Fellowship Experiences

A blog by and about students supported by Maryland Sea Grant

Photograph by Debbie Hinkle

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Kayaking down 7-foot falls rapid on the Chattooga River, SC. Photo credit: Chris Lakey

Watching the Forecasts to Measure the Storms: A white-water kayaker turned ecologist changes direction

Joel Bostic • November 6, 2018

Moving water has always captivated my attention. It started with the ocean: waves pulsing towards shore and breaking, offering endless intrigue. Rivers came next, especially swollen ones after heavy rains. Read more . . .

Artisanal fishing boats parked at Tasajera Island, El Salvador.

Why the Ocean Means So Much to Me

Daniel Teodoro • September 18, 2018

There are many things that matter to me: My family, my studies, my guitar, and my heritage. But one thing holds a special place in my heart: The ocean. Having grown up in El Salvador, the Pacific Coast was a common destination on every holiday or opportunity we had. Read more . . .

Oysters Do More for the Chesapeake Than You Might Think

Adriane Michaelis • August 15, 2018

For the past two years, I’ve traveled tidewater Maryland, asking people, “why aquaculture?” I ask entrepreneurs why they decided to get involved in growing oysters in tanks or floats in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. And for the commercial fishermen who aren’t, I ask, “why not?” This very basic question begins the discussion with each person I talk to, in order to understand on a larger... Read more . . .

Participants and hosts of the Nitrogen school in Brazil. Photo credit: Nazanin Ak

Embracing the Edge

Jacob Hagedorn • August 9, 2018

A recent NPR Hidden Brain podcast discussed the idea of the edge effect, which is the concept of encouraging collaboration between people with diverse interests and backgrounds. Read more . . .

UMCES Appalachian Lab students (left to right) Joel Bostic, Stephanie Siemek, Joe Accord, and Jake Hagedorn after finishing the Path of the Flood half marathon in Johnstown, PA. Credit: Emmely Bostic

Running and Work-Life Balance

Joel Bostic • June 26, 2018

It’s 5:20 a.m. and the alarm is blaring. I get out of bed, drink a glass of water, and lace up my shoes. I open the door and am greeted by the cold, dark morning. I begin slowly jogging, gradually accelerating to a comfortable pace, and continue this simple exercise of placing one foot in front of the other for the next 30 to 60 minutes. Read more . . .