2024 2024: New Bedford teens explore marine science at UMassD

SMAST summer internship program immerses high school students in marine science research and careers in the blue economy

This summer, the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) hosted 8 students from New Bedford High School for a 5-week paid internship in marine science.  

Guided by SMAST faculty, staff, and graduate students, interns gained exposure to careers in STEM and the blue economy workforce and immersed themselves in the world of marine science. In addition to working in SMAST's research labs, students participated in field trips to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the New England Aquarium.  Some even took part in fish-tagging excursions and other fieldwork. The internship culminated in a symposium where interns presented their research.  

"This experience allowed me to explore a potential career path and provided a deeper understanding of marine science, science communication, and fisheries," said Destiny Mendes, a senior at New Bedford High School.  "The supportive and caring staff, along with the meaningful connections I formed, made the internship both enjoyable and memorable." 

"This experience allowed me to explore a potential career path and provided a deeper understanding of marine science, science communication, and fisheries."

New Bedford has a rich maritime history and remains the country's number one fishing port. The city is also one of the most diverse in Massachusetts. Marine science, like many STEM fields, has a lack of diversity that limits scientists' perspectives and capacity for impact. SMAST's location in New Bedford and position as a global leader in marine science drives the school's commitment to increasing diversity in the field. By providing paid research experience to students from under-represented groups, the internship program aims to promote further education and career opportunities in marine science.  

“While the primary goal of this initiative is to introduce students from under-represented groups to the education and career opportunities in marine science, there are other silver linings too," said Assistant Professor Lauran Brewster. "For example, it’s great for community building within SMAST as everyone pulls together to support the program and the students, as well as for building connections with the local community. We look forward to continuing to build and improve on it each year and hope to see some of the interns joining the UMassD community in the future!”

"Another byproduct of the program is a reminder of how lucky most of us are to have had support and opportunities that we often take for granted," added Professor Steve Cadrin. 

The 2024 internship program is supported by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Youth Initiative, Vineyard Offshore, the UMass Dartmouth Provost's office, SMAST and the Department of Fisheries Oceanography.