Announcing our 2017 Field School Scholars!

We are extremely excited to announce our top 3 scholarship recipients from our 2017 Summer Writing Competition. At Field School we are dedicated to expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in marine science. Follow us and sign up for our newsletter to hear about future opportunities.

First place: Elizabeth Bierbach, Nevada

​"Dr. Eugenie Clark was my hero. I used to tell everyone I met that I wanted to be an Ichthyologist when I grew up. I don’t think anyone ever actually told me that I couldn’t be a Scientist; but I know that no one ever told me I COULD. 30 years later, my passion for the ocean never changed. So, at age 38, I went back to College.
Through Social Media tools like Twitter, I have connected with many Marine Science Professionals. To my absolute joy, no one said 'it’s too late,' or 'you’re too old.'"

---

Second place: Eimear Manning, Ireland

"After working in some amazing positions that were related to a variety of fish, but none of them specifically sharks, I’ve realized that I’m not wholly happy. I’ve taken the first big leap and am currently in communication with my academic adviser about beginning a PhD. However, during my Master’s degree I received no training with sharks as I had originally intended to, and feel exceptionally nervous about the prospects of jumping into a PhD without any prior experience of shark handling, fishing, tagging, etc. I know this is the field of research that I want to be in, I just believe that I need some assistance gaining the knowledge that I so desperately need to move further."

---

Third place: Dylann Turffs, Florida

"I am seeking opportunities to return to working on or near the ocean and I am seeking the same experience I have with reptiles so that I can use my firsthand experience to tell real stories about sharks, their behavior, and their importance to make a positive difference for the oceans and for our managing of fisheries. Fear of sharks is so common that protecting them necessitates working through both fear of them and apathy towards their over harvesting. Part of breaking through that fear is making them less sensational and less mysterious. The more real knowledge that exists, the less room there is for the perception of sharks as horror story villains. I love sharks, and more importantly I value a healthy ocean. I want to use this opportunity to be strong voice for the protection of both, and for showing that in order to protect the oceans, we must protect sharks."

Thank you to our many wonderful entrants--you amused, inspired and engaged us, and we can't wait to see some of you in the field next month. Everyone else, stay tuned for our upcoming scholarship opportunities for winter courses!

---