New UChicago Students Discover Woods Hole in Career Exploration Visit

First-year undergraduates from the University of Chicago kicked off a four-day Career Exploration visit to the MBL last week with a panel discussion about many of the opportunities in Woods Hole.

Photo: (right to left) Shelley Dawicki, communications specialist and science writer at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries; Paul Joyce, dean of Sea Education Association; and Diana Kenney, associate director of communications at MBL, discuss STEM opportunities in Woods Hole. Credit: Jane Marks

The panelists described the missions of the MBL, Sea Education Association, and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center as well as their own unique journeys in STEM-related careers. The students were engaged and inquisitive, asking the panelists for career tips and posing thought-provoking inquiries about the importance of our oceans and marine life.

The undergraduates from UChicago pose in front of the MBL sign. Credit: David Lerner

After the discussion, the students dove into life at the MBL, hearing flash talks from scientists, visiting the cephalopod facility and the Library’s Rare Books Room, taking part in research, learning about undergraduate opportunities at MBL, and exploring the Woods Hole area.

UChicago undergraduates visiting the Marine Resources Center. From left: George Greeby, Haley Stiscak, and Emily Nigro. Credit: Bret Grasse

They concluded their MBL visit with a trip on the Gemma and a Marine Resources Center tour. As they embark on their journey at UChicago, the undergraduates will be able to take their new insight into scientific careers with them.

The Career Exploration visit was sponsored by UChicago’s Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Program.

UChicago undergraduates visiting the Marine Resources Center at MBL. From left: Chloe Burns-Krul, Kelly Kang, and Gavin Atack. Credit: Bret Grasse