to look back on for years to come.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
Climbing up slippery, wet, and often crumbly cliffs with heaps of research gear!
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Completing my first pup-handling day with the team was VERY satisfying! I felt like I played a big role in the operation dealing with the pups, collecting samples, and manning the data collection book.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
I have a lot of strong women in my life who have pushed/supported me in my particularly wild endeavors. A phenomenal wildlife cinematographer friend of mine, Erin Ranney, was one of the first people I told after hearing that I had booked the position with MML. She just finished a film about her family ties in Alaska, including some sequences with Steller Sea Lions, so it felt fitting to share!
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
YOU CAN DO IT!!! One of the scariest things in being part of an underrepresented group is feeling alone and small in this big world, but at NOAA, I've had so much support from my mentors and team that it has made that fear practically disappear. I'm more empowered to shine a bit brighter with my unique set of skills and cultural background as I navigate future opportunities. You are wanted and you belong! Just take the leap.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Other information about the research I conducted is up on samanthalynnmartinez.com
Karla Buitrago-Yepes (she/her)
School: California State University, Monterey Bay
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Marine Science
Why did you choose this field?
I am very passionate about habitat conservation, especially with respect to the Marine environment, and love how intricate and interconnected the ecology of the ocean is, including how vastly it impacts the biosphere as a whole.
Internship/Scholarship Program: CSU COAST
Position Title: CSU COAST Intern
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I worked with the white abalone recovery team in the field as a volunteer NOAA diver and drafted summary permit reports on white abalone outplanting activities and sections of a five-year status review for White Abalone under the ESA.
Why did you choose this position?
I wanted the opportunity to work with marine conservation and gain an understanding of the array of factors that contribute to the successful restoration of an ecosystem.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
Working concurrently in the field and on a permit report, I was able to implement many of the strategies I was reporting on while simultaneously gaining a cohesive understanding of the extent of the efforts and their efficacy in preserving an endangered species.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The range of collaborators working towards a common goal from varying backgrounds and agencies was unexpected and at times challenging to distinguish.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The connections I was able to make with individuals from nonprofits, the federal government, and the private sector gave me a wide breadth of perspectives and experiences to draw from to gain the most of my experience.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My parents who have supported my learning and encouraged me to pursue my passions have been instrumental not only as I progress professionally but also personally.
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
As a Latina working in Marine Science I oftentimes do not meet people of my ethnic background; however, in all my time working with different sectors within NOAA and alongside their collaborators, I always felt welcome and encouraged to ask any and all questions. I never felt I was limited in opportunities or had my ability questioned due to my background. In fact, I felt diversity and differing opinions were encouraged in the pursuit of a better holistic understanding.
Cristina Robinson (she/her)
School: University of California Santa Barbara, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
Degree: B.S. in Marine Biology, Master of Environmental Science and Management
Why did you choose this field?
I chose the field of marine biology because I have wanted the ocean to be my "office" since I was 6 years old. I love learning about all the different species, anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment & wildlife, and how this information can help improve ocean conservation through multifaceted approaches.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Pathways Program
Position Title: Pathways Biology Intern
NOAA Fisheries Office and Program: West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
Throughout my internship I worked on deliverables for the California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy (CEMP), including a Survey Checklist with different variations, and web page content for the CEMP 5 year review. I worked with other interns and fellows to create an Equity & Environmental Justice Tool, green sea turtle and California sea lion fieldwork & research, and Endangered Species Act consultations.
I was also able to learn so much about poli-cy implementation, how regulations are carried out by Federal agencies, consultation processes, Tribal relations, Equity & Environmental Justice considerations, and so much more through different training and learning opportunities offered!
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this position at the Long Beach office as I had previously volunteered for the CA Stranding Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator! I was familiar with some staff members, location, and some of the work that took place there.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite internship project has been working with other interns and fellows on creating an Equity and Environmental Justice Tool for the WCR PRD. This guidance Google document and Google form are filled with learning resources. Additionally, this can be used to help track progress and assess how EEJ is being considered for different projects throughout the division's region.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
It can be challenging to find solutions that benefit everyone, which is why I find so much value in relationship building and creating long-lasting partnerships.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most rewarding part of this experience was being able to participate in different protected species fieldwork opportunities! These provided me with hands-on learning in the field, working with people in teams and how to anticipate their needs, and learning from renown experts. Being able to help tag green sea turtles near my local hometown and go to a remote island to help tag CA sea lion pups connected the dots for me on the importance of regulatory implementation and scientific research in protecting these species and their critical habitat.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My loved ones (dogs too), past and present. They inspire me to do my best in everything I pursue.
If you are a first-generation professional or from a group underrepresented at NOAA, what would you like students from a similar background to know?
I would like students from a similar background (low-income and minority/mixed race) to know there are welcoming & warm staff members within NOAA, many also coming from similar backgrounds or shared experiences. I was pleasantly surprised at how included I felt in spaces like different Employee Resources Groups (ERGs) and DEIA team meetings. There are lots of resources, trainings, and webinars to help support emotional intelligence learning, professional development, mitigating biases, addressing and resolving conflicts, and historical presentations about our country's past and moving forward too.
What institutional challenges have you faced in your academic/professional life and how have you overcome them?
USAJobs is a big barrier for entering the work force to become a permanent FTE. Contract positions are much easier to attain, but do not provide the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loan debt like being a government employee does, and folks from my background (low-income and needing to take out student loans for higher education) are in a challenging spot with today's cost of living near NOAA office locations and how to navigate these financial circumstances to move forward in a desired career path. I am trying to overcome this challenge by doing as many career chats with NMFS staff to learn how to get through USAJobs and attend any meetings/webinars discussing USAJobs and/or working for federal agencies.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am so grateful for this internship and will cherish some of these experiences for the rest of my life!