It is bittersweet knowing that I have to say goodbye to this amazing opportunity, but I was ready to return home. For the final weeks of the internship, we continued to survey, entered date into excel, and then created the final presentation. It was great to meet new people and learn about everything everyone was doing. I was really happy I took this awesome opportunity. I am happy that I accepted the position with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and was granted the honor of being an Oregon Sea Grant Scholar. I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I met some great people, gained lot of professional skills and experiences. The west coast was defiantly something different. I would love to visit the west coast, but for vacation purposes. The scenery is so beautiful and I was honored to be on the ancestral lands of the Umatilla, Coos, Siletz and many more tribes. It is with gratitude that I had the opportunity to work there. Thank you. The Oregon Coast is unlike anything I have ever experienced, I am glad I had the opportunity. My favorite part was the scenery and will include one of my favorite photos that I captured while conducting surveys. It is in Otter Rock. Until next time.

Hello Folks, 

I hope everyone is doing well. The past two weeks have been interesting. My perspective of science policy has changed a bit. At first, I was uninterested in the topic and my lack of interest in science policy has grown. I was under the impression that I wanted to pursue a career in science policy. This internship has introduced me to the ins and outs of science policy. I am not as interested as I thought I was. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has provided me the opportunity to learn more about policy. Like I mentioned before, it is my forte. I have learned enough to understand it Is not my favorite. Therefore, I do not think I could continue with this line of work. I would like to work with the public, but that would consist of outreach and interpretative work. I wish to stay away from policy. I would like to add that through this experience, I learned how hard working with the public can be. Like my intern-friend, Jessica, I will never turn down a survey. I understand the struggles of speaking to strangers and asking to fill out a survey. This can be difficult; however, I will try to fill out any survey I encounter. Lastly, I have had the opportunity to travel to Cape Falcon. This is another marine reserve location, and one of the furthest. It is two hours away from Newport. I have been enjoying the view and the people have been nice. I hope all the interns continue to excel and finish off the internship strong! 

My project is working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife analyzing the socioeconomic impacts of marine reserves on local and visitor communities. Throughout these past two weeks, we have been continuing data collection by surveying people. From there, we then have been putting these responses into a database. I have been able to check out many beautiful spots along the coast, I have been making awesome connections, and have been gaining many skills throughout these couple of weeks. While one individual is entering data or conducting visitor surveys, the other two individuals are out interacting with the public and conducting visitor surveys. In order to stay motivated, I stay in touch with family and friends, and enjoy the scenery. In addition to work, I have been able to explore outside of of Newport. I, along with my intern-friend, Jessica, went to Drift Creek Falls. There was an interesting suspension bridge that went over the creek and waterfall. It was a bit muddy and slippery closer to the bridge; nonetheless, it was a great time. I look forward to the next couple of weeks.

P.S. I named this blog Gravity Falls because it reminds me of how GF is based in Oregon and because of the waterfall in my photo.

Hello everyone, 

My name is Lisette Perez and a super-senior at the University of Missouri-Columbia studying Natural Resources. Thanks to the Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholars program, I will be working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Through their Marine Reserves Division, I will help analyze the socioeconomic impacts marine reserves have on businesses. Additionally, I will be surveying locals and non-locals to obtain their perceptions on the marine reserves. This internship has allowed me to learn about marine reserves, obtain the technical and analytical skills that I can use for future jobs.  With the work done by the scholars, we will be able to expand this project’s database and survey population.  Additionally, this project can promote education, outreach, and awareness on the marine reserves. This project is allowing is preparing us socially, academically, and professionally. It is providing us not only the opportunity to expand our professional sphere, but to gain the critical thinking, technical, and hands-on skills. 

I am very excited and honored to be a part of the prestigious program. Through this program I have been able to gain new friends, professional development opportunities, and the chance to be in a different state and region for the summer. I am originally from Chicago and being in Oregon is like being in a whole new world. This place is beautiful. I look forward to the rest of the summer and can’t wait to see what else is in store. 