Hands-On Marine Science

Students Begin Their Harbor Branch Summer Internship

By Bethany Augliere

About 20 students from all over the world recently arrived at the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to begin a 10-week marine science summer internship program, working one-on-one with researchers.

For almost 50 years, the program has immersed students in unique, individualized projects in aquaculture, ocean engineering, marine ecosystem health, marine microbiology, ocean exploration and more.

Intern Katie DiGirolomo returns for a second time this summer to work with Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement. DiGirolomo recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, and is beginning her master’s at FAU this fall in environmental education.

For her internship project, DiGirolomo assists with the new Keep the Sea Free of Debris junior ambassador program, which educates teens in underserved communities on the effects of litter and marine debris, empowering them to be advocates for the ocean and inspire environmental stewardship. DiGirolomo will catalog the types of debris found during beach cleanups and educate the youth about citizen science and the importance of reducing marine debris.

At the end of the program, DiGirolomo along with the other interns, will present their research projects to the as part of the annual summer intern symposium. They will also complete a written report of their project which is submitted to their mentor, along with the Harbor Branch library.

“Through this project we’re not only training the next generation of marine scientists, but we’re also educating our community,” Barbarite said. “I’m excited to work with Katie again this year as she shares her knowledge and passions with local teens so together we can keep the sea free of debris.”

If you would like more information, please contact us at dorcommunications@fau.edu.

Here’s a look at the students who recently arrived at the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to begin their marine science summer internship program.

Adolfo Artigas, undergraduate, Florida Atlantic University
Mentors: Amy Wright, Ph.D., and Esther Guzmán, Ph.D.

Ashely Boyle, undergraduate, Indian River State College
Mentors: Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., and Jon Shenker, Ph.D.

Nicholas Brick, undergraduate, University of Central Florida
Mentors: Mike Twardowski, Ph.D., and Bing Ouyang, Ph.D.

Kiedon Bryant, graduate, Georgia State University
Mentor: Paul Wills, Ph.D., and Marty Riche, Ph.D.

Avery Cook, undergraduate, Florida Institute of Technology
Mentor: Tim Moore, Ph.D.

Katelyn DiGirolomo, graduate, Florida Atlantic University
Mentor: Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D.

Garrett Flitton, undergraduate, Florida Atlantic University
Mentor: Adi Nayak, Ph.D.

Alayna Hicks, undergraduate, University of Arizona
Mentor: Matt Ajemian, Ph.D.

Lander Holsinger, undergraduate, Florida Institute of Technology
Mentors: Bing Ouyang, Ph.D., and Paul Wills, Ph.D.

Megha Keough, undergraduate, Florida Atlantic University
Mentor: Susan Laramore, Ph.D.

Magaleate Kostelnik, graduate, University of Tampa
Mentor: Marty Riche, Ph.D.

Marcela Loy Martinez, undergraduate, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
Mentor: Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D.

Bridget Nelson, undergraduate, University of Virginia
Mentor: Esther Guzmán, Ph.D.

Claudia Op den Dries, undergraduate, Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands
Mentor: Shirley Pomponi Ph.D.

Flavie Marie Perron, graduate, Universite du Quebec a Rimousk, Canada
Mentors: Sahar Mejri, Ph.D., and Paul Wills, Ph.D., and Mary Riche, Ph.D.

Alexandra Sinno, undergraduate, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Ph.D.

Eugenia Springer, undergraduate, Florida Institute of Technology
Mentor: Jordon Beckler, Ph.D.

Jans Marjo Evert Van Der Heijden, graduate, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
Mentor: Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D.