August 30, 2024 — This summer, the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) hosted 8 students from New Bedford High School for a 5-week paid internship in marine science.
Guided by SMAST faculty, staff, and graduate students, interns gained exposure to careers in STEM and the blue economy workforce and immersed themselves in the world of marine science. In addition to working in SMAST’s research labs, students participated in field trips to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the New England Aquarium. Some even took part in fish-tagging excursions and other fieldwork. The internship culminated in a symposium where interns presented their research.
“This experience allowed me to explore a potential career path and provided a deeper understanding of marine science, science communication, and fisheries,” said Destiny Mendes, a senior at New Bedford High School. “The supportive and caring staff, along with the meaningful connections I formed, made the internship both enjoyable and memorable.”
Read the full article at UMass Dartmouth