When the 2022 class of EPP/MSI undergraduate scholars started their internships, they expected to clarify their career goals, build their research skills, and develop a professional network. At their graduation ceremony, the scholars shared that the program did more than that — it led to personal growth and changed their lives.
The 2022 class of EPP/MSI scholars during their scholarship orientation. From left to right, Christian Schnell, Courtney White, Martin Gonzalez, Alison Novara, Ingrid Martinson, Kiah Matthews, Michaela Wong, Hailey Poole, Richarde Graham II, and Alexandria Tennant. (Image credit: Elvis Efamba/Office of Education)
At the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program (USP) graduation ceremony on May 22, 2024, the 2022 class of scholars celebrated and reflected upon their experience with NOAA. They shared future plans and bittersweet reflections with their peers.
“This program completely changed the direction of my life. I wouldn’t be going to graduate school without this program,” said Alison Novara, “I met so many people and made great connections. I’m sad that it’s over, but I love everyone in the program.” Many of the scholars echoed this sentiment and shared their own evolution as a person and as a young scientist. Read their reflections and career plans below.
Though the program provided opportunities for the scholars, they each charted their own path for a successful experience. Following each scholar’s reflection, Natasha White, EPP/MSI USP program manager, read goal statements they wrote in 2022. Through this process, the scholars affirmed that the program provided the opportunity to grow in the ways that they’d hoped — those who expected to clarify career paths during the program did so, and those who wanted to learn more about research or develop a professional network also met their goals.
The scholars closed by sharing advice with the new class of scholars on how to get the most out of the program. They all emphasized the importance of making connections at NOAA, learning from as many people as they could, and using the opportunity to identify their career goals. Or, as alumnus Martin Gonzalez put it, “Find the joy in your work and keep chasing that joy. You may find a career you never thought of.”
Scholar reflections and future plans
Martin Gonzalez
It put me on a path towards working with the federal government and fisheries. I never thought about a career in the fisheries service before my internships.
Education
B.S. in marine biology from University of California, Santa Cruz
What's next?
Plans to work at a federal or state agency for a few years and then return to graduate school.
Richarde Graham II
The program really helped me grow throughout the past couple of years. It helped me branch out and become the young man I am today.
Education
B.S. in atmospheric science from North Carolina A&T State University
What's next?
Attending North Carolina A&T State University for a masters in physics.
Ingrid Martinson
My second internship helped me discover exactly what I wanted to do. And the connections I made will last a lifetime, both with my cohort and through networking.
Education
B.S. in marine biology from University of California, Monterey Bay
What's next?
Attending University of California, Santa Cruz for a doctoral degree in ecology and evolution. Ingrid is also the 2024 North American Scholar of the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society.
Kiah Matthews
My cohort and mentors were top tier. The experiences helped me discover what I want to do and what didn’t work for me.
Education
B.S. in marine biology from Nova Southeastern University
What's next?
Applying for jobs in research labs and then plans to attend graduate school.
Alison Novara
I would never have thought I’d have a NOAA internship. It completely changed the direction of my life. Because of it, I got to experience what actually doing research is.
Education
B.S. in marine biology from Nova Southeastern University
What's next?
Attending University of Maryland Eastern Shore for a doctoral degree in Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences.
Hailey Poole
It really helped me refocus and put myself in a position to figure out a big goal of where I wanted to go and how to get there.
Education
B.S. in atmospheric science from North Carolina A&T State University
What's next?
Attending North Carolina A&T State University for a doctoral degree in applied science and technology.
Spencer Sakuma
[To future scholars], don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your organization or cohort. Not only does this help with networking, but you make friends from all over the country.
Education
Expecting to graduate in spring of 2025 with a B.S. in environmental science and a Japanese certificate from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
What's next?
Following graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Christian Schnell
It was transformational. I learned how to reach out and network with people. Meteorology is a small competitive field, and knowing how people got where they are now is important.
Education
B.S. in meteorology from University of the Incarnate Word.
What's next?
Starting a new position as an Operational Meteorologist in the private sector.
Alexandria Tennant
I would’ve never thought I could be in this space. I love how it gave me a different library of opportunities than what I get at school and an opportunity to meet people from across the nation.
Education
B.S. in marine science from Savannah State University
What's next?
Currently working as an environmental educator at Georgia Aquarium. Hopes to attend graduate school.
Tatyana Villela
This program has been a privilege, it really helps you grow as a person.
Education
B.S. in marine science from California State University, Monterey Bay
What's next?
Hopes to work at NOAA and then attend graduate school.
Courtney White
It helped me develop a passion and determine where I wanted to go in the future. I grew as a scientist, scholar, and a person.
Education
B.S. in marine science and B.S. in chemistry from Nova Southeastern University
What's next?
Attending University of Alaska Fairbanks for a doctoral degree in chemistry.
Michaela Wong
I learned a lot more about myself and who I want to be as a researcher and gave me a lot more confidence in myself. I didn’t expect to get it, and then I did, and that reaffirmed a lot of belief in my own capabilities.
Education
B.S. in marine science from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
What's next?
Returning to support NOAA as a contractor. She will support the Coastal Resilience, Restoration, and Assessment branch at the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science as a Data Analyst.
View 2022 EPP/MSI undergraduate scholar profiles and internships.
