The future is bright! Read on to meet Gina, Eiman, Juliann, Raymond, and Leira—Isla Mar's newest interns eager to learn and contribute to all aspects of marine science and conservation.
Meet Gina Alvarez, Isla Mar’s newest Field Technician intern! Originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Gina obtained her Bachelor’s degree in 2021 from the University of Tampa in Florida, where she double-majored in Marine Science and Biology. After first acquiring her Open Water diving certification in 2017, Gina knew that she wanted to involve diving in her future career plans—and she sure did. Throughout her college years, Gina worked in various lab settings and obtained higher diving certifications. After graduating, Gina interned with the Georgia Aquarium’s Diving Department where she worked alongside other volunteers of various backgrounds. Currently, Gina volunteers at the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, where she works with endangered or threatened marine species like sea turtles and manatees. Gina is excited to work alongside Isla Mar in the field, where she hopes to learn about different diving techniques and participate in the investigations of grouper populations along the east coast of Puerto Rico. Looking towards the future, Gina hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in marine biology or marine conservation and would like to work in shark conservation, although she remains “open to different opportunities to work with different species and support their conservation efforts.”
"I'm open to pursuing different opportunities to work with different species and support their conservation efforts."
Meet Eiman Haile, Isla Mar's Data Management intern. Born in Minnesota but raised in the tropical region of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Eiman graduated from Inver Hills Community College with an Associate of Arts and is currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota. Having spent most of his time in a "land-locked" state, Eiman was first introduced to the field of marine biology when he participated in a field course with Isla Mar this past summer. Upon joining Isla Mar's team, Eiman was most excited about refining his skills within the digital aspect of his career path, specifically with spreadsheets for data management. Today, having formed part of our team for several weeks, Eiman has successfully learned how to operate spreadsheets and systematically organize data received from field expeditions as well as learned about the detrimental effects of illegal construction and how the fishing industry in Puerto Rico has been positively affected through Isla Mar's projects. Looking towards the future, Eiman hopes to abide by his long-standing aspiration of building a career that allows him to spend most of his time immersed in nature."My ultimate goal is to secure a position under the Department of Commerce, working as a Marine Habitat Resource Specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Additionally, being featured in a National Geographic documentary is a dream activity I have always envisioned participating in."
"Being featured in a National Geographic documentary is a dream activity I have always envisioned participating in."
Meet Juliann Seda Molina, Isla Mar's Science Communication intern, hails from Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. Juliann obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Biology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico at Ponce where she integrated her lifelong passion of drawing into her studies as it helped her clear her mind and comprehend complicated concepts more dynamically. Juliann hopes to incorporate her knowledge of science and art to present factual information from Isla Mar's projects in a captivating way. Upon joining our internship, Juliann is excited to "form part of a team that is focused on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems and being able to be someone that disseminates their results first-hand." Looking towards the future, Juliann plans to continue her studies in Animal Medicine and/or Parasitology.
"I look forward to form part of a team that is focused on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems and being able to be someone that disseminates their results first-hand."
Meet Raymond Infante, Isla Mar's Bioacoustic Technician intern. Raymond is originally from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla and is currently a Master's student in the Department of Marine Sciences at UPR Mayagüez. During his undergraduate studies, Raymond had the opportunity to monitor birds in the Guajataca Forest using audio recorders, and he looks forward to applying his experience to his work with Isla Mar. Having formed part of our team for several weeks now, Raymond has learned to identify grouper species by their sounds alone, has gained experience working with sound spectrograms, has memorized the calls of individual groupers, and learned to work with hydrophones. Looking towards the future, Raymond hopes to "continue working with the marine science community by applying my skills in data analysis, remote sensing and photography."
"I hope to continue working with the marine science community by applying my skills in data analysis, remote sensing and photography."
Meet Leira Centeno, Isla Mar's Outreach Coordinator intern. Originally from Arecibo and now residing in Lajas, Leira obtained her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and is now pursuing a Master's degree in Marine Science from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. During her graduate studies, Leira acted as president of the Asociación de Estudiantes de Ciencias Marinas (AECiMa) where she planned and coordinated various workshops and experiences for students. Leira will be coordinating our Citizen Science program and she looks forward to applying her skills and experience in leadership as Outreach Coordinator for Isla Mar. Looking towards the future, Leira hopes become a better scientist as she works towards a better and brighter Puerto Rico.
"My dream job includes working towards a better Puerto Rico and just being a better scientist."
Follow us on instagram for more updates on Isla Mar's current projects, youth education program, upcoming courses, and much more.