In response to a recent request made of previous SDRP interns, we received a number of comments about the impact of the program on their lives. A sampling of the comments is presented below, followed by articles from volunteers participating with the program during 2008:

“The SDRP has had a profoundly positive impact on me. I was first exposed to the incredible and important work of the SDRP when I was an undergraduate and the experience inspired me to pursue a career in marine mammal conservation. It has been a great privilege to assist and work with the SDRP and I am grateful for the kindness, support and opportunities that the SDRP team has provided me over the years.” Trevor Spradlin (1991), MS – Currently working with the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program of NOAA’s Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD

“My internship definitely taught me how to design, conduct and fund scientific research. Although my current jobs aren't in marine science, I use the same methods/procedures I learned from the SDRP. The knowledge and experience I gained at SDRP has translated nicely into several scientific arenas and I think the SDRP internship was an invaluable experience.” Tristen Moors (1994), MS

“For any student struggling to find direction in the scientific community, a hands-on internship provides vital experience in what it really means to do research. Interns see what it takes to not only gather the data they need, but also all of the behind-the-scenes work needed to process those data. In the case of SDRP, interns are entering the sometimes glamorized field of marine mammal research and will gain much needed understanding of the real scientific dedication involved in running these programs. Participating in this internship is a major stepping stone to making the connections and gaining the experience and perspective they will need to pursue a career in this or any other related field.” Kristi Fazioli (1995), MS

“I gained valuable experience during my months interning for SDRP including data management organization, boat driving skills, and field method protocols. I participated in great research opportunities, working with some interesting people, which broadened by perspective, challenged me and helped me realize what I did, and did not, want to do with my future.” Leigh Torres (1998), PhD

“My experience at SDRP was invaluable to my scientific career. It was during my time as a SDRP intern that I discovered a true interest in scientific research and conservation. Without this initial experience, I doubt I would have chosen to go to graduate school and stay in the field of scientific research. For any young academic who is considering a career in marine science or conservation, I would strongly recommend an internship at SDRP.” Anna Sellas (1999), MS

“The field work from the internship gave me the 'previous experience' necessary to obtain research and job opportunities. The contacts I made that summer opened doors later on during my research, career, and graduate school pursuits. The type of research I participated in that summer helped narrow and focus my own research interests.” Leslie Burdett (2000), MS, PhD in progress

“My internship with SDRP taught me so much about studying cetaceans and how a professional project is run. I liked how I was treated as a proper member of the team rather than just an extra and was really encouraged to get involved with as many parts of the project as possible.” Eleanor Stone (2003), MS

“Being able to interact and question people at every stage of academia gave me a much better picture of what it means to be a lifelong scientist. /…/ I came to Mote with an interest in graduate school, but without a clear understanding of what it really means to be a graduate student and formulate a dissertation project. I didn’t know about the various options available to people at each particular stage of education. Working as a research assistant for a doctoral student was excellent in this regard: I discussed with her how she designed her project, what graduate school was like, and how she overcame some of the obstacles she had faced. We discussed grant applications, comprehensive exams, choosing a program, and many other topics I had not previously considered thoroughly enough.” Leslie Curren (2005), PhD in progress

“Participating in an internship at SDRP was a great way to learn about research processes, network within the marine mammal field, and help me find out what career path was right for me. I would probably not be in the same place in my career path if it wasn’t for my internship at SDRP. /.../ By interning at one of the longer running dolphin research programs, I was exposed to techniques which have proven to be successful and efficient throughout the years. I have been able to take ideas and techniques seen at SDRP and implement them during my work at other facilities. I would strongly recommend anyone interested in pursing a career in marine mammal research to participate in the SDRP internship program. The experience was not only very educational and professional but it was also a lot of fun!” Vanessa Greenwood (2007), BS

“The SDRP gave me my first research opportunity to work with marine mammals. Thanks to this program, I was a competitive graduate student applicant, and was given the opportunity to continue doing research in the highly competitive field of marine mammalogy. The hands-on experience also made me more comfortable with working on boats, and I subsequently was a competent boat operator while working on sea otter research in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The skills I gained while looking at dolphin behavior and photo ID was also helpful when I had to plan my own Master’s research thesis.” Olivia Lee (2005), MS in progress