As the Florida Keys began to open up, the summer Marine Conservation Interns moved in and began at REEF! Joining Lead Intern Maddi Piascik for the summer are Emily Wheat, Tasha McCluhan, and Stephanie Letourneau. These interns had a great orientation week meeting led by Intern Coordinator, David Ehlert. They met all the staff, learned about REEF programs and projects, created lionfish jewelry, dissected a lionfish, and of course, went on their first fish survey! The interns are excited to get involved this summer. They hope to use their time here to increase REEF’s social media presence and interactions, explore new ways to engage various audiences, create new merchandise for the store, advance their fish identification skills, and overall, to gain experiences promoting marine conservation.
Emily Wheat Emily is from Amelia Island, Florida. From a young age she enjoyed going to the beach, snorkeling, and looking for critters that would hide in the jetties. She graduated from Florida Southern College in 2017 with a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology. In the Fall of 2019, Emily began graduate school at the University of Miami where she is seeking to complete a Masters of Professional Science in Marine Conservation. After graduation she hopes to continue working in outreach focusing her efforts on outdoor and hands on education. Emily is excited to start at REEF and continue blending her passion of diving with educating others about the wonders of the ocean. Fun Fact: Emily grew up with a pet tarantula.
Tasha McCluhan Tasha is currently studying marine science and coastal management at Eckerd College in St.Petersburg, Florida. Much of her early childhood was spent living on the east coast of Florida which began her early fascination with the ocean. Tasha is particularly interested in marine conservation management, including issues like the shark fin trade, sustainable fisheries, and the establishment of marine protected areas, and she hopes to channel these passions to her summer work at REEF! Fun Fact: Tasha is a classically trained violinist.
Stephanie Letourneau Stephanie is from Frederick, Maryland and recently graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. She was introduced to the ocean during annual visits to Plum Island, MA and Lewes, DE. Realizing the ocean and diving are more than mere interests, she is determined to connect society with their local ecosystem and help our two worlds coexist together.Steph is excited to work with REEF to gain more experience in marine outreach, conservation, and advance her scuba diving skills! Fun Fact: Stephanie used to do competitive jump rope, hula hoop performance, and has a 2nd degree black belt.