The Inclusive NOAA Fisheries Internship (IN FISH) partners NOAA scientists with academic and private non-profit researchers to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. This year's class of 18 IN FISH students hail from nine states and U.S. territories, and 18 different colleges and universities in 10 states and U.S. territories. Project topic areas range from climate science, protected species, fisheries, and offshore wind to science communication, vulnerable marine ecosystems, Indigenous practices, and recreational fishing.
In each profile, students outline their project, explain why it's important, and—always the most compelling part—share insights they’ve gained into marine science as a career during their time with us
Daryl Bullock (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Maryland
University: University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland
Major: Environmental Sciences
Internship Mentor(s):
- Kerri Danil, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
- Alaina Harmon, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Project
I’ve been working on four different protected species projects this summer:
- Managed the collection of green sea turtle skin samples for future studies
- Helped preserve spinner dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin gonads to determine the sexual maturity status of different dolphin species and populations
- Helped improve gray whale counts from photos taken by drones
- Processed long-beaked and short-beaked common dolphin teeth photos for future ageing studies
This work contributes to the NOAA Fisheries’ conservation, protection, and recovery efforts for endangered and threatened marine species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Insight
This internship was amazing. My favorite part of this program was when we built and coded environmental monitoring instruments using a mini computer called Raspberry Pi and Arduino micro-controllers. This activity alone showed me how computer designers, meteorologists, and fishermen are all so interconnected. This program has helped me better understand things like policies, fisheries, and computer coding. It’s given me a real insight into ecological conservation that I wouldn’t have likely had otherwise.
Russell Campbell (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Burtonsville, Maryland
University: McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland
Major: Environmental Sciences
Internship Mentor(s):
- Katherine McFarland, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
- Shannon Meseck, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
- Sheila Stiles, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Project
For my research, I’ve been working with Milford Lab scientists to study how a heatwave under different ocean acidification conditions may affect different age classes of bay scallops. We exposed 1 and 2 year-old reproductively active bay scallops to a simulated 48 hour heatwave at 29°C. We followed that with a recovery period of normal summer temperatures (23°C). During the recovery period, we monitored and documented mortality of each age class and if they spawned. This work is important because reproductively active marine animals in a changing climate may be more susceptible to environmental stressors like heatwaves.
Insight
Working at the Milford Lab has been a fantastic opportunity to meet with professionals in the field. I’ve been able to gain a deeper understanding of marine science through hands-on experiences and training. This will be extremely beneficial as I finish my college career and enter the workforce. I appreciate getting the opportunity to learn from NOAA employees—this has been a valuable experience for me.
Joseph Davis (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
University: Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia
Major: Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Sarah Shoffler, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Project
I’ve been working with three different labs at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center: the Highly Migratory Species Lab, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations program, and the Coastal Pelagic Species Lab. My project focused on studying how the research within the different labs help support sustainable fisheries and the communities that rely on the commercial fishing industry.
Insight
This internship has been very rewarding. I was able to work on three different projects and see how all the lab work is intertwined and that we must collaborate to protect our wildlife. This internship gave me the opportunity to:
- Further develop my laboratory skills such as microscope work, and using delicate hand tools
- Broaden my knowledge about the marine sciences field
- Take advantage of an amazing opportunity to network and work with professionals
- Gain hands-on experiences conducting research
- Travel the country to see amazing sights
Lamar Hawkins Jr. (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina
University: North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina
Major: Biological Engineering
Internship Mentor(s):
- Mandy Karnauskas, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center
- Erica Rule, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Project
NOAA is preparing for the development of offshore wind farms in U.S. Caribbean waters. To help ensure minimal impact on marine ecosystems, I’ve been reviewing and identifying data sets that have location-specific information on fisheries and coral reefs. I used R, a statistical computing and graphics software, and a dataset from REEF Citizen Science Alliance to build multifaceted point maps that show abundance and diversity of species local to the waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Insight
The IN FISH program has given me a crucial opportunity and has opened my eyes to so many possibilities. I have been exposed to an invaluable amount of information and concepts that I couldn’t learn solely through the curriculum. It’s also allowed me to meet, learn from, and work with so many intelligent and interesting people—mentors, peers, coworkers.
Ricardo Hernandez (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
University: Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia
Major: Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Kimberly Hyde, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
- Anna Mercer, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Project
This summer, I’ve been working with the science center’s Cooperative Research Branch to explore the relationship between bottom water temperature and longfin squid. To do this, we assessed squid growth rates, condition, and maturity based on weight, mantle length and width, sex, and reproductive data. I've been using R to classify squid maturity and to look for a relationship with bottom water temperature. The goal is to incorporate this work into the 2026 longfin squid stock assessment and improve our understanding of the life history and population dynamics of this species.
Insight
The IN FISH program has helped me better understand how critical cooperative science is in the management of marine resources like longfin squid. I‘ve had the opportunity to interact with fishermen, fish processors, oceanographers, and fisheries biologists to improve my knowledge of fisheries science. During my time here, I’ve learned how to dissect squid and enhanced my computational and statistical skills. The staff at the Narragansett Laboratory have been extremely supportive and have inspired me to pursue a career in applied and cooperative sciences.
Rashawna Huntley (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
University: Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina
Major: Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Scott Lindell, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Sara Gonzalez Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Project
This summer, I’ve been working in the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Environmental Systems Labs to culture a tropical red marine algae (Gracilaria mammillaris). My research has focused on testing different stocking densities to find the best for optimal growth. To do that, I used R to look at growth curves. Identifying the best stocking density is important to the economic success of seaweed farms and the nurseries that supply them.
Insight
The IN FISH program has given me the opportunity to take what I’ve been learning at university and use it for real-world practicalities. It’s also helped me explore different career fields and network with so many amazing people. Working on my project this summer gave me a sense of accomplishment knowing my research will have real-world implications one day.
Amari Johnson (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Bowie, Maryland
University: Prince George's County Community College in Largo, Maryland
Major: General Studies
Internship Mentor(s):
- Michael Wilberg, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
- Maya Drzewicki, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Project
My project focuses on mapping the life cycle of spot along the East Coast. Spot is an important forage fish, yet there is little known about its abundance because of its complex life cycle and relatively short life span. I used R and RStudio to display migration patterns of spot and estimate growth at different areas along the East Coast.
Insight
This internship has been a great opportunity for me. It provided knowledge and experience within the field of marine science through a complex system. I learned how to program through R to develop my models and got to experience field work like seining and benthic sledding. I am also glad that I met the amazing people who were a part of this program, including the people at the Chesapeake Biological Lab. Overall, I learned a lot and made some worthwhile memories this summer.
Marie Mauro (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: North Brunswick, New Jersey
University: Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey
Major: Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy
Internship Mentor(s):
- John Kocik, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
- Justin Stevens, Maine Sea Grant
Project
For my research project, I’ve been analyzing water temperature data from the East Branch of Maine’s Penobscot River to see how endangered Atlantic salmon are affected by increased water temperatures from climate change. To do that, I read relevant scientific literature and used R to look at water temperature data at multiple sampling sites over a 20-year period to understand when and where thermal stress events occurred. My goal is to use water temperature data as a measure of habitat suitability to help with conservation efforts.
Insight
Participating in the IN FISH program has helped me broaden my horizons within the marine science field. During my internship, I learned new research methods and data analysis techniques that will aid me in my future career. I got to participate in bimonthly hydroacoustic surveys in Maine’s Penobscot estuary that supports long-term monitoring efforts, and learn how to extract river herring otoliths that will be used for aging. This program allowed me to connect with other hardworking individuals who share common interests and work with fantastic mentors and program staff. I learned so much and I am eager to continue my studies in marine science.
Sam Merritt (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Waxhaw, North Carolina
University: North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina
Major: Marine Science
Internship Mentor(s):
- Bjorn Lake, NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation
Project
During my internship, I helped create new fish passage guidelines for diadromous fish on the East Coast. My focus was on writing the fish transport section. To help gather information to write the section, I met with biologists, visited the Nashua National Fish Hatchery in New Hampshire, and read scientific literature. The section includes:
- A general introduction to fish transport, redundancy and failure prevention advice
- Methods to reduce fish stress
- Recommendations on transport conditions for different fish
The goal is to use these guidelines to better inform dam owners, hydropower operators, municipalities, and others on how to implement fast, safe, and timely fish passage.
Insight
The IN FISH program has been a great experience and the people I’ve met—instructors and other interns—have made my time here worth every second. The connections I’ve made will be long-lasting and I can’t wait to see what my colleagues will be working on in the future!
Solomon Mitchell (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Warner Robins, Georgia
University: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia
Major: Marine Science
Internship Mentor(s):
- Kelsey James, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
- Brittany Schwartzkopf, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Project
I've been working within the science center’s Coastal Pelagic Species Lab to age anchovies, sardines, and other fish to help with population assessments in the Southwest. The goal is to use age as part of a system that assesses populations in these fish. Age is important to understanding the reproductive capacity of a population. Knowing a population’s reproductive capacity helps keep these fisheries healthy, productive, and sustainable.
Insight
The best part of this program is seeing how science is done in a professional setting. Because I’m interested in conservation and public outreach, having a deeper comprehension of fisheries science will help me distill and share the most vital information to non-scientific communities. The travel was great as I got to work and assess fisheries different from what I’m familiar with. This internship gives you connections and skills and saying “working for NOAA” looks good on any resume.
Kalimah Muhammad (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Miami, Florida
University: Howard University in Washington D.C.
Major: Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Corinne Kane, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
Project
This summer, I’ve been creating an interactive story map about the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument and how it functions as an ecosystem. This virtual adventure will be a “deep dive” into the national monument. Its creation is the result of a collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several science communication studies. Through this project I hope to develop successful ways to communicate research data and learn more about the social interactions between the public and scientific researchers.
Insight
The IN FISH internship has given me connections and relationships with both professionals and peers from all walks of life. With learning opportunities and workshops, there is no shortage of knowledge to gain and advice to seek. Whether it was visiting the lab or barbecuing, my cohort and I had an amazing time together and truly enjoyed bonding. Overall, I see IN FISH as a great launching point for my future career interests and I plan to take full advantage of the lifelong connections I have made.
Hunter Ohmann (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
University: The University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina
Major: Marine Science
Internship Mentor(s):
- Kristin Rusello, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce
- Michael Brakke, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce
- Kerry Turner, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce
- Bryan Keller, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce
Project
During my internship I’ve been researching ways to enhance the international management of bottom-fishing activities and protection of deep-sea vulnerable marine ecosystems in the North Pacific. This is currently managed by the North Pacific Fisheries Commission, an intergovernmental organization. I’ve been incorporating scientific recommendations into the revisions while simultaneously considering climate change effects on these ecosystems. It’s necessary to anticipate and address the impact of climate change while taking into account the economic interests of international members that fish in the region.
Insight
I am interested in studying the effects people have on marine organisms, the organisms’ behavioral adaptations to them, and how policy may mitigate these effects. Working in NOAA’s Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce has allowed me to meet people from varying backgrounds, and learn how NOAA is involved in protecting fisheries and endangered species through policy. This experience has helped me better understand what I want my future to look like and assisted me in deciding to pursue a graduate degree.
Vanessa Rendon (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Owasso, Oklahoma
University: Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Major: Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Internship Mentor(s):
- Ellen Keane, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
Project
This summer I’ve been interviewing Tribal Nations in New England to identify marine species that have historically held dietary, medicinal, cultural, and economic significance. I’ve also been conducting interviews focused on the impacts of climate change on river herring and endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine’s rivers. Specifically, I’ve been looking at how Tribal practices and access to river herring and Atlantic salmon have changed over time, and how climate change could alter these practices in the future. This information will help NOAA Fisheries understand the importance of these species to Tribal communities.
Insight
The IN FISH program has connected me to a group of people with a shared passion for science and fisheries. It was a little startling how much the other students and I had in common even though we came from different backgrounds and areas. My favorite part of the internship was engaging with the other interns and hearing their perspectives on the world. This internship has given me several practical skills like computer/statistical coding, systems thinking, and communication that I know I’ll use in the future.
Nicole Rivera Figueroa (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Florida, Puerto Rico
University: University of Puerto Rico in Humacao, Puerto Rico
Major: Coastal Marine Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Rosemary Kosaka, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
- Aaron Mamula, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Project
I’ve been working with staff from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center to analyze data collected for the National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey conducted in 2012. We want to better understand how recreational fishing in the Pacific region of the United States affects the economy. This work will contribute to more informed recreational fishing management decisions.
Insight
Being part of this program has helped me grow as a marine scientist. Working at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center has allowed me to explore new ways to interpret scientific data using R. It’s also helped me discover different study methodologies within the field of fisheries and learn how to collaborate with people that share my passion for conservation and sustainability. Through IN FISH, I gained a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and fisheries management.
Sidney Sapp Jr. (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Gordon, Georgia
University: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia
Major: Marine Science
Internship Mentor(s):
- Mandy Karnauskas, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center
- Erica Rule, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center
- Brendan Turley, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Project
I’ve been reading literature reviews and learning about the different effects wind energy development might have on the communities in the Caribbean region. The goals are to advance the state of the science on offshore wind development effects by working with federal, state, local, and Tribal government partners and the private sector and support stakeholder engagement efforts with coastal communities.
Insight
My favorite part of the internship involves interacting and building relationships with my peers and mentors. I’m able to network with NOAA staff and learn about all the different pathways that can lead to a career with NOAA. I have a better understanding of what my future career could look like because of this internship and the relationships I’ve gained during it.
Supawadee Surattanont (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
University: University of Miami in Miami, Florida
Major: Marine Science and Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Kathy Mills, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Project
My project has focused on examining how ecological traits associated with R and K selected life history strategies are shifting and how these changes align with sea surface temperatures across the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf. These shifts can significantly affect all kinds of things like competitive interactions, growth rates, and mortality rates. Using R, we are able to gain insights into how these changes impact fish populations, biological communities, and marine fisheries.
Insight
As an IN FISH intern, I‘ve been given an amazing opportunity to create meaningful relationships with my mentors and expand my marine science skills and knowledge. The IN FISH and Gulf of Maine Research Institute community has been incredibly welcoming and it’s been great to be part of a community that wants to help you succeed. This invaluable experience has helped me expand and refine my data programming skills and bolster my troubleshooting skills. Most importantly, I’ve been able to learn how to solve problems with an integrated and holistic approach.
Josseirys Valentin-Rivera (She/Her/Hers)
Bio
Hometown: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
University: Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia
Major: Biology
Internship Mentor(s):
- Ann Peterson, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Project
My research this summer has focused on how mercury, a heavy metal, might be contributing to the decline of river herring in New Jersey and Maine in recent years. To do this, I’ve been looking for abnormal levels of mercury in liver and tissue samples and checking for abnormal growths and/or diseases in fish tissues (gills, liver, and gonads). We’re also looking at the effects of mercury on gene expression related to reproduction and health.
Insight
I’m interested in marine biology and working with aquatic animals and this internship has given me the chance to practice skills that are important and necessary for working in this field. I’ve been able to participate in both lab and field work, learn all kinds of lab methods, and collect and analyze data. With the help of IN FISH and my mentor Ann’s wonderful leadership, this internship has helped me to become a more well-rounded scientist, sharpen my skills, and gain a clearer view of my future career path.
Ethan Xie (He/Him/His)
Bio
Hometown: Campbell, California
University: University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, California
Major: Environmental Sciences
Internship Mentor(s):
- Lindsay Fullenkamp, NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries
- Justin Pearce, NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Project
For my project, I focused on assessing the success of 172 bycatch reduction projects funded by NOAA Fisheries’ Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program between 2012 and 2022. To do this, I used R to build a comprehensive database, create data visualizations, and perform statistical analysis displaying trends in different fishing gear types, technologies, and management approaches. This work will help inform commercial and recreational fishery management decisions in the future.
Insight
The IN FISH program gave me an amazing opportunity to learn more about issues affecting marine ecosystems and the growing number of innovative strategies designed to tackle these challenges. Despite not having a background in marine science and entering a historically white-dominated space, I appreciated NOAA staff for making sure all of the interns felt included and supported. My favorite part was interacting with members in different sectors, ranging from fishery biologists and seafood operators, to environmental economists and corporate leaders. I’m very grateful to have made so many valuable connections along the way, and I look forward to exploring future career paths in sustainable fisheries!
For more information, please contact Darius Johnson and Heather Soulen.
