My name is Laura Jones and I am a Class of 2022 Hollings scholar. This summer, I was lucky enough to intern with Patty Miller at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS). During my internship, I created educational materials, taught children, and participated in outreach.
Laura leading her self-designed coral reef crafts to 20 pre-kindergarten grade students. (Image credit: Derek Sprincis)
Laura Jones teaching her coral reef lesson “What are coral and coral reefs?” to 20 third grade students. (Image credit: Derek Sprincis)
Laura teaching her coral reef lesson “What are coral and coral reefs?” to 20 third grade students. (Image credit: Derek Sprincis)
My internship was focused on making a coral reef education unit. The unit includes five lessons enriched with videos, interactive PowerPoints, self-designed activities, and handouts. Not only was I able to make these lessons for distribution to Hawaiian teachers, but I also taught my lessons at the HIHWNMS to over sixty children.
Additionally, I participated in and created materials for outreach events around the island. I made coral reef brochures, coloring pages, and crafts, and also helped develop content for the HIHWNMS social media platforms.
Whether I was teaching children or participating in outreach, I loved interacting with people in a way that was centered around the ocean. I learned the important skill of taking scientific information and delivering it to different audiences in a way that is engaging and accessible.
My Hollings summer internship was incredibly impactful as I got hands-on experience in outreach and education, which is much different from my research-based college background. I am so grateful that my internship exposed me to different fields within marine science as it has broadened the possibilities for my future career.
Laura is a 2022 Hollings scholar majoring in Marine Biology at the University of Miami.
