Jellyfish Dreams, the path to my dream career job!

Haizel Allen Start Date: Feb 2, 2020 - End Date: May 31, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Intern Abroad
  • Professional Development
  • Azores, Portugal

My Travel Story

by: Haizel Allen Start Date: Feb 2, 2020 - End Date: May 31, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Intern Abroad
  • Professional Development
I recently graduated with my bachelors of science in Environmental Science. This is such a broad degree that it was hard for me to funnel my options to a more specific range of interest. My last year at my university I have the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa. I met a women that is working really hard to protect and conserve an endemic seahorse specie, the Kynsna Seahorse. Going snorkeling with her and looking at sea life made me realize that I love learning about creatures in the water. I’ve always loved the ocean and specifically jellyfish. After meeting her I had the privilege of staying in contact with her! I mentioned to her how I’d love to find an opportunity where I could research jellyfish. Over the past year I’ve contacted many researchers, but only to a dead end. Recently I made contact with a researcher in Portugal that offered me an opportunity to intern in Portugal studying jellyfish and also an opportunity to get a PhD! I am so excited about this opportunity! I only have one complication...money, of course. I’ve paid my way through school from my wildland firefighting earnings, but I cannot work while abroad in Portugal and will receive an unpaid internship. I don’t want to give up on this opportunity because of money! If you’ve read this far I sincerely appreciate any help you could offer me! Thank you for your time and consideration!
  • Azores, Portugal