Student in marine biology study abroad program. Classes included Marine Invertebrate Zoology, Coral Reef Ecology, and Scientific Diving Methods, where I became an advanced certified diver, as well as a scientific and rescue diver, which included emergency first response and CPR focused training. Labs contained several days of extensive field work while snorkeling and scuba diving. Several underwater surveys were conducted by laying out transects and quadrats to observe and study the species diversity in several coral reefs around the island. The semester concluded with a month-long independent research project. My study focused on observing the effects of elevated seawater temperatures on the zooxanthellae density in Condylactis gigantea.

Responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and feeding all animals in the jelly gallery exhibit. Worked both behind the scenes with jelly tanks and in the aquarium during feeding times. Also cared for animals in systems held in the back, helped culture jellies from polyp to ephyra to medusa, and cultured artemia (brine shrimp) daily to feed to the animals in the gallery. In addition, participated in jellyfish collections from the wild, as well as helped with packaging the jellies to ship them to different aquariums.

Prepared fresh fish food (such as clams, squid, and shrimp) to feed marine animals in large scale tanks. Accountable for performing water quality tests and water changes, as well as making sure the exhibits were clean and presentable for the aquarium visitors. Gained experience caring for marine wildlife, such as flounder, lobster, puffer fish, hermit crabs, and starfish.

General animal care, feeding, fish tank maintenance and cleaning, water quality testing and performing water changes.

Researched clownfish and grunts (2014) and shrimp (2014-2015) with a small research team. Fed the animals diets made from various levels of bacteria to see how it affected their growth/health. Developed a clear understanding of the precision needed during scientific research projects. Experience recording data daily for experiments (and compiling it, both on paper and through Excel)