Nine summer interns from around Georgia and beyond have joined the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant team, supporting staff and faculty in Brunswick and Savannah on a variety of research, education and extension initiatives.
This cohort of undergraduate students represents a multidisciplinary group who will gain experience in areas ranging from creating environmental illustrations for educational exhibits to studying estuarine food web dynamics along the Georgia coast.
These internships are made possible through the generous support of private donors. The creativity, dedication and unique skill sets these students bring will strengthen Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant programs, resources and engagement with coastal communities. Summer internships play a vital role in advancing environmental literacy and marine research, and supporting workforce development across the coastal region.
Eliza Boody recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in illustration. As an environmental illustration intern, she is working with the communications team to create coastal illustrations, educational graphics and other visual content. Boody looks forward to working on a range of projects, from detailed scientific renderings to social media animations.
Grace Hazard is a junior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in marine biology with a concentration in conservation. As a marine education intern, she is assisting with leading and supervising campers during the aquarium’s Summer Marine Science Camps. Hazard, who attended the camps as a child, looks forward to teaching others while continuing to learn about marine science.
Cianna Kicklighter is a senior at the University of Georgia, majoring in fisheries and wildlife with an emphasis in wildlife science. As a public programs intern, she is assisting public program coordinator Shannon Matzke with leading new summer programs, including coastal crafting, and creating activities to engage visitors of all ages. Kicklighter is excited to connect with the public, talk about wildlife and help people better understand the natural world.
Ollie Mercer is a senior at the College of Coastal Georgia, majoring in environmental science with a concentration in marine science. As a conservation and restoration horticulture intern, she is working with nature-based solutions specialist Sydney Williams to assist with native plant demonstration projects and restoration efforts. She is also supporting outreach programs and initiatives to improve native plant sourcing. Mercer is eager to develop her horticultural knowledge while learning how to use it to engage with the community.
Kaila Pearson is a junior at the University of Georgia, majoring in ocean science. As an extension intern, she is working with associate director of extension Bryan Fluech to support the Estuarine Fish Monitoring Cooperative, a collaborative program focused on monitoring juvenile fish populations along the coast. Pearson looks forward to learning about sonar technology, advancing her ecological monitoring skill and building expertise in Georgia’s estuarine species.
Ellen Pfahl is a senior at Ohio University, majoring in applied nutrition with a concentration in environmental studies and a minor in marketing strategies. As part of her internship, she is working with seafood specialist Erin Arneson Purvis to create outreach materials focused on seafood safety and nutrition and to engage with seafood stakeholders on sustainable initiatives. Pfahl looks forward to gaining hands-on experience with professionals in marine and environmental fields, strengthening her communication skills, and learning more about coastal ecosystems and the communities connected to them.
Emma Scott is a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University, majoring in marine science. As a marine education intern, she is teaching Summer Marine Science Camps throughout June and July. Scott was drawn to the internship for the opportunity to grow professionally, learn from experienced staff and gain hands-on experience in outreach and education.
Quinn Scott is a sophomore at the University of North Georgia, majoring in biology. His internship at the Shellfish Research Lab involves assisting with hatchery operations, algae culture, aquaculture research and shellfish restoration projects. Scott looks forward to gaining hands-on experience and learning more about local conservation efforts.
Tabitha Tederstrom recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in biology and a minor in anthropology. As an aquarium science intern, she is assisting UGA Aquarium curators with animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and public engagement. Tederstrom is particularly interested in learning how filtration systems affect different species, how to provide optimal living conditions for aquarium residents and how to broaden her knowledge of animal husbandry.
