In 2017 The Diversity Project returned to the Gump Tropical Research Station in Mo’orea, French Polynesia for another summer of research. For the first time, we did both basic and scientific dive training in the field. What an adventure!
Name: Shamoy Bideau
School: University of the Virgin Islands
Major: Biology (BS)
Project Title: Urchins are important herbivores & mediate positive effects of sediment on algal turfs.
Comments on The Diversity Project: “ I can’t tell you how awesome it is, you will have to experience it for yourself. But I can tell you that it is indeed life changing. To be honest I’m still not done thanking Paul and the other Coordinators for an amazing summer.”
Where is he now? Shamoy completed his undergraduate degree and is now pursuing a masters degree at UVI.
Name: Koko Chong
School:University of Hawaii, Hilo (BS)
Major: Marine Science (BS)
Project Title: Herbivory shapes the depth distribution of Halophila decipiens in Moʻorea
Comments on The Diversity Project: “This was a fun and hardworking internship where I became a certified scientific diver, travelled to Moʻorea, began having conversations about my future in graduate school, and built long lasting relationships with my mentors and awesome interns! Whatʻs special about this program is the field work experience abroad, networking with fellow scholars and mentors and having their SUPPORT, and discovering new things about yourself that shape your career goals. ”
Where is she now? Koko completed her undergraduate studies is now working for Hui Mālama I ke Ala ‘Ūlili where she is focused on sustaining the cultural heritage of Hawai’i.
Name: Maria Gasca
Project Title: Urchins are important herbivores & mediate positive effects of sediment on algal turfs.
Comments on The Diversity Project: “Don’t let your size, color, gender, socioeconomic background, experience with swimming, ANYTHING stop you from applying. If you haven’t had the privilege to see someone like you being represented in the Marine Sciences or graduate school, now is your chance to take the initiative & manifest it!”
Where is she now? Maria completed her undergraduate studies and is now in Texas working on developing sustainable organic farming practices
Name: Howard Hunter
Project Title: Macroalgal predictability, quantity, and species assemblage affect estimates of herbivory rate and herbivore selectivity on coral reefs.
Comments on The Diversity Project. The Diversity Project was an experience of a life time that I didn’t think I could fully participate in because I couldn’t swim before getting accepted. With only having two months to get scuba ready, I went to my schools swimming pool virtually every day. I had days where I thought to myself, “What am I getting myself into?” or “I just can’t do this…”, but I didn’t give up. Through hard work and perseverance, I was able to become scuba certified through this amazing program! So don’t think that a lack of swimming experience will hinder what you can achieve through this program, you too can become scuba certified and a snorkeling master if you work for it.”
Where is he now now: Hunter completed his B.S. at UMES and is now a Masters student at University of Puerto Rico.
Name: Carly Johnson
Major: Sports Medicine
Project Title: Herbivory shapes the depth distribution of Halophila decipiens in Moʻorea
Comments on The Diversity Project: “The Diversity Project” is a life changing experience, it opens many doors, and is worth the hard work!”
Where is she now? Carly finished her degree at Howard, and is completing her Masters of Public Health. She plans on becoming a physicians assistant to advance health equity in minority communities.
Name: Adrianne McDonald
Comments on The Diversity Project: “TDP is a rewarding, once in a lifetime experience. TDP allows you to develop your own research project, research abroad, and develop long lasting relationships with professors, graduate students, and fellow undergraduate students. TDP has allowed me to work on my skills as a researcher and develop new ones, like scuba diving! If you have ever considered marine biology, apply apply APPLY!. ”
Where is she now? Adriane completed her degree at Superman in 2019 and is now a PhD student in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology at UCSB.
Name: Brianna Mims
School: Cornell University
Name: Nury Molina
Name: Nefertiti Smith