What degree did you earn?
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, minor in Diving Education
What have you been doing since graduating from Barry?
I was invited back to Woods Hole, Mass., to pursue a scientific diving internship in May of 2017 at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) under the mentorship of dive safety officer, Ed O’Brien. That summer I enrolled in the American Academy of Underwater Sciences’ (AAUS) scientific dive training. I was given the opportunity to assist with pool trainings at Mass Maritime Academy because of my level of certification as a National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) divemaster that I received from Barry University’s dive program. I presented NAUI dive rescue methods to scientific diving students.
Working at WHOI allowed me to gain an invaluable experience on the day-to-day diving operations on a scientific pier. Furthermore, diving off the coast of Cape Cod exposed me to water temperatures as low as 53 degrees, low to zero visibility, and strong tidal current conditions that were different from my usual Florida and Caribbean diving profile. I assisted with a Human Factor in Scientific Diving preliminary study with Ed O’Brien and Dr. Giorgio Caramanna. I performed daily dive operations, equipment maintenance, and collected water samples and marine organisms for WHOI researchers, where we collected cold-water corals called Astrangia poculata. I also deployed and repaired scientific instruments, kept thorough communication with scientific ships and boats, and the port office while dive operations occurred.
After ending my WHOI internship, I transitioned to initiate my course work at Sea Education Association (SEA) in their Ocean Exploration program. I spent six weeks taking college courses on ocean sciences, Atlantic marine history, and nautical science. I was later given the opportunity to return to the program at WHOI and joined the Colonization to Conservation class in the Caribbean. After completing my second shore component, I traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to start my sea component aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer, a 134-foot, 280-ton auxiliary sail research vessel, where I conducted neuston tows, assisted with ship navigation through the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean, and assisted the engineer with power boat maintenance.
During this voyage I worked with the crew to conduct marine mammal acoustic research in partnership with Genevieve Davis, a researcher at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As part of my field work I explored the ongoing social issues, environmental changes and sustainability practices of the different islands.
How did your degree from Barry help prepare you for the workforce?
Majoring in Marine Biology at Barry University allowed me to have an acute understanding of the scientific process. I gained a strong foundation in the in the biological sciences. Barry’s diving program allowed me to experience underwater life outside of the normal classroom setting. I was blessed to dive on the weekends while I was completing my degree.
Working as a work study helped me gain invaluable laboratory experience that I’ve applied in all settings while at WHOI and aboard of the Cramer. I attribute the opportunity to be selected to one of my most outstanding internships with WHOI (Partnership Education Program) to Barry University.
I acquired useful laboratory skills in many courses, including Botany, Comparative Anatomy, Biology of Fishes, Ecology, Marine Biology. I earned my Advance Rescue and Dive Master Certifications.
Why did you choose Barry University?
I chose Barry for the dual program of Marine Biology and Dive Education. I was thrilled with the opportunity that was presented to me to combine Marine Biology with the prospect of exploring the marine world. I benefited from the small classroom setting and the availability of the faculty meeting times.
What advice would you give future Barry alums?
Always take initiative and seek out information pertaining to your future goals.