Written by Danielle Cartwright & Lily Haines
We are officially back in the swing of our summer internship cycle at the Perry Institute for Marine Science! One of our primary goals is to increase capacity in marine conservation and research within the country. This summer, we are excited to introduce a dynamic group of college students who share our passion for marine science and environmental stewardship!
Blocked Creek Intern Charissa Taylor
From New Providence, intern Charissa Taylor is working on the Blocked Creek project this summer. An incoming sophomore at Barry University, Charissa is majoring in Marine Biology and aspires to become involved in environmental law. Her journey into marine conservation began in 2016 when she attended sail camp, sparking a deep love for the marine environment. Charissa is also a former 2023 Rising Tides student, where she demonstrated her commitment and passion for marine conservation. We are thrilled to have Charissa back with us, bringing her enthusiasm and dedication to the Blocked Creek project!
Fisheries Intern Gadville McDonald
Our fisheries intern, Gadville McDonald, is currently studying Marine Biology at Dalhousie University. Gadville’s fascination with the marine environment started in his childhood as a former swimmer. His academic background and personal experiences have shaped his dedication to marine biology, and we are excited to see how he contributes to our fisheries research and sustainability efforts this summer.
Community Engagement Intern Andria Conliffe
Andria Conliffe, another former Rising Tides student, is studying Marine Biology at Barry University. This summer, Andria is our Community Conservation Education and Action (CCEA) intern. She has long aspired to help conserve the marine environment, and her role will focus on engaging and educating local communities about the importance of marine conservation. Andria’s dedication to education and her passion for the marine environment make her a perfect fit for this position.
Working alongside our Abaco Program Manager, Denise Mizell, are three dynamic ladies who are equally passionate about marine conservation:
Abaco Mangrove Intern Kaitlyn Gaitor
Kaitlyn Gaitor, a student at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), is our Abaco mangrove intern this year. Growing up in Abaco, Kaitlyn developed an interest in the marine and natural environment from a young age, participating in summer programs at Friends of the Environment. Her local knowledge and enthusiasm for mangrove ecosystems will be invaluable to our projects.
Abaco Mangrove & Coral Intern Haley Bethell
Joining Kaitlyn is Haley Bethell, the mangrove and coral intern. Haley is currently a junior at the University of Tampa and also hails from Abaco. She is passionate about protecting our oceans and environment and is eager to gain hands-on skills and conservation techniques this summer. Haley’s commitment to marine conservation is evident, and we are excited to support her growth and contributions.
Abaco Coral Intern Delaney Mizell
Delaney Mizell, also from Abaco, is our coral intern. A sophomore at the University of Tampa majoring in Environmental Studies, Delaney has been enamored by the ocean since youth and holds her dive master’s certification. Her diving expertise and passion for coral conservation will play a crucial role in our coral reef projects.
We are incredibly proud to have Charissa, Gadville, Andria, Kaitlyn, Haley, and Delaney join us this summer! Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment to marine conservation are essential to the success of our projects. As they embark on their internships, we are confident they will gain invaluable experience and make significant contributions to marine science and conservation efforts. Stay tuned on our social media channels for updates on their exciting projects and achievements throughout the summer. Welcome to the team, interns!
Guardians of the Deep: With Training from PIMS, Key Government Staff Become PADI Certified Divers
Akehia Thompson (DMR), Quetta Gibson (DMR), and Gilles Deal (DEPP) share a moment of camaraderie in their scuba gear, embarking on their training journey with
Powering the Next Wave: Celebrating the Conclusion of Our 2024 Rising Tides Program
The Rising Tides program, an initiative of the Perry Institute for Marine Science, is nurturing the next generation of conservationists in The Bahamas. Through classroom instruction and field studies, Bahamian students are inspired and equipped with knowledge and skills for careers in marine science, conservation, and research. The program has certified students as PADI Open Water Divers and Reef Rescue Divers, paving the way for future academic and professional opportunities. The impact of the Rising Tides program is best expressed through the voices of its passionate participants, who share their transformative experiences and dreams for the future of marine conservation.
Exploring Little Inagua’s Coral Reef & Seagrass Habitats
Marine researchers from the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) collaborate for an expedition in the southern Bahamas. The
Meet the Students of our Rising Tides Youth Program
Written by Teni Burrows and Danielle Cartwright Launched in 2022, our Rising Tides Youth Program inspires and empowers future marine conservation leaders. We offer a
Welcome Our 2024 Summer Marine Conservation Interns!
Written by Danielle Cartwright & Lily Haines We are officially back in the swing of our summer internship cycle at the Perry Institute for Marine Science!
Bahamas Coral Gene Bank Equipment Arrives at Atlantis Resort
Written by Lily Haines and Gimel Morley We are thrilled to announce that The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis, Paradise Island has received two
