19 January, 2015

Students from Massachusetts intern at PICRC

Anna Parker and Travis Bouscaren from the United States joined Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) from January 14th until mid-March as interns. Both interns chose to come to Palau because they are inspired about marine ocean research and conservation. Anna and Travis will be working for PICRC Research and Aquarium Department under the supervision of Dr. Alyssa Marshell, a post-doctoral researcher from the Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, University of Queensland Australia. Anna and Travis will assist PICRC researchers and Dr. Marshell on numerous projects investigating the important ecological role of grazing fishes on coral reefs.

Anna is a 2013 graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in anthropology. She then worked at a wildlife sanctuary in Massachusetts as a coastal waterbird monitor and a wildlife educator. She came to Palau to work at PICRC because she believes in sustainable solutions to maintain a healthy and balanced world and she hopes to contribute her skills and knowledge to conservation efforts in Palau.

Travis graduated from Phillips Andover high school last spring. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States. He decided to take a year off from school and intern in Palau before he proceeds to attend Brown University next year in Providence, RI. He was recruited to play water polo at the University and so he is excited and hoping that experiencing the ocean in Palau will be great training for him. Travis loves being in the ocean water and excited to assist in the marine biology research conducted at PICRC. Although he is new to scuba diving, he is very comfortable in the water and looks forward to gaining valuable experience scuba diving around Palau’s amazing reefs.

Anna and Travis are both excited to be here in Palau and are anxious to explore all the beautiful islands in Palau throughout their time with PICRC team. PICRC is always happy to host interns such as Anna and Travis because of the significant contribution they make to its programs and projects. PICRC continues to attract interns and volunteers from all over the world. For more information about the PICRC’s Research Education and Aquarium Programs, visit www.picrc.org or “Like” PICRC on Facebook.