Our 2022 NOAA-Wide Education Program Students Share Insights

The NOAA Office of Education provides many student opportunities across the agency. This year, the NOAA Office of Aquaculture funded veterinary aquaculture research and policy externships which offer on-the-job style training for veterinary students from diverse backgrounds who want to explore aquaculture medicine research and policy.

This year, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center hosted 21 students from 15 states and 17 different colleges and universities in 10 states. Project topic areas range from ocean acidification, microplastics, and aquaculture to diet analysis, environmental DNA, and shellfish disease. Some projects involved technologies like bioacoustics and machine learning/visioning.  

In each profile, students outline their project, explain why it’s important, and—always the most compelling part—share insights they’ve gained into marine science as a career during their time with us

Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions

The primary long-term goal of the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions, or EPP/MSI, is to increase the number of students, particularly from underrepresented communities, who attend higher education institutions that have NOAA Cooperative Science Centers.

Kiah Matthews (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

University: Nova Southeastern University> in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Major: Marine biology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Nicole Bartlett, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA’s North Atlantic Regional Collaboration Team (NART)
• Shakila Merchant, NOAA’s Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies and The City College of New York

Project

I’ve been looking at living shoreline sites that are detectable by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel 1 satellite. The goal is to determine if satellite imagery and data can be a cost-effective way for coastal communities to monitor the impacts of living shoreline installations. Living shorelines are a nature-based solution to help stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and provide valuable habitat that enhances coastal resilience.

Insight

My favorite part of this internship was getting the chance to visit Harlem, New York, and Woods Hole, Massachusetts, to see how these two different communities related and understand the different applications for combating erosion and flooding with living shorelines. I’ve gained many new knowledge, skills, and abilities during my internship. For example, I learned how to use a computer programming language called Python to evaluate satellite data and create images that are easier for people to interpret. I also learned how to read and understand synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images, and worked on refining my writing (e.g. especially when and where to use semicolons.)

Alison Novara (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

University: Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Major: Marine biology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Shannon Meseck, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

I am currently completing a study on ocean acidification and its effects on bay scallops at the Science Center’s Milford Laboratory. These scallops were grown under acidified (7.76 pH) and current (7.90 pH) water conditions. The goal is to see if and how they partition their energy under different conditions—do they put their energy and resources toward growth or reproduction? To do that, I’ve been dissecting, drying, and weighing the muscles and reproductive organs of bay scallops from each water condition type so that we can make the comparison.

Insight:

My mentor and other Milford scientists have gone above and beyond to teach me as much as possible about fisheries science and what their jobs entail. I’ve already learned so much about shellfish larval rearing, marine ecology, water chemistry monitoring, how to set up and conduct a research study, government work, and more. They’ve also given me great career and academic advice. I can confidently say they have helped guide my career path in a direction that I never dreamed I could go. From my experiences here at the Milford Laboratory, I plan to earn a doctoral degree studying how climate change is affecting marine organisms and the ecology of our coasts.

NOAA EPP/MSI Experiential Research & Training Opportunity

The NOAA Experiential Research & Training Opportunity is a win-win for NOAA and its MSI Cooperative Science Center academic partners.

Nigel Lascelles (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

University: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, Texas

Degree Program: Doctoral program in coastal and marine system science

Internship Mentor(s):

• Ashok Deshpande, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

I looked at the uptake of an environmental pollutant named polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, or PAH, in Port Bay, Texas. l placed a tire-like material into tea infusers that we then deployed in the bay for one month. After retrieving the deployed material weekly, I used specialized lab equipment—pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry—to see if and how PAHs behaved. We found some PAHs from the bay were taken up by our material and some were leached out into the bay system. This work is important because many PAHs are toxic and have mutagenic carcinogenic properties which can impact the health of people and sea life.

Insight:

My favorite part of my internship was learning how to use the gas chromatography with mass spectrometry equipment. Creating the experimental design for this study was hard, but once we developed and implemented it, we were excited by the results. This work has helped shape my dissertation work in a different direction. Working with Dr. Deshpande has developed my skills as a scientist. This experience will continue to shape my future as a research chemist that I hope will one day lead to a career with NOAA.

Kyarii Ramarui (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

University: University of Maryland’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, Maryland

Degree Program: Doctoral program in marine, estuarine and environmental science

Internship Mentor(s):

• Gary Wikfors, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

I’ve been studying mutant strains of a freshwater unicellular green microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) to find out which might be the best for the aquaculture industry to use as feed for Atlantic salmon. This species of microalgae produces a red antioxidant that is important to a salmon’s diet. It is critical for their health and development, and it gives their flesh the pink color desired by the seafood industry and the market.

Insight:

My favorite part of my internship has been making connections with everyone at the Milford Laboratory and getting involved in other projects. Making these types of connections helps create collaboration opportunities that could lead to even more interesting questions and projects. I’ve also learned how to use new laboratory equipment, including a flow cytometer and a cell sorter. This whole experience has and will continue to benefit me and my career as a scientist.

Angel Reyes Delgado (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Salisbury, Maryland

University: University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland

Degree Program: Master’s program in marine estuarine and environmental sciences

Internship Mentor(s):

• Brian Smith, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’ve been analyzing weakfish stomach contents from three different habitats: Chesapeake Bay and the inshore and offshore areas of the Mid-Atlantic Bight. While weakfish are not federally regulated, they do feed on fish and invertebrate species that are federally regulated. These include longfin squid, Atlantic menhaden, and butterfish to name a few.

Insight:

This internship has really helped hone my R statistical computing and graphics software coding skills and techniques for future job opportunities. It’s also provided insight into the day-to-day life of a NOAA scientist. I hope this experience and the network I’ve developed will open more job opportunities for me after I finish my master’s degree.

Marcus Teat (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Dover, Delaware

University: Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware

Degree Program: Master’s program in natural resources

Internship Mentor(s):

• Ashok Deshpande, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’ve been monitoring the abundance and types of microplastics found in river otter stomachs collected in New Jersey from 2020 to 2022. I used pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to measure the abundance of plastic compounds. Later, another analysis will identify the types of plastics. This work will help state agencies and others monitor river otters and improve management of the species.

Insight:

This internship has helped me learn new research methods and lab techniques that I wouldn’t have access to otherwise. My internship has been focused on analytical chemistry—very different from the other internship experiences I’ve had in Delaware. It’s helped me become more knowledgeable about microplastics and plastic pollution, and it has challenged me to further my understanding in analytical chemistry. I think this experience will help me as I explore other science and research opportunities in the future.

DeMarcus Turner (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia

University: Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida

Degree Program: Master’s program in environmental science, concentration in marine and estuarine environments

Internship Mentor(s):

• Ashok Deshpande, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

I’ve been working on two microplastics projects for my internship. One of the projects involved analyzing the chemical composition of microplastics found in pygmy sperm whale stomachs using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The second project was related to my graduate thesis. After learning how to use pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry, I was able to run surface water and sediment samples collected from the Apalachicola River in Florida. I’ll then use the results to help validate the precision and accuracy of a GIS model that identifies microplastic “hot spots” located in the Apalachicola watershed. Validating models that identify microplastics “hot spots” helps us better understand the sources, abundance, presence, and distribution of microplastic and plastic pollution in our aquatic environments.

Insight:

This opportunity has given me first-hand experience with how a project goes from field, to lab, to reporting out to stakeholders. I’ve performed dolphin necropsies, dissected animal organs, collected microplastic samples, and learned how to use specialized lab equipment like gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze for and identify specific chemical compositions of plastic. I’ve also been able to learn how a NOAA lab works at different levels of leadership and about resource management and project evaluation and execution. I have been able to collaborate with like-minded researchers and created connections that I hope will help me gain future job opportunities with NOAA.

Imani Wilburn (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland

University: University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland

Degree Program: Master’s program in marine estuarine and environmental sciences

Internship Mentor(s):

• Ashok Deshpande, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

Microplastics can be found in marine, estuarine, and freshwater animals and environments. For my project, I’ve been looking for microplastics in fish and sediment samples collected from the coastal bays in Maryland using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. This analysis will tell us what kind of plastics are found in the ocean. Figuring out what types of plastics are being found in the ocean the most will help scientists better understand human behavior and what we need to change.

Insight:

I have really enjoyed learning about the different types of plastic as well as learning how to use gas chromatography mass spectrometry. I hope this internship experience will help me achieve my goal of working in the marine biology field later down the line.

Hollings Scholars

Established in 2005, the Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for 2 years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time, paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer.

Anne Baldino (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Kildeer, Illinois

University: University of Miami in Miami, Florida

Major: Marine biology and ecology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Chris Chambers, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Ann Petersen, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

New Jersey industrial waterways are known to be polluted with contaminants. My project seeks to identify potential genetic markers in white perch that indicate toxicity. The results of the project can be used as evidence of genetic injury in local fish populations. Including information about genetic injury helps create a more comprehensive plan for restoration efforts to improve population health.

Insight:

My favorite part of this internship has been learning about all of the different kinds of science being done at NOAA. I’ve gained valuable insight into how data can be processed and analyzed for fisheries research. I hope to use the skills I’ve gained throughout my project and intern experience to complete my bachelor’s degree and hopefully my graduate career.

Sophia Bickerton (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Austin, Texas

University: Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida

Major: Marine science

Internship Mentor(s):

• Ashok Deshpande, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’ve been characterizing plastic found in sea turtle stomachs from Florida and Israel. To do this, I’ve been using a technique called pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. It uses heat to break down plastics into smaller molecules that can later identify its polymers—plastic groupings. Each polymer has unique toxicities and abilities to absorb, or uptake, pollutant chemicals. By identifying which polymers are in plastics found in sea turtle stomachs, we can better understand their effects on the health of the sea turtles.

Insight:

I’ve enjoyed learning how to isolate plastic from stomach samples, using the pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectroscopy lab equipment, and identifying the most common plastic polymers. This internship and research has been very important to me and my career because plastic pollution is becoming an increasing concern for sea turtle health and I want to become a marine wildlife veterinarian specializing in sea turtles.

Zoie Bright (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: North Richland Hills, Texas

University: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, Texas

Major: Biology, concentration in marine science

Internship Mentor(s):

• Tim Rowell, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’ve been analyzing courtship-associated grouper sounds by using audio collected with passive acoustics equipment deployed around the Florida Keys. The goal is to determine what fish are in the area and reproducing. My focus species include black grouper, Nassau grouper, and red grouper. This work will help to better inform management decisions for fishing in this area.

Insight:

This internship experience has been valuable and will help shape my career path. It revealed methods of science I never knew existed and are essential in some branches of policy. The networking aspect has been incredible as well. I’ve met so many formidable scientists that I hope to stay connected with and learn from. The excitement and camaraderie surrounding the science at this Science Center is unparalleled. It creates an environment that allows interests and skills to easily flourish.

Caldonia Carmello (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania

University: University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware

Major: Environmental science

Internship Mentor(s):

• Chris Chambers, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Ann Petersen, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

New Jersey’s urban rivers are home to a variety of ecologically important species. Some of these rivers are contaminated with industrial waste. For my project, I’ve been studying the impact of industrial river contamination on larval development in white perch. To do this, we exposed larvae to contaminated sediments from an industrialized river and measured the shape and size of head and body. My results will inform future management of industrialized New Jersey river ecosystems and the species that are found in them.

Insight:

Spending this summer at the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Lab has taught me so many lessons about project design, teamwork, and the resilience required to execute science! It’s been very rewarding to engage in group problem-solving and participate in networking opportunities. Many of the things I have learned this summer have given me insight into future career possibilities. I’m very excited to share and apply my experiences moving forward!

Rachel Davitt (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Randolph, New Jersey

University: University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware

Major: Marine science

Internship Mentor(s):

• Chris Chambers, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’ve been comparing the reproductive potential of white perch collected from a polluted river and a protected river. To do this, I’ve been looking at ovary samples to measure egg development, identify dead eggs, and/or find evidence of spawning. These data will be used to help determine the extent of the damage of pollution on white perch.

Insight:

So far during my internship, I’ve learned many new skills and met amazing people. My favorite part of the internship is not only the science but also the professional development skills and advice we’ve received all summer. I like how the research I’m doing has a direct, real-life application and my data can help fix a damaged environment. This internship has secured my passion for science and I can’t wait to continue doing research in the future.

Cullen Hauck (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Northfield, Minnesota

University: St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota

Major: Biology and environmental studies

Internship Mentor(s):

• Danielle Cholewiak, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Salvatore Cerchio, African Aquatic Conservation Fund

Project:

My research involves using audio recordings from stationary passive acoustic receivers to identify and locate endangered baleen whale species in the area. The receivers are deployed about 10 kilometers off the coast of Senegal in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. To analyze these sound files, I converted them into spectrograms using acoustic software called Raven and scanned them for target species vocalizations. The results of this work will help us understand the occurrence and distribution of whale species along the West African coast. It will also document the noise profile within an ecologically important habitat.

Insight:

It’s been a great privilege to work alongside two leading whale ecologists and identify sounds in a region that has never been studied using passive acoustics before. One major highlight was being able to participate in a fin whale survey near Provincetown, Massachusetts. During the survey I learned how to identify individual whales based on markings on their backs. As a student musician with a passion for ecology, studying acoustics has been perfect for my skill set and the experience will help me form my future career.

Brier Klossing (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, Iowa

University: Iowa State University of Science and Technology in Ames, Iowa

Major: Biology and animal ecology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Dvora Hart, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

I’ve been investigating how ocean floor (benthic) communities differ between areas open and closed to bottom fishing. To do this, we analyzed ocean floor photos and labeled each animal observed. Some of the animals we looked at include Atlantic sea scallops, hermit crabs, anemones, bryozoans, and more. We used statistical analyses to help understand how benthic communities differ by substrate (sand, sandy gravel, or gravel), and whether it has experienced bottom fishing. This work helps us better understand the impacts of bottom fishing on benthic communities.

Insight:

One of my favorite parts of my internship was having the amazing opportunity to go on the third leg of the Integrated Atlantic Sea Scallop and HabCam Research Survey and see how data that I used in my project is collected. During the first part of the voyage we collected ocean floor photos by a towed camera called HabCam. For the second part we dredged and handled a variety of ocean organisms. I was able to work with an amazing team and learned a lot!

Alex Reulbach (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Major: Biology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Frederick Wenzel, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’m examining the stomach contents of both stranded and bycaught dolphins collected from 1993 to the present to better understand the feeding ecology of the short-beaked common dolphin.

Insight:

My favorite part of my project is that I have no idea what I will find within each stomach every day. I could find whole mackerel and eels, 100 or more shrimp, a huge squid, or nothing at all.

Emily Speciale (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

University: University of Miami in Miami, Florida

Major: Marine science, concentration in biochemistry and molecular biology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Michael Jech, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Yuan Liu, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Richard McBride, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a new method used to assess biodiversity in marine habitats. My project has three goals:

• Identify the optimal filtration volume for eDNA sampling
• Use eDNA samples to characterize the the diversity of vertebrates found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean—from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras
• Compare these eDNA results with hydroacoustic data

This work helps improve eDNA methodologies, inform fisheries management, and increase our knowledge of deep-ocean ecosystems.

Insight:

My internship has allowed me to work alongside amazing scientists and contribute research to an emerging field of science. I’ve substantially increased my proficiency at coding in R—a statistical computing and graphics software—and I’m excited for the workflow I created to be shared and used with other data sets. The skills and connections I developed during this internship are invaluable. I will definitely use them for future employment and/or graduate school.

Olivia Tuckey (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Niceville, Florida

University: University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida

Major: Cell and molecular biology

Internship Mentor(s):

• Chris Chambers, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

New Jersey waterways contain pollutants that can impact the survival and reproduction of wildlife. I’ve been studying the effects of environmental contaminants on the hormonal reproductive system of white perch. I’ve been measuring the amount of estradiol—a form of estrogen—in the blood of both male and female fish from a contaminated river. My data will be used to assess the impact of contaminants on fish populations and their resilience in contaminated waters.

Insight:

This internship has exposed me to what it’s like working in science in a professional environment. It has taught me a lot about the skills necessary to succeed as a scientist. I’ve learned how to document, perform, and troubleshoot a research project and have gained experience with a variety of scientific skills, including an analysis technique called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This internship will be an incredible experience to help propel my continuing education, graduate school, and career. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity!

Sara Vanaki (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Irvine, California

University: University of San Diego in San Diego, California

Major: Computer science and mathematics

Internship Mentor(s):

• Dvora Hart, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

NOAA has been collecting millions of images of the seafloor using HabCam. Having humans count benthic organisms is labor intensive. An alternative is to use computer vision. A computer vision algorithm must be trained on images that people have annotated. Then a program must be created to evaluate the algorithm while creating more training data for it. For my project, I wrote a script which successfully executed these goals and helped estimate the number of sand dollars in the Integrated Atlantic Sea Scallop and HabCam Research Survey region.

Insight:

As a computer science and mathematics double major, this was my first experience applying my knowledge towards biology. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with biologists to learn more about a field I’m interested in. I feel more confident doing research regarding computer vision as it relates to marine biology. I learned to communicate my findings with my peers who have a different perspective from me. I’m grateful for my supportive mentors.

Sophia Zoll (She/Her/Hers)

Bio:

Hometown: Keene, New Hampshire

University: Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon

Major: Environmental science, concentration in conservation, resources, and sustainability

Internship Mentor(s):

• Genevieve Davis, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

For my project, I’ve been using passive acoustic analysis to track occurrence and movement of baleen whales like blue, fin, sei, humpback, and endangered North Atlantic right whales throughout the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Georges Bank area off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This work is important to protect these whales and gain a better knowledge of their movements, especially in relation to proposed offshore wind development areas.

Insight:

Through this internship, I’ve gained so much experience working in marine sciences. Being able to listen to whales every day is such a strange and beautiful privilege, and on top of that, I’ve been able to network and connect with fellow interns and through my amazing mentor, Genevieve.

NOAA Office of Aquaculture Veterinary Aquaculture Research and Policy Externships

This 3 to 4 week-program is for fourth-year veterinary students from diverse backgrounds who want to explore aquaculture medicine research and policy. Externs assist staff with laboratory and field-based bivalve disease research.

Gregory Sousa (He/Him/His)

Bio:

Hometown: Augusta, Maine

University: University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Degree Program: Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine

Internship Mentor(s):

• Meghana Parikh, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Project:

I participated in a few different research projects led by Milford Laboratory staff, including:

• An experiment exploring a hard clam production issue at an aquaculture farm in New Jersey
• An experiment investigating the impacts of ocean acidification on multi-generational bay scallops
• Troubleshooting a protocol to isolate a protozoan parasite called Dermo (Perkinsus marinus) in oysters

Insight:

I had an amazing time training with Dr. Parikh! One of the best parts of this externship was the opportunity to get involved with a variety of projects. It was an excellent opportunity to participate in government-driven research and to learn about the unique contributions of veterinary medical officers within NOAA. I left with a clearer understanding of the infectious-disease, environmental, and policy-related challenges facing the shellfish aquaculture industry. I highly recommend this opportunity to future veterinary trainees curious about research-related careers in One Health and to those driven by a desire to work on behalf of the American people by safeguarding the nation’s food supply and preserving its natural resources.

For more information, please contact Heather Soulen.