Dive Into Aquaculture and Ocean Education with CCAR Intern Dylan

I’m Dylan, a high school student based in San Diego, California. This spring I got to turn my passion for the ocean into hands-on experience at the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR). During the month of May, I worked as a student intern, shadowing CCAR’s Aquaculture Research and Education Program Coordinator Melissa Malmstedt and helping to bring CCAR’s Aquaculture Teaching Lab to life through the creation of a virtual field trip.

I’ve been drawn to the ocean for as long as I can remember. Growing up near the water, I developed a deep love for it and a desire to explore everything it has to offer. That early fascination has shaped my career goal: to study marine biology and pursue a future in marine conservation.

At CCAR, I learned about aquaculture as I conducted routine system checks and engaged with the public during community events and touch tank demonstrations. My main project focused on educational outreach through UMaine 4-H: designing an interactive virtual field trip to help youth explore CCAR’s aquaponics system and research spaces from anywhere. My work in aquaculture outreach didn’t end with my internship. I am planning on sharing my enthusiasm for ocean science as a 4-H Aquaculture Ambassador with UMaine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program.

Outside of my internship, I am an active student and have many extracurricular passions. I am a member of a competitive rowing team, I love crocheting and listening to music, and I lead my high school’s Herpetology and Ichthyology Club. Our club cares for the animals brought to campus as class pets. Since my school has a student-led model, I take every opportunity to personalize my work and connect it to my passions and future aspirations. 

My internship is a great example of how I was able to take a wonderful opportunity and make the most of it. I knew I wanted to travel for my internship, so I did a lot of research and networking to secure a position at CCAR. Once I arrived in Maine, I embraced every chance to get out on the water and into the field. During my month-long stay, I got to work on a seaweed and oyster farm. These experiences showed me the daily realities of aquaculture and the hard work local businesses put in to produce high-quality products.

I am so grateful for this experience, and that I was able to expand my curiosity for the industry side of marine biology. I gained valuable hands-on skills and contributed to making aquaculture more accessible to others through my outreach project.

Check out the virtual field trip to CCAR below!

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