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Off-site Research Report
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Summer Research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI)- by Nicole Ngo |
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Why WHOI?
This past summer (2006) I was lucky enough to conduct research off-site at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI)- Marine Policy Center in Woods Hole Village, MA. My research during the summer was on aquaculture and potential employment growth.
Realizing my interest in marine affairs, I felt I had to go outside of NCAR to gain more experience. At first I contacted someone from University of Washington, but plans fell through. Then I met Dr. Anderson, a marine biologist who had helped me with my 2005 SOARS summer project, at a conference later in the year. After telling him about my continued interest in marine policy, he suggested I work at WHOI with Dr. Hoagland, an economist. WHOI is the largest independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to research and higher education at the frontiers of ocean science. It is the goal of the Institution to be a world leader in advancing and communicating a basic understanding of the oceans and their decisive role in addressing global questions. Dr. Hoagland's interest aligned with my own, so I contacted him and he agreed to be my advisor.
Takeaway point: Do your research and make contact early. Email to the point it borderlines harassment in order to inquire further about the possibility of working there. If that doesn't work, try elsewhere.
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What about SOARS?
Initially, I was scared and excited about my decision to go away from Boulder for the summer. Being a second-year protégé, I had developed strong ties to many of the other protégés, as well as the coordinators. I decided to go off-site, however, because I wanted the research experience in marine policy, and WHOI was a better fit for me.
My primary concern in being away was communication. I was concerned that I'd be booted out of the SOARS loop. Fortunately, I learned that emails and cell phones are truly awesome tools. I constantly talked to other SOARS protégés about projects and events, in addition to receiving updates from Raj, Rebecca, and Annaliese. Jo, my writing mentor, also emailed and called me to ensure I remained on task. It was a collective effort on my part and their part to maintain contact, and it worked!
Takeaway point: Communication is key to any relationship. |
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How did that make you feel?
In terms of my personal experience at WHOI, my first days were an adjustment period. Transitioning from Southern California's suburbs to the east coast village was challenging. The SOARS staff and protégés, were very supportive, however, and helped me assimilate to my new surroundings. SOARS also found a community mentor, Kelly, for me. She was helpful and key in easing my transition to WHOI.
Being away from a close community, like the SOARS group, can be lonely, but by surrounding yourself with good people and having an open mind, it's also exciting. Luckily, WHOI had its own fellowship for undergraduates, and in addition there were other guest students or visiting students like myself who were not a part of the WHOI fellowship, so I also had a social life. Having other students around, I think, is essential. I suggest if you choose to conduct an off-site internship, make sure there are other students to socialize with or you might regret your decision. Having a beach around doesn't hurt either.
To summarize, I really enjoyed my time at WHOI and am happy with my decision. I made new friends, gained invaluable research experience, while continuing to feel a part of the SOARS community. Maybe I got lucky in where I went and the people I met there, but it was certainly another life experience I'll remember.
Takeaway point: Maybe I lucked out, but if you do your research and make the effort to communicate and remain on task, doing an off-site internship can be rewarding! |
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