We are excited to welcome our Fall 2022 Marine Conservation Interns to REEF! As a part of our team, they will assist with education, outreach, events, and daily operations around the REEF Campus. Joining us this semester are:
Brooke Enright: Brooke grew up in New Lenox, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, with a B.S. in biology. In college, Brooke worked on a research project analyzing sewage pollution and water quality along local beaches in Hilo, HI. She was also part of the Sea Turtle Response Team, where she responded to calls from the public about endangered and hurt sea turtles. Brooke also conducted research to analyze fish predation prevalence on Hawaiian coral species, surveying more than 3,000 corals during the project! Brooke loves spending her time in the water and going to the beach, swimming, snorkeling, freediving, boating, and scuba diving. She is excited to experience what life is like in the Florida Keys and explore the Atlantic Ocean while gaining new experiences with REEF!
Alexis Haag: Alexis graduated from Ohio University with a degree in specialized studies, combining environmental studies and sociology. She became interested in the environment through experiences at Watershed Camp, where she served as junior counselor after attending the camp herself for years. In college, Alexis was the Ohio University Student Director for the Sugar Bush Foundation, an organization that helps the local community by funding projects to promote sustainable development in Southeastern Ohio and Appalachia. During summers in college, she worked with Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability, where she shared information about how students can become involved with Sustainability Ambassadors, a student organization on campus. Alexis enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, reading, and nerding out over all things Lord of the Rings and Marvel. She is so excited to be working with REEF this fall!
Natalie Patetta: Natalie is from Cary, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a B.S. in environmental science and a minor in marine science. As a freshman at UNC, she became a member of the Castillo Coral Lab, where she studied impacts of microplastics on coral tissues. She also participated in a summer study abroad experience with SEA Semester, where she became a crewmate on the SSV Robert C. Seamans. She also spent a semester at UNC’s Institute of Marine Science, where she conducted independent research on temperature limits of North Carolina fish species. Natalie loves to read, travel, swim, scuba dive, pilot drones, and create art. She is thrilled be at REEF and to explore the reefs around Key Largo.
Nick Robie: Nick graduated from Butler University with a B.S. in biology and Spanish. He is from Columbus, Ohio, and is an American-Belgian dual citizen. Nick is interested in STEM, the humanities, and the way that these two distinct approaches to knowledge inform one another. To pursue these interests, he founded and now serves as editor-in-chief for a multidisciplinary publishing platform called The University Journal. Nick was heavily involved in research during his undergraduate career, and received a fellowship and funding to conduct urban pollinator research. He also enjoys teaching others, and has taught science in high school and undergraduate settings. Nick loves to learn, and is excited to do so during his time at REEF.
For more information about the Marine Conservation Internship or to apply for an upcoming semester, visit www.REEF.org/internship. Stay tuned for next month's spotlight where we will introduce Vic and Katie, our two new Marine Conservation Fellows!