Student Profiles

Kathleen Murray, Class of 2004

While pursuing my academic degree, I have studied many different topics within the diving industry. I gravitated towards the medical aspect of the field. Anatomy and applied exercise physiology classes fueled my interest, but hyperbaric physiology and decompression theory expanded my understanding of the human body and how it applies it to our sport. During summer field experience with Divers Alert Network I gained comprehensive knowledge of various types of diving accidents and the pathophysiological effects of water and pressure on the human body. This information is critical in understanding why accidents occur plus revealing the best possible ways to prevent them. My senior internship experience at Duke University's Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology was yet another unique career-molding experience.

Robinson Gaviria, Class of 2002

A one-of-a-kind experience, the Dive Education Minor Program at Barry University was full of challenges that allowed me to explore and discover not only the ocean realm but also my potential. The numerous and different situations I encountered in the training required me to develop and sharpen of skills and attitudes that have proven valuable long after I graduated. Working in the ocean, an ever-changing foreign environment, I learned how to adapt to the situation at hand with patient ease and careful assessment. These skills have been essential to my success in my work in the environmental health field where nothing is static, and where honed observational skills are keystone to proper environmental risk assessments. The program's strong emphasis on leadership and teacher-student relationships gave me the tools and confidence to pursue public education and awareness. Public outreach will soon be an important part of my career and there is no doubt that my preparation began in a swimming pool donning SCUBA equipment.