Taylor Lawrence, SCCF Sea Turtle Intern

Taylor Lawrence was born and raised in Michigan, “but I’ve always felt connected to the ocean,” she observed. Lawrence graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a concentration on marine biology and minored in marine ecosystem management.

Her internship at SCCF has enhanced her experience of the world of sea turtle conservation. “I have acquired more field skills when it comes to verifying sea turtle nests and participating in crucial research projects,” Lawrence said. “It has been so gratifying to help with nest relocations and do my part for sea turtle conservation.”

She plans to continue her education in graduate school after leaving SCCF in mid-August and is thankful for her SCCF experience. “I’m super appreciative for all the mentoring I’ve received along the way!” she enthused.

Emily Skinner, SCCF Sea Turtle Intern

Emily Skinner has had the opportunity to work with a number of outstanding environmental organizations and agencies, including the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center Sea Turtle Ecology Program where she participated in green sea turtle studies in San Diego Bay.

Other organizations include Mote Marine Laboratory and Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center. At SCCF, she had a new experience as a nighttime tagging intern.

“I’ve learned a lot about the ups and downs of fieldwork and enjoyed getting to work with all the nesting sea turtles,” she said.

No doubt she’ll be taking her Sanibel experiences along on her next stop, Australia, where she plans to complete her master’s degree in marine biology at James Cook University with a research focus on environmental co-factors of fibropapillomatosis (characterized by epithelial tumors) in green sea turtles.