The successes and ambitions of past E2C3 interns provide an inspiring example for perspective students who may wish to apply to the program. E2C3 has an impressive track record; All students who have participated in E2C3 internship have pursued careers in STEM fields. Get to know featured students who have successfully completed their E2C3 internships below!
Joseph Molina received an E2C3 internship at CBL during the Spring 2016 semester. He was subsequently hired as an hourly technician while he completed his studies at the College of Southern Maryland, and in Fall 2017, he transferred to Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina.
“During my time at UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, I worked for Dr. Ryan Woodland’s estuarine and stable isotope ecology laboratory,” said Joe. “This experience proved invaluable as I worked toward earning my bachelor’s in marine science from Coastal Carolina University. Having a working knowledge of research techniques and academic collaborations gave me a strong advantage during my undergrad, allowing me to be recognized by CCU faculty as a student capable of leading and publishing research.”
In 2018, Joe was one of 20 students nationally selected to participate in the highly competitive National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California. Joe believes that his involvement with Dr. Woodland’s lab was the cornerstone in his acceptance to this prestigious program. He has presented research at a national scientific conference and is preparing a manuscript for peer-reviewed publication. Working beside scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Joe also served as a volunteer for the NOAA Integrated Benthic Scallop Survey aboard the Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp during the summer of 2019.
“I am proud of the collaborations between CSM and CBL, a unique arrangement that is undoubtedly supporting great young scientists. This cooperation has allowed students to engage in high-quality research in Chesapeake Bay and internationally, experiences not often accessible to community college students. I owe many of my achievements and my ambition to pursue graduate school to faculty at CBL and CSM, particularly Dr. Thomas Miller, Dr. Ryan Woodland, Paul Billeter, and Caroline McManus,” concluded Joe.
Theresa Murphy participated in her E2C3 internship at CBL during the Spring 2018 semester. During her internship with Dr. Ryan Woodland, Theresa has worked with diamondback terrapins, tropical seagrasses, and zooplankton. Additionally, through a partnership between the College of Southern Maryland and the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Theresa has traveled to Belize twice; once as an intern and again as a field technician. Theresa has presented on the research she conducted while in Belize at both a regional and national scientific conference. Starting with the Fall 2019 semester, Theresa transferred to St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she enrolled in the Biology Bachelors of Science degree program. Theresa continues to work part-time as an hourly technician at CBL while she attends St. Mary’s College. Theresa is set to graduate in 2021 and is planning to attend graduate school to help her pursue a career in marine science.
Alexis Hunt, a 2019 E2C3 intern, worked with Associate Professor Michael Gonsior. Alexis learned how to operate cutting-edge analytical equipment and took the lead on processing a pilot data set while at CBL. She has since transferred to York College in Pennsylvania. “…the CBL internship did help me decide what I would like to do with my career…” said Alexis. Though she decided not pursue a lab-based research career, she continues her STEM studies as an Allied Health major, and is working toward becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
Shannon Roberts, under the supervision of Dr. Helen Bailey, assisted with Chesapeake DolphinWatch research during her 2019 E2C3 internship. “I wasn't sure what to expect from this experience,” Shannon said. “I was surprised by the sheer volume of research being done in our local area.”
During her internship, Shannon received training that allowed her to help analyze data collected from underwater microphones, deploy and collect the recording devices on the research pier, sort and save citizen science photos and videos of dolphin sightings, and help maintain equipment in the lab. “My favorite part has been being allowed hands-on experience with the underwater microphones and, of course, getting to see and hear the dolphins through the recordings, photos and videos collected,” she commented.
Shannon is currently working toward an associate degree in Pre-Professional Health Science with a concentration in physical therapy at CSM. After earning her associate degree, she plans to continue her education at a four-year school. “I want to be in science- or biology-based career where I can make a difference,” Shannon said. Her CBL internship experience is helping her direct her future career focus, she adds, as she is now considering work in environmental science or microbiology.