We are excited to welcome our Summer 2024 Marine Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and daily operations around the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. Marine Conservation Interns play an integral role in our daily operations, programs, events, and outreach. Since 1993, more than 150 young adults have interned with REEF and transitioned into careers all over the world, in the marine conservation field and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Sydney, Jasmine, Annika, and Diana! Here's a bit more about them:
Sydney Brock is currently working on her B.S. degree in environmental science from the University of South Carolina, with minors in marine science and Spanish. Originally from Marietta, GA, Sydney is passionate about environmental education and sustainable tourism, and she hopes to pursue a career in science outreach. She has studied abroad several times in her undergraduate career, including trips to South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. On campus, Sydney works as a lifeguard and a research assistant on multiple renewable energy projects. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. She is excited to work with REEF and share her love for conservation, education, and ecotourism.
Jasmine Mateo graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2024 with a B.S. in biology with a specialization in ecology and evolution. She grew up in the Bronx, and has always been fascinated with animals and the environment. By immersing herself in nature and educating people on environmental issues, she has developed a great passion for conservation and environmental education. As a resident assistant, she has facilitated programs about conservation and ecology, and found joy in educating residents about these topics. She has also volunteered for the Coastal Steward Long Island, where she assisted in a shellfish restoration program by helping to grow, clean, and release oysters. She also created newsletters to communicate the importance of oyster restoration and conservation to a diverse audience. Jasmine is excited to learn more about marine conservation and gain skills in environmental education at REEF!
Annika Olson is pursuing a B.S. in environmental and ocean science at the University of San Diego, with minors in biology and Spanish. Originally from northern California, Annika's interest in the ocean started in high school, and has only grown since earning her scuba certification and exploring the San Diego ecosystems. Last summer, she took a class through School for Field Studies in Turks and Caicos, where she studied the effectiveness of marine protected areas on Queen Conch. Annika also currently works in a lab at USD studying soil composition of a local canyon after fire destruction, analyzing DNA found in the samples to identify the nitrogen fixing organisms. She is thrilled to be exploring the world of marine conservations non-profits with REEF this summer, and hopes to have a lasting impact while she is here.
Diana Phillips graduated in May 2024 from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale Florida with a B.S. in marine biology and minors in research, pre-health, and GIS. She grew up with a strong interest in the ocean and a love for jellyfish. As a teenager, she was a part of SCUBAnauts International and participated in scientific research and conservation while diving. In college, Diana researched deep sea jellyfish using underwater robots. She won 2nd place for her research at the Life Sciences South Florida symposium, and presented about the applications of GIS in deep sea research at 2024 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Geospatial Workshop. Diana is REEF's 2024 Our World Underwater Scholarship recipient. She has a passion for engaging the public in citizen science and conservation. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, SCUBA diving, photography, hiking, spelunking, camping, and playing ice hockey.
Welcome to REEF, Sydney, Jasmine, Annika, and Diana! For more information about the Marine Conservation Internship or to apply for an upcoming semester, visit www.REEF.org/internship.