Nathalie Pare ’25 is a marine, estuarine and freshwater biology from Lee, New Hampshire.
Nathalie Pare: I am working as a summer and fall whale research intern through the Blue Ocean Society. The Blue Ocean Society is a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with the mission to protect Gulf of Maine species through research, education and inspiring action. This internship works in partner with the Granite State Whale Watch Company. I work aboard the M/V Granite State doing one of two jobs: rerecording data or educating passengers.
We have a software we use to record weather and sea state conditions and any sightings. Sightings include marine mammals as well as large fish, and with these, we note things like species, count and behaviors. We will also record any marine debris we see during our trip. The education piece includes educating passengers about where we are going and what we might see on our transit out as well as bringing around a real plate of baleen on the way back in and answering any questions they may have about anything from their trip.
Nathalie: I was attracted to the position for the research and education aspects, and the fact that it would give me lots of time out in the field on a boat, which is something I love.
Nathalie: While my internship continues into the fall, I can reflect on how I've grown so far this summer. I am very proud of the relationships I've been able to build with my co-interns as well as the boat crew and everyone working at Blue Ocean Society. It's a wonderful group of people that I'm honored to be part of. I am also very proud of my growth in public outreach. It's been very rewarding to chat with passengers and get to share my passions with them.
Nathalie: Learning how to better educate all age groups, as well as better detail-oriented observation and data skills.
Nathalie: Keep an open mind and look into many opportunities. There's lots of cool stuff out there, and they can also be very competitive so don't get discouraged and put your best self forward through the application process. Stay enthusiastic for anything because even if it's not your top choice it can still add important skills to your tool kit, and you can make connections with some incredible people.
Nathalie: I love how many connections I have made with people all over campus from all different backgrounds and clubs and other experiences. I can't go anywhere on campus without knowing someone, and its very comforting to have such an amazing community in a larger state school.
