West Coast Region Scholars and Interns
We host scholars and interns in our offices throughout the West Coast. Learn more about their work and the opportunities available for you!
The West Coast Region hosts scholars and interns in our offices throughout California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. If you are looking to gain experience in fisheries management, endangered species conservation, marine mammal conservation, the National Environmental Policy Act, habitat restoration, and other NOAA Fisheries-related fields, please apply for an Office of Education student opportunity or contact our Education and Outreach team.
The profiles below are provided as examples of the breadth of student opportunities available in the West Coast Region.
2020 Intern Profile: Katie Blessing
Name: Katie Blessing
School: California State University (CSU), Long Beach
Degree: B.S. Marine Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I chose this field because I am passionate about supporting marine life and fishermen alike.
Internship/Scholarship Program: COAST Summer Student Internship Program
Position Title: COAST Student Intern - Abalone Conservation
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I am an intern under a partnership with NOAA Fisheries and CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology (COAST) where I am currently working on a variety of projects having to do with abalone conservation. These include tasks such as developing and organizing an informal status review for green and pink abalone, creating education and outreach materials for the Black Abalone Recovery Plan, and creating a database for characterizing white abalone habitat.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this position because I was interested in what the process is to promote the conservation of a species.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite project has been working alongside NOAA staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in order to obtain/organize qualitative and quantitative data for the informal status review of green and pink abalone. This has allowed me to understand the many workings parts behind how different species are categorized.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most unexpected thing that I have learned is how many moving parts there are behind conservation efforts. I truly did not know how many people and how much work it takes to conserve a single species!
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most rewarding aspect of this internship is being able to see my work having an actual impact on the conservation of abalone.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
Every mentor that I have had in internships or jobs in the past has touched me in some way or another. In addition, my dad has always supported me and rooted for me when it comes to pursuing my passion for marine science.
2020 Intern Profile: Elissa Connolly-Randazzo
Name: Elissa Connolly-Randazzo
School: Portland State University
Degree: M.S. in Environmental Science and Management
Why did you choose this field?
To aid scientific research by translating data and applying the conclusive information into policies in order to better conserve and use natural resources.
Internship/Scholarship Program: The Pathways Program
Position Title: Student Trainee
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I will be reviewing the data and reports submitted from agencies and consulting companies statewide. With this information, I will confirm if they followed procedures in compliance with NMFS policy when actions or impacts are being made within eelgrass habitats. Eelgrass harbors many marine species at different life stages and provides sediment stability.
Why did you choose this position?
The project aligns with my thesis work which focuses on the threshold impacts the invasive European green crabs have on eelgrass habitats.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
So far, the most rewarding part has been translating the jargon of science for others to more easily comprehend information.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
How to handle a professional setting within my own home! The global pandemic has altered many norms and I have learned how I can better adapt to unpredictable challenges and changes.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Gaining professional experience and improving my professional writing skills.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
Captain Planet and Dr. Sylvia Earle. Both aim to share knowledge about the environment for everyone.
2020 Intern Profile: Mary Griffith
Name: Mary Griffith
School: Western Michigan University
Degree: Geochemistry
Why did you choose this field?
Since I was young, I have always been interested in natural sciences and the way the world and nature works. When I entered college, I was enrolled in an introductory geology course that described Earth's system and cycles. I was amazed at all the ways the abiotic world affected the biotic world, and I decided to change my major from biology to geochemistry. In the future, I would like to continue to use my knowledge of geochemistry to conserve Earth's resources and species.
Internship/Scholarship Program: NOAA Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Position Title: Hollings Intern
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Communications and External Affairs
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I am working with Alicia Keefe to design a project-based learning unit to teach middle school students about the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) and the issues that threaten their survival. The purpose of the unit is to help middle schoolers understand the cultural, economic, and environmental importance of this population and inspire students to become SRKW stewards in their homes, schools, and communities.
Why did you choose this position?
I wanted to strengthen my scientific communication and outreach skills. Science is a passion of mine, and while I love to conduct research, I believe it is important that I learn how to effectively communicate my findings so that it benefits the general public.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite part of the internship was creating a multimedia slideshow that would kick-start our middle school unit. This allowed me to creatively address the issues of SRKW. I also had the chance to speak with middle school educators to learn what I could improve, and it allowed me to cultivate my communication skills and knowledge of SRKW.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
This summer I had to learn how to navigate a virtual internship due to COVID-19. At first, I was worried that I would miss out on networking and relationships that I would have gained in an office environment. However, I found that there are many virtual networking opportunities, and I was able to make connections and complete a meaningful project.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most rewarding part of this experience was the one-on-one meetings I had with my mentor and others in the region. I was able to learn so much about NOAA as an agency and all the important work that is being done.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
A mentor in my life that encouraged me to become a scientist was my first grade science teacher, Mrs. Hickson. She took so much time and care to describe complex natural processes in ways that were both exciting and easy to understand. I'll never forget some of those lessons I learned as she took our class on hikes and field trips. I hope to one day inspire other children to be inspired by STEM and to care for all living beings.
2020 Intern Profile: Monica Keim
Name: Monica Keim
School: Alaska Pacific University
Degree: Marine and Environmental Science
Why did you choose this field?
Salmon connect many different people and many different ecosystems.
Internship/Scholarship Program: José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program (EPP)
Position Title: EPP/MSI Student Intern
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
Summer Project Title: "Why is it hard to measure salmon recovery?" I was tasked with addressing challenges in measuring salmon recovery, focused primarily on projects funded by the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF).
Why did you choose this position?
To explore how salmon restoration is connected with policy and management.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
This internship was just 8 weeks long and was virtual. I teleworked from Anchorage, AK where I live. Although I had just one central focus for my internship project, I was able to incorporate a speed-talk on the Eklutna River dam removal (a local salmon habitat restoration project) that was funded by the PCSRF. This was a fun way to practice presenting virtually while incorporating a project here in Alaska that was still relevant to the internship project overall!
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
I used my Google Calendar more for allowing my mentors to see my progress and for telling myself to take a break than I did for staying on task. I thought it would be hard to focus while working from home, but I learned that it was harder to sign-off and not overwork myself.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
My internship office has overwhelmed me with praise for my project presentation. I have plans to present at least twice to additional audiences after the end of my official appointment!
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My virtual experience could not have succeeded without the unending support from my internship mentors Jennie Franks and Shivonne Nesbit. Additionally, I am very grateful to study under Dr. Erin Larson at Alaska Pacific University. Through conversation and coursework, Dr. Larson has helped me think forward with intention and to grow academically and professionally. Her guidance continues to foster my skills in developing, carrying out, and communicating research.
2020 Intern Profile: Daniel Montoya
Name: Daniel Montoya
School: Humboldt State University
Degree: Fisheries Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I have enjoyed fishing since a young age. Once I found out science can intersect with fisheries, my choice was made very apparent.
Internship/Scholarship Program: José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program (EPP)
Position Title: NOAA EPP/MSI Class of 2020 Scholar
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Communications and External Affairs Branch
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I was tasked with reaching out to west coast Federally-recognized tribes in order to gain contacts for a communications directory. This directory will be used by the Communications and External Affairs team to educate the public on key issues involving tribes.
Why did you choose this position?
To strengthen my communication skills as well as become familiar with NOAA’s tribal relationships.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
This is my first internship project but it has made a profound impact on my future career. I was able to attend various meetings and network with employees which allowed me to clearly define my career and educational goals.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The project may not always go the way you want but you have to just be persistent and continue on.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Creating an excellent relationship with my mentor.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
Amilee Wilson who was my mentor this summer.
2020 Intern Profile: Ana Olsen
Name: Ana Olsen
School: University of Washington
Degree: Marine Biology and Aquatic Fisheries Sciences
Why did you choose this field?
I have always lived by the ocean, so I couldn’t help but want to pursue a career related to its study. I grew up with an endless fascination with the nearshore, and as I began to learn more about the field in high school, participate in it through volunteer work at the Burke Museum and Seattle Aquarium, explore it through SCUBA diving, discover the issues the ocean faces, and finally begin to grasp my professional interests and goals, I knew that marine science was perfectly suited to me.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Hollings Prep Program
Position Title: Hollings Prep Program Scholar
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Policy and Planning Branch
Describe your internship and associated projects.
In my internship, I mostly worked under Galeeb Kachra on populating databases with fishery management-related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents. These databases will be used by the NEPA Coordinators to better advise those working on NEPA documents. I also learned about the strategic planning process with my other mentor, Scott Burkart.
Throughout my internship, I attended webinars and coffee hours related to other divisions in NMFS and developing professionally. This was a great opportunity to ask questions and network. At the end of the internship, I presented what I learned to all the employees and fellow interns I had worked with throughout the six weeks.
Why did you choose this position?
I come from an education and research background. As I began to consider my professional career in government, I knew learning about policy and the big picture of how NOAA Fisheries functions and divisions interact would be very valuable to me, since it wasn't something I could learn at school.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite part of my project was trying to compare the three types of fishery management NEPA documents I looked at—hatcheries, habitat, and harvest—for my final project to try and come up with advice for improvements to the documents. I started out with little to no knowledge on NEPA and policy, so having the chance to summarize all that I'd learned and then know that it would be a useful tool for the NEPA Coordinators and potentially progress NEPA across the WCR was very exciting and rewarding. I also know that I will be able to use what I learned to impact my school and local community by sharing more about the NEPA process and ways they can get involved.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
I definitely got an appreciation for how difficult it is to write NEPA documents and make decisions about resources. I know all that I learned about these processes and some modern issues that are being solved right now will help me to be a better informed and thoughtful consumer of information and decision-maker myself.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
I feel genuinely fulfilled after this experience. Because of how people in the WCR reacted to my questions and gave advice, I felt comfortable developing my professional communication skills in a way I wouldn't have before this internship. I know that what I learned and the impressions the WCR left on me will definitely shape how I interact in academic and professional settings in a profoundly positive way.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My grandparents are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. Without them and my parents supporting my interest in marine science when I was younger, I probably wouldn't have ended up at this internship. Both of my mentors in this internship, Galeeb Kachra and Scott Burkart, provided me with an extremely supportive introduction to the professional sphere of marine science. And as I'm sure many others have felt, Sylvia Earle continues to be a constant hero because of her amazing story of ocean exploration and conservation.
2019 Intern Profile: Rachel Sanchez
Name: Rachel Sanchez
School: University of Houston
Degree: BS in Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I chose biology because I love animals and resource management and wanted to work in conservation biology.
Internship/Scholarship Program: NOAA Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Position Title: Biological Sciences Student Trainee
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I worked on creating a visual aide to guide researchers through the Endangered Species Act research permitting process.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this office and project because, as a participator in scientific research, I wanted to know more about how it plays into larger conservation efforts.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
I loved getting to know the Region through field days where I got to know the species and how they are cared for and utilized.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
Research permits are the product of a cooperation between researchers and federal agencies by which we obtain vital information about a species.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Learning how much agency staff care about protected species.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
I was fortunate to be mentored by Shivonne Nesbit and Jennie Franks throughout my internship and will carry their guidance with me, always.
2018 Intern Profile: Rachel Assink
Name: Rachel Assink
School: University of Washington, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs
Degree: Master of Marine Affairs
Why did you choose this field?
The ocean has always amazed me, so I decided to pursue a career studying and protecting the ocean and marine life.
Internship/Scholarship Program: The Pathways Program
Position Title: Biological Sciences Student Trainee
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
The Pathways Program provides current students the opportunity to explore careers with the federal government. I have been working on a variety of marine mammal projects including contaminants in Southern Resident killer whales, large whale entanglements, and tourism impacts on marine mammals.
Why did you choose this position?
I previously worked for a marine mammal rescue organization and wanted to gain experience in marine mammal management and policy.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite project has been combining different samples from Southern Resident killer whales to look at the life histories of each individual animal, particularly related to contaminant levels. This is still a work in progress, but I hope it will add to the body of knowledge regarding this small, endangered population.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
It has been really interesting to attend many of the Southern Resident killer whale working group meetings. By observing these meetings, I have learned a lot about the policy process and how decisions are made.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Getting to see marine mammal management first hand.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My parents! They have always been really supportive of whatever I've wanted to do.
2018 Intern Profile: Katie Conroy
Name: Katie Conroy
School: Stony Brook University
Degree: M.A. Marine Conservation and Policy
Why did you choose this field?
I wanted to work within a field that is actively protecting the marine environment. In the past, I have enjoyed translating important research about the marine environment to communities through education, but this summer I had the opportunity to continue doing similar work but to more directly help protect it.
Internship/Scholarship Program: The Pathways Program
Position Title: Biological Sciences Student Trainee
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Protected Resource Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I interned for the Protected Resource Division which focuses on ESA-listed species management. I have mainly been working on two projects throughout the summer: kelp habitat restoration for the recovery of two ESA-listed Rockfish species, as well as a project focusing on the Chinook salmon fishery for the management of the Southern Resident killer whales. However, I have also been helping on many smaller projects including marine mammal stranding network educational materials and the whale entanglement forensics project.
Why did you choose this position?
Previously, I had worked with another marine mammal stranding network in Washington and really enjoyed my time there. I wanted to experience what it would be like working at the regional office for the marine mammal stranding network, so when the opportunity to be an intern within the Protected Resource Division was available, it was the perfect chance.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
I don't have a favorite! I have been able to be apart of many projects and learn something different from each one of them. That is what I like about this internship, I can be exposed to many things related to the protection of ESA-listed species, I don't have to pick just one!
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
Before working here I thought the answer to some of these environmental issues were so simple. During my time here I’ve learned that when it comes to management, there is always a lot more going on then what I was previously aware of. Managing some of these ESA species is a lot more complex and difficult to achieve then I had originally believed.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
Recently, I was given a chance to present my analysis from my kelp habitat project to people within the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Seeing their reaction was very rewarding. It made me realize that the work I have been doing is important to management and will be used with on-going projects within the field.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
I do not have any one hero or mentor in my life. With each school and job, I have met people along the way who have influenced me and have shaped the way I have grown. In the past, I have looked up to professors, coworkers and even my friends.
2018 Scholar Profile: Wesley Noone
Name: Wesley Noone
School: Oregon State University-Cascades
Degree: Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I have always been passionate and fascinated by animals. Growing up near the ocean introduced me to marine life and I eventually learned about salmon which spend their lives in freshwater and saltwater. Biology was a natural fit for me to learn all about animals, their environments, and how everything is connected at a molecular level.
Internship/Scholarship Program: Oregon Sea Grant
Position Title: Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholar
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Anadromous Production and Inland Fisheries Program
Describe your internship and associated projects.
My task is to develop analytical frameworks for analyzing effects of salmon and steelhead hatchery issues under the National Environmental Policy Act. My project consists of a literature review for peer reviewed climate change articles related to steelhead and salmon hatcheries.
Why did you choose this position?
NOAA Fisheries performs an amazing amount of duties for the American public, ocean resources, and habitat. I chose the position because I wanted to work with salmon and steelhead while addressing the threats they face. The project allowed me to use prior knowledge on steelhead ecology and utilize my understanding of climate change to advance the NOAA Fisheries mission.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My primary project has been the focus of my internship and it has been my favorite part of the experience. While I have attended meetings with Pacific Northwest tribes, state agencies, and local angling organizations I have been able to relate my project to the concerns of the stakeholders. Understanding the science behind the issues that salmonids are facing can play an important role in determining how to take action.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The most unexpected thing I have learned during my internship is the difficulty of addressing the issues facing salmon and steelhead. There is no "silver bullet" that will both lead to recovery of the species and satisfy all the stakeholders. Rather the solutions are complex and involve collaboration with the public, private industry, and tribal communities to achieve results.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
For me, getting a chance to work with the leadership at NOAA Fisheries has been very rewarding. I have seen the branch chiefs working with tribal and state partners through difficult topics and achieving a meaningful dialogue that can lead to action.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
My parents and professors have influenced me a lot to get to where I am. Their stories of success and failure provided me with lessons to learn, often helping me through tough decisions.
2018 Intern Profile: Spencer Showalter
Name: Spencer Showalter
School: University of Washington, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs
Degree: Master of Marine Affairs
Why did you choose this field?
I've loved the ocean for as long as I can remember, and when I was eight years old I went clamming in south Puget Sound with a family friend who was also a kelp biologist for the state. To me, at that time, she knew everything there was to know, and I decided to go into marine science. I got that degree from Boston University, but along the way my love for the open ocean and the rocky intertidal had to fight with my interest in stewardship and not only studying marine life, but ensuring it would remain for generations to come. So for graduate school, I took a slight left turn into fisheries management, to bring together my love of the ocean and my passion for responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
Internship/Scholarship Program: The Pathways Program
Position Title: Biological Sciences Student Trainee
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division
Describe your internship and associated projects.
I got to help with the two major rulemakings that are currently being rolled out. I drafted the National Environmental Policy Act Finding of No Significant Impact and wrote the Compliance Guide for the 2019-2020 Harvest Specifications, and I contributed to the Environmental Assessment for the Trawl Gear Change rule. I also generated web content about all of the Endangered Species Act biological opinions that are currently in effect for the groundfish fishery.
Why did you choose this position?
I wanted to help manage fisheries in Seattle, and here I am!
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
I really enjoyed working on the Environmental Assessment for the Trawl Gear Change rule. The Environmental Assessment examines the potential environmental impacts of rescinding several gear restrictions whose purposes have been taken over by the implementation of the individual fishing quota (IFQ) system. It ensures that despite the removal of some regulations, the stocks will continue to be protected and managed sustainably.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
The intricacies of the legal mandates to which NOAA is beholden are super interesting to me; I've read the Endangered Species Act at least three times this summer.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
I love feeling like I'm doing work that has somewhere to go!
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
The kelp biologist mentioned above was very influential for me. I also had a string of incredible mentors throughout school—my shift supervisor when I was a volunteer at The Marine Mammal Center, my high school biology teacher, my and a few of my professors at Boston University were incredibly encouraging and I learned a lot from all of them. My supervisor for this position, Aja Szumylo, has been an incredible boss and is always encouraging me and making the space for me to learn and experience as many things as possible. I am incredibly grateful that so many people have taken me under their wings and believed in me throughout my education.
2018 Scholar Profile: Kong Pheng Vang
Name: Kong Pheng Vang
School: University of California Santa Barbara
Degrees: B.S. Aquatic Biology
Why did you choose this field?
I chose this field because I have never been to the ocean before attending the University of California Santa Barbara. Upon my arrival, I fell in love with the place more than the major itself. I developed a firm interest for oceans by taking upper division courses, volunteering at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, and interning with labs on campus such as the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) and Moorea Coral Reef Long Term Ecological Research (MCR LTER).
Internship/Scholarship Program: Oregon Sea Grant
Position Title: Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholar
NMFS Office and Program: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Anadromous Production and Inland Fisheries Program
Describe your internship and associated projects.
My internship with NOAA Fisheries involves developing outreach materials for the different Endangered Species Act (ESA) mechanism and consultation processes for salmonid hatchery programs.
Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because I wanted to learn about hatcheries, the ESA consultation process, and to create outreach materials. I also wanted to experience working in an office setting, having my own cubicle.
What has been your favorite internship project and how has it made an impact?
My favorite internship project was creating the outreach materials. I am at the final stage where I am finalizing everything. I hope my project will clear up some confusion for applicants and save time for both parties. I will not be here but I hope to have applicants review the materials to see if additional improvements are needed and how helpful my project was.
What is the most unexpected/challenging thing you have learned?
Without any background in law or policy, the most challenging thing I learned was the Endangered Species Act.
What is the most personally rewarding part of this experience?
The most rewarding part of my experience was getting to meet new people, and talking to them about their career paths. After talking with so many people, it reassured me that there is no right path. However, there are many unexpected opportunities.
Who are important heroes and/or mentors in your life?
Important mentors in my life include my family. They taught me life lessons and skills I would not have otherwise encountered elsewhere.
Anything else you would like to share?
As a minority, low-income, and first generation college student, I struggle to be motivated because everyone I know is unmotivated. I have to stay self-motivated so I am always on the road searching for new opportunities given my underprivileged background.
