I  would wake up before dawn and walk a two-mile stretch of beach looking for turtle nests; when I found a nest, I would screen it to keep predators out. We collected information on each nest, noting the size of the turtle that laid it and after the clutch has hatched, we would inventory the nest and record how many have successfully hatched. 

Our primary nester on the island is the Loggerhead sea turtle which is considered Threatened and is federally protected.  The highlight of my internship was going on a night survey and seeing a nesting turtle in person and collecting specimens off of her shell for analysis to determine where she was last feeding.  I also got to see a nest hatch, which was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. 

This internship has taught me a lot about what I am looking for in the future since it allowed me to discover my love for field work; I would love to have a research job that combines field work and lab work in an effort to save endangered animals like the sea turtles.  I’ve had the most amazing time of my life here working to save the sea turtles that I love and feel that through this internship, I’ve discovered who I really am.

Morgan is majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and French studies.