Intern Experience of Kerri Goodman

PIMS Intern Report

Kerri Goodman

Jan.-Feb. 2005

I spent 7 weeks as the island science intern during January and February 2005. My reasons for interning at Lee Stocking Island's (LSI) Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) were to further my field technician skills in the water as well as to gain exposure to variety of research areas. After managing a sea turtle conservation project in the Eastern Caribbean and volunteering as an intern for cetacean research in New England, my internship at LSI proved to be very valuable in the continuation of my education through hands-on experience. I gained many transferable practical skills, such as boat handling and advanced SCUBA training, which I will carry with me in my future graduate studies. I was also able to participate in educational outreach, a long-standing passion of mine, through helping to lead island tours and conducting laboratory exercises with visiting high school students.

During my time at LSI, I helped on a variety scientific projects including an icthyoplankton channel net survey, a recruitment study of the Caribbean spiny lobster, and a population ecology study of the bi-color damsel fish. Though my involvement with each of these projects was brief, I found the experience very interesting and learned a great deal about experimental design and logistics in the field. This wealth of background information will serve as a good springboard to delve further into the sustainable management and conservation of marine ecosystems.

In addition to field experience, I received a wonderful opportunity to meet and live among scientists from all over the world. This proved to be one of the most valuable outcomes from my internship with PIMS, as I was able to sit in on several workshops and presentations over diverse topics. My exposure to individuals working at universities, governmental agencies, and independent consultant agencies helped me to explore where my niche might lie within the professional world and what paths I might take to get there.

I would recommend an experience like this to anyone who is considering a career in the marine science field. A broad overview of the marine science field and the opportunity to work along side world-class scientists offer a great environment for personal development and exploration of future careers. Not to mention the island staff and facilities are fabulous!

<< Back