Celebrating National Intern Day at NOAA Fisheries!

Rob Harper stands on a boat in diving gear in the middle of vibrant blue waters. Photo courtesy of Rob Harper.

We host internships in our science centers and regional offices around the country to help college students gain experience in the field. Our interns contribute to habitat conservation, science communications, resource assessment and management, endangered species protection, and more.

Kathryn Youn

Kathryn Youn standing next to a large circular fish tank. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Youn.

Where do you go to school?

I'm a student at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.

In what office are you working?

I am currently an intern under the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. I work in the Alaska Fisheries Science Centerunder Tom Hurst. I am researching fish that are native to Bering Sea waters. I work on embryo and larvae from an in-lab broodstock population.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

I have learned the importance and excitement that comes from conducting experiments with the intent that it is for the people. Everyone is working to provide new information to aid in the sustainability of fisheries, and it's interesting to see the behind-the-scenes process.

Bianca Sproul

Bianca Sproul smiling under the shade of a large tree in a lush, sunlit park. Photo courtesy of Bianca Sproul.

Where do you go to school?

I'm a student at the University of Miami.

Inwhat office are you working?

I am a science communications intern for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

I've learned about the best practices related to partnerships with other organizations and engagement with the local community. I've also witnessed how web stories are developed, written, reviewed, and published.

Mugdha Chiplunkar

Mugdha Chiplunkar standing in front of the sign for NOAA's Western Regional Center. Photo courtesy of Mugdha Chiplunkar.

Where do you go to school?

I'm a student at the University of Washington, Seattle.

What office are you working for?

I'm a Hollings Preparation Program Intern working for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center at the Western Regional Center.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

As an intern under the science center's Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division, I have learned the importance of using science to advance both human and ecological needs. Studying the effects of temperature on copepods-a food source for both commercial pollock fish and endangered whales-has taught me new skills. I've learned data analysis through computer programming and how to share the work I do with wider audiences, such as middle schoolers at NOAA Science.

Sean Monte

Sean Monte stands smiling on a coastal path while wearing a reflective safety vest. Photo courtesy of Sean Monte.

Where do you go to school?

I attend the University of Hawaii.

In what office are you working?

I am the Hawaiian Monk SealCommunications Intern with the Pacific Islands Regional Office's Protected Resource Division.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

Interning with NOAA Fisheries has changed my perception of the behind-the-scenes work involved in monk seal conservation, making me appreciate it even more. The lessons I've learned are not singular, but rather a plethora of experiences that I can't find elsewhere and ones that continue to elevate my passion for conservation. As cliché as it sounds, it truly does take a village (of humans and mammals, that is…).

Amy Carrillo

Amy Carrillo stands in front of a large monitor to give a presentation. Photo courtesy of Amy Carrillo.

Where do you go to school?

I'm attending CUNY Hunter College in New York.

In what office are you working?

I am the Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies Fellow and GIS Intern for the Habitat Conservation Division of the Pacific Islands Regional Office.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

I have gained a deeper understanding of the Essential Fish Habitatconsultation process and how NOAA Fisheries works to protect NOAA trust resources. Along with this understanding, I have acquired more insight on marine resource management.

Emma McGuire

Emma McGuire standing on a rocky beach. Photo courtesy of Emma McGuire.

Where do you go to school?

I go to the University of New Hampshire.

In what office are you working?

I'm a Hollings ScholarIntern for the Pacific Islands Regional Office and Hawai'i Sea Grant.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

I've had the opportunity to advance my science communication skills through developing educational content about ciguatera poisoning. I have also worked on expanding early stages of project development through exploratory ciguatera field monitoring operations.

Michael Schram

Michael Schram standing on the deck of a fishing vessel, holding a large crab. Photo courtesy of Michael Schram.

Where do you go to school?

I go to the University of South Florida. I'm studying within their College of Marine Science.

In what office are you working?

I'm a NOAA Student Intern for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Groundfish Assessment Program.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the science center's Alaska Bottom Trawl Survey and develop an R Shiny application for exploring and visualizing the survey's temperature data. This application aligns with the science center's open science initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement among stakeholders, managers, and researchers to improve our understanding of ecosystems and organisms. My internship allowed me to expand my professional network, enhance my competitive skill set for a future career with NOAA Fisheries, and to contribute to significant open science projects.

Elizabeth Roros

Elizabeth Roros smiling and standing on a ship while conducting field research. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Roros.

Where do you go to school?

I go to the University of Delaware.

In what office are you working?

I'm a NOAA Hollings Intern for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center at the Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

This has been the most fulfilling learning experience. I gained field and hatchery work experience with Pacific oystersand knowledge of how agency research is conducted throughout Alaska. It's extremely inspiring to be surrounded by incredible nature and wildlife and conducting collaborative research with individuals who strive to increase stewardship between scientists, farmers, and fishermen.

Sophia Costa

Sophia Costa smiles while seated on a boat. Photo courtesy of Sophia Costa.

Where do you go to school?

I attend Florida International University.

In what office are you working?

I'm a Lapenta Intern at the Southeast Fisheries Science Centerwhere I support multiple divisions.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

This internship has allowed me to learn about hydrodynamic models and understand the critical role of validation in ecosystem-based fisheries management. I have gained valuable insights not only into modeling and validation but also into the operations at NOAA Fisheries.

Jonathan Venable

Jonathan Venable standing next to scientific equipment on the deck of a research vessel. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Venable.

Where do you go to school?

I go to Jacksonville University.

In what office are you working?

I work as an IN FISH internfor the Population and Ecosystem Monitoring Division at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

Everyone here is very nice! I have been able to soak up a lot of information from people here and my mentors. One of my goals is to work for NOAA. Everyone here has been willing to talk to me about their path here and have been willing to give me tons of career advice.

Rob Harper

Rob Harper stands on a boat in diving gear in the middle of vibrant blue waters. Photo courtesy of Rob Harper.

Where do you go to school?

I attend the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.

In what office are you working?

I'm a Reef Fish and Coral Ecology Intern in the Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

In the field, I have learned how to conduct Reef Visual Census surveys to collect reef fish community data for the National Coral Reef Monitoring Programwhich provides a robust picture of the condition of U.S. coral reef ecosystems and the communities connected to them. I also have been fortunate to meet NOAA employees from around the country and learn about the many career paths within NOAA Fisheries.

Alyssa Therrien

Alyssa Therrien on a boat, looking closely at a small marine creature in her gloved hands. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Therrien

Where do you go to school?

I got to Savannah State University.

In what office are you working?

I'm an IN FISH internfor the Population and Ecosystem Monitoring Division at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

I have learned the importance of communication necessary for research and review. Without proper communication, information can easily be lost, misinterpreted, or forgotten and impact the work flow necessary to keep a project on track.

Hannah Shahmoradi

Hannah Shahmoradi tagging a blacktip shark. Credit: Field School

Where do you go to school?

I attend the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.

In what office are you working?

I am a Communications Intern for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

This internship with NOAA Fisheries gave me the opportunity to further enhance my writing skills, as well as my interpersonal skills. My favorite part of the internship was the wonderful and supportive team I worked alongside with and seeing how the work we do comes together with everyone's unique and creative inputs!

Sofia Nuri

Sofia Nuri hands out educational materials at a booth for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Photo courtesy of Sofia Nuri.

Where do you go to school?

I'm a student at Brown University.

In what office are you working?

I'm the 2025 Ernest F. Hollings Scholarfor the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

What have you learned while working with NOAA Fisheries?

During this internship, I have learned the challenging task of taking complex scientific research and methods and developing entertaining educational tools and games that inform the general public. I have developed a board game on whale migration and coded a spot-the-difference video game of two different whale songs, as well as assisted with multiple outreach events for the local community on behalf of the sanctuary.