Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - January/February 2015 - (Page 10)

Going Full Circle with Ocean Conservation by Sean Russell G rowing up in Florida, I connected to the ocean at an early age. Through nature hikes on the beach, camping in coastal areas, and observing marine wildlife with my family, and later, through marine science camps at Mote Marine Laboratory, I developed a fascination with marine and coastal environments and their inhabitants. My interest led me to participate in beach cleanups with family and friends, take part in habitat restoration projects with my local 4-H club, and teach other young people about the importance of ocean conservation. In ninth grade, I applied and was accepted to the high school internship program at Mote Marine Laboratory in my home town of Sarasota, Florida. Working alongside other students and marine science experts, I learned about the world-renowned marine research, conservation, and education programs taking place at Mote. Additionally, I shared my passion for marine science and conservation by volunteering for Mote's education programs, which included aquarium sleepovers, school programs, and the same summer camps I had participated in years before. It was very rewarding to come full circle with my experiences in ocean conservation through participation in the internship. The experience didn't end there, though. In tenth grade, as a participant in Mote's Alumni Internship Program, I had the unique opportunity to work with fellow interns and research scientists on a study of human-dolphin interactions in Sarasota Bay. The study sought to better understand the impact of human activities, such as boating and fishing, on these animals. I learned about the devastating impact of carelessly discarded fishing line on dolphins and other marine wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, and birds. When animals become entangled in monofilament fishing line-which can take up to 600 years to break down in 10 imagine Sean's interest in marine and coastal environments started at an early age. Jan/Feb 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - January/February 2015

Big Picture
In My Own Words
Land & Sea
Going Full Circle with Ocean Conservation
At Home in the Water
Diving into Marine Science
Ocean Views
Becoming a Steward of the Seas
Engineering for Ocean Health
Selected Opportunities and Resources
The Wonderful World of MOOCs
Super
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review: UC San Diego
Creative Minds Imagine
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - January/February 2015