Oceans of opportunity

“Intense… amazing… challenging” These are a few of the words Marine Biology student Sonya Lee uses to describe her 12-week internship at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). “It was the most demanding and rewarding experience I’ve had so far. Working on my own research project was an intense challenge.”

While her main role was as a diver with the Marine Environmental program, conducting an underwater survey of coral species, diseases and mortality, Sonya also worked on different projects with researchers from other labs. “This opportunity expanded my understanding of the ocean,” she says. “It made me realize just how broad the field really is.”

During her time at BIOS, Sonya met and worked with students from around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Argentina, Indonesia and China. “It’s interesting that we’re all from different parts of the world and have a different area of emphasis, but we all have the same passion – the ocean and conservation.”

Now, more experiences like Sonya’s are guaranteed, thanks to the new DeGroote Family and Bermudian Alumni Dalhousie/BIOS Fund. The DeGroote family donated $500,000 to lead off a permanent summer internship fund and faculty exchanges.

“BIOS and Dalhousie University are both doing world renowned work in oceans education and research,” said Canadian business man and philanthropist Michael DeGroote. “We are pleased to contribute to such an important partnership between Canada and Bermuda.”

Bermudian Alumni have also contributed to the program and it’s hoped that others will follow. The goal is to raise between $1 and $2 million to establish an endowment that will benefit students and faculty in perpetuity. We know from students like Sonya that the benefits are tremendous.

“My skill set expanded dramatically – from what I can do in a lab, to designing my own research project to being certified as a Scientific Diver,” says Soyna. “It’s been an extremely valuable experience.”