ipl-logo

Manatee Personal Statement Sample

1786 Words8 Pages

Personal Statement: I strapped on my waders and began walking towards a manatee carcass. A marine mammal biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proceeded to instruct me on how to perform my first field necropsy. Through this research experience I was able to understand the internal anatomy of a manatee, outside of the textbooks. This experience showed me that research provides an opportunity to tangibly investigate my curiosity. The manatee has always sparked my curiosity because humans are their only major predator, leading to human-wildlife conflict. My undergraduate research and internship experience were focused on the conservation of manatees, demonstrating my desire to become an expert on this topic. …show more content…

As an intern, I assisted in increasing public education by designing outreach materials targeted towards the public. Specifically, I made informative handouts on manatee harassment, on-site wastewater treatment systems, sustainable yard care, and the importance of springs in Florida. These materials connected sustainable living to healthy aquatic ecosystems, where manatees reside. To the same extent, I created PowerPoint presentations, which summarized studies on manatees to grades K-12 and illustrated ways individuals can help this endangered species. SMC’s Manatee Zone Newsletter is also a great tool to inform the public about manatee conservation. In the September Manatee Zone Newsletter, I wrote an article about recent manatee sightings and discussed the mating behavior of manatees. Additionally, I answered questions submitted by children about manatees, which were posted on SMC’s website. The broader impact of these internship tasks was that I was able to make scientific information widely accessible and …show more content…

After receiving my PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy from GMU, I will apply for post-doctoral fellowships at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Mote Marine Laboratory. There I can continue to perform research in the field of conservation biology for both nationally and internationally respected research programs while also learning from mentorships. During this time, and due to my graduate and post-graduate research, I will volunteer as an expert for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission. After completing my postdoctoral work, I will seek a position as an academic research scientist at a tier-one research university. As a professor, I want to engage students in research by becoming a mentor in an undergraduate research program if there is one. If an undergraduate research program has not yet been implemented at the university, I will work to establish a competitive program. I also want to design and introduce a concentrated curriculum on endangered species management and research at the

Show More
Related
1991 Words | 8 Pages

Introduction As a student that earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology, I have always had an interest in science, research, and health. Because of this general interest in all living things, and how they interact with each other, most of my adult life has been spent working in healthcare settings, trying to figure out where and how to use this knowledge. I took a short break after earning my Bachelors degree before deciding to work towards my Masters degree. During this break, I became increasingly interested in environmental issues, such as the safety of the food I feed my family, climate change, pollution issues, and the spread of diseases.

Read More
628 Words | 3 Pages

Right now, it was the perfect habitat for manatees, but once motorboats started zooming up and down the river, it would no longer be perfect. In fact, it would be dangerous to them. When I arrived at school later that morning, I had the article ready to share with my classmates. I eagerly approached my teacher, Ms. Patel, and shared my ideas. Ms. Patel was impressed.

Read More
639 Words | 3 Pages

Specifically she learned about marine mammals through interaction programs. From her study she concluded not only that the participants learned about the training and conservation of marine mammals, but that most participants shifted their attitudes and gained a sense of control about increasing/beginning stewardship

Read More
1835 Words | 8 Pages

In an effort to ensure effective comprehension and validity, it is important to rely on credible sources and avoid making unsubstantiated claims. Finally, all messages should include a clear call to action, encouraging the audience to take specific steps to support conservation efforts. Providing practical suggestions for ways that individuals can get involved, such as volunteering or making a donation, can help to increase engagement and mobilize action. By using this writing knowledge and skills, members of the wildlife protection community can help to inspire others to take action and

Read More
650 Words | 3 Pages

Living in a border town in Deep South Texas, I was unable to truly appreciate the fauna and flora of the Rio Grande Valley, but after my internship, I learned the importance of knowing the environment of my own habitat. As a Wildlife and Fisheries Science major, I am required to take an internship in my respective field. After seeking an internship, the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, Texas, my hometown, granted me the opportunity to become an intern at their site for the duration of the summer of 2012. During my time there, I was able to assist in many research projects and help in the everyday tasks that needed to get done to run the wildlife refuge effectively.

Read More
518 Words | 3 Pages

I understood at a young age that success only comes through hard work and perseverance. My father always said that to be successful in college it takes 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. My collegiate studies at the University of Arizona have provided a firm foundation in knowledge on conserving our natural resources. Pursuing a Master’s degree will help increase my understanding to the next level and discover novel solutions to impending natural resource

Read More
1102 Words | 5 Pages

As herbivores, manatees are important in determining the health of an ecosystem (Allen, 2014). Often times the lack of suitable habitat and funds makes it difficult to reintroduce captive animals back into the wild (Normande et al., 2014). Examining resource use and exploratory patterns during the soft release phase aids in determining whether an animal is ready to be released back into the wild after rehabilitation. It can also be used to evaluate reintroduction success (Richardson et al., 2013). During the soft release phase, the manatee receives limited support, shelter, and food from caretakers until the individual is entirely self-sufficient.

Read More
925 Words | 4 Pages

Manatees are gracious aquatic mammals, called Trichechus manatus by scientists. They grow to about 9 feet tall and a whopping 1,000 pounds. At top speed, an adult can zoom through the water at nearly 20 miles per hour, but usually choose to cruise at around 5. Often referred to as "sea cows", these gentle creatures are

Read More
474 Words | 2 Pages

The birth of my son has to be the major event that really changed my perspective on life after undergrad. Despite everything that I’ve endured, I have proven myself to be goal-oriented, a team builder, and a proven leader. For the past three years, I’ve studied biology in the woods building at Norfolk State. Courses such as zoology, botany, genetics, embryology, and others have aided in my increased interest in science. During my tenure, I’ve conducted a few research projects.

Read More
558 Words | 3 Pages

When immersed in a setting where I play the small fish, I grow motivated to push myself and reach out to professionals for advice. Therefore, by working with highly experienced professors and students, I can directly observe and learn from them, even when not in a classroom

Read More
565 Words | 3 Pages

The opportunity to participate in summer research would be a wonderful experience, especially here at Hope College. As a geology major, Hope’s vast variety of summer research programs is one of the reasons why I chose to attend Hope. Research is an experience that many undergraduates do not have the opportunity to participate in, which is unfortunate, because I believe it is important to take part in an opportunity like this. A vital part of research is the ability to work under the mentorship of a faculty member.

Read More
1370 Words | 6 Pages

“The average adult manatee is 3.5 m long and weighs 1,000 kg. Manatees spend most of their time eating, sleeping, and traveling. However, the manatee is slowly, but surely, disappearing from their known bodies of water. On a scale ranging from extinct to least concern, manatees fall low in the endangerment area with ‘vulnerable.’ The beloved manatee numbers are shrinking due to overexploitation, powerboat collisions, coastal development, and many more natural and human-related causes.

Read More
461 Words | 2 Pages

The summer before my junior year, I had the privilege to participate in an internship that truly changed my life. It was in the backwoods of Maine, working to manually restore salmon habitats and National Park trails, that I realized my passion for the environment. That experience motivated me to become the founder of my high school’s Endangered Species Awareness Club; participate in a trip with the Green Club to Washington D.C. to lobby for environmental rights; and be an active member of the school Service Council. These experiences truly shaped my behavior from then on. I was recognized in the community for my love of wildlife and the environment, and I was encouraged to pursue that life

Read More
1057 Words | 5 Pages

Wildlife education programs may be strengthened by using more

Read More
582 Words | 3 Pages

Aside from my achievements, I have contributed my time, data, and community service to the Billion Oyster Project, an organization dedicated to restoring New York City’s oyster population. I have also assisted and aided fellow Harbor student Nicole Martinez with her Eel Grass Project, monitoring eel grass cultures in the Brooklyn Harbor Marina.

Read More

More about Manatee Personal Statement Sample

Related Topics

Open Document