Tell us about your background and how you came to work with the WRC.
I’m an upcoming junior at Auburn University majoring in Fishery Science with a minor in Marketing. My interest in aquatic life began when I was around ten years old after watching Dolphin Tale, the story of Winter the Dolphin and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Auburn’s programs in fisheries sciences have helped me turn that early interest into a potential career path, and I’m excited to be gaining hands-on experience this summer through my internship with the Water Resources Center.
Emily on a dive while on a trip to Key West, FL
What water resources related projects have you worked on that you’ve found most exciting?
Honestly, this is my first experience in water resource related projects. However, I grew up helping my dad with our various fish aquariums including most recently our two saltwater aquariums. I also got my SCUBA certification during the spring semester of my freshman year here at Auburn.
What do you hope to accomplish this summer?
My main focus will be working with the Alabama Water Watch (AWW) to enhance their virtual teaching tools for the 4-H Alabama Water Watch program. My goal is to help expand access to high-quality, engaging environmental education tools that will capture the attention of younger students and show them the importance of maintaining healthy water systems. This will hopefully develop an interest in environmental stewardship at an early age and provide educators with an easier way to bring hands-on, science-based water education into their classrooms.
What advice do you have for other students working in fields related to natural resources?
Be open to learning about multiple different topics. Your major may be about one specific topic so it may be easy to just focus on that one specific thing. However, you should keep an open mind because there might be a class or working opportunity where you can expand your knowledge and make you a more valuable employee in the future.
Do you have any planned next steps after this internship?
Honestly, I always planned to pursue a career in Marine Animal Research after graduating from college. However, after deciding on the topic for my internship project, I have become interested in making the importance of fisheries more engaging and accessible to the public.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned since coming to Auburn?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of stepping outside your comfort zone to find real connections. At Auburn, getting involved in different programs, classes, and organizations has helped me build a strong support system of people who genuinely care. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a new environment, but when you put yourself out there, you find a community that helps you grow personally, academically, and professionally.