For my Science and Global Change practicum, I served as an Exhibit Interpreter at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland. This regional museum focuses on the intersection of paleontology, estuarine ecology, and maritime heritage. My work centered on the transmission of scientific knowledge through public education and conservation outreach. I had the opportunity to engage with hundreds of visitors, helping them connect with the ecosystems and species that define the Chesapeake Bay region.
I have been visiting the Calvert Marine Museum since elementary school, often on school trips or with my family. Those early experiences sparked my love of science and conservation. In summer 2023, I reached out to the museum’s Volunteer Coordinator to ask about opportunities to return in a more educational role. Although I only volunteered for a few months, I was invited back and have been more than happy to continue supporting the museum’s public outreach mission.
My advice to future SGC Scholars is to start with familiar places you already care about. Whether it is a local museum or nonprofit, send a professional and personalized message about your interests. Stay curious, and do not hesitate to follow up.
As an Exhibit Interpreter, I worked primarily in the Discovery Room and the Skates & Rays exhibit. I guided visitors through live animal interactions, focusing on species such as the Diamondback Terrapin, Chain Dogfish, Purple Sea Urchin, Atlantic Spadefish, and Cownose Rays. I explained animal behavior, diet, conservation status, and safe touch practices. I also answered visitor questions, helped with events like SharkFest and Toy Boat Building Days, and ensured tanks were clean and environments properly maintained. These activities taught me how to engage diverse audiences, adjust for different learning styles, and support education in high-traffic public settings.
This practicum deepened my understanding of estuarine biodiversity and conservation biology. I became familiar with the habitats and adaptations of local marine species and learned how to explain scientific concepts like salinity or ecological niches in language that was both engaging and accurate. One of my favorite interactions involved a child asking if we had painted the museum’s blue lobster. That moment led to a great conversation about genetic mutations and marine coloration. It reminded me that teaching science often starts with wonder and humor.
This experience helped me understand how vital science communication is to shaping public awareness. Many of the visitors I spoke with had little exposure to marine science but left the museum asking questions about pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. These conversations showed me how accessible, hands-on learning can build empathy for conservation. I now see informal education as a powerful form of civic engagement. It connects scientific data with lived experience and builds a sense of stewardship in the community.
My practicum played an important role in my decision to switch majors from mechanical engineering to bioengineering. I realized how much I valued the relationship between biology, sustainability, and public impact. Since then, I have become increasingly interested in environmental bioengineering, especially in solutions that protect biodiversity and improve ecosystem resilience. Whether through ecological modeling, sustainable aquaculture, or conservation outreach, I hope to use my skills to build technologies and programs that serve both people and the planet.
I am also exploring further opportunities in science communication and public engagement, possibly through a minor or professional fellowship program.
One of the most meaningful moments from my practicum was helping a hesitant young visitor touch a horseshoe crab for the first time. She was nervous, but after a few moments of encouragement, she reached out and smiled. Her parents thanked me, saying she had never shown interest in marine animals before. That interaction reminded me that leadership in science does not always mean commanding a lab or giving a lecture. Sometimes, it means creating space for learning, trust, and transformation.
This practicum confirmed my passion for combining engineering, education, and environmental outreach. I have learned that leadership is about more than knowledge. It is about empathy, accessibility, and the willingness to meet people where they are. These lessons will guide me wherever my career in science and engineering takes me next.