Back to Where it All Began

My name is Amy and I'm a second year M.A. student at William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).  At VIMS, my capstone project focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in marine science education.  As part of my capstone project, I identified gaps in available marine science curricula and aimed to fill those gaps by developing lesson plans to be available for free download globally.  As part of the M.A. program, we also had to complete an internship; I completed my internship at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center as a community engagement fellow where I developed early learning and on the go programs for the aquarium.  

A shark at the Shedd Aquarium

At VIMS, I've been able to accomplish more than I could've ever imagined.  During this past school year, I have been a fellow in the education department at the Virginia Living Museum, I do ghost tours in Williamsburg in the evenings, I've joined an improv group, have starred in a play, serve on the graduate student association, and work as a graduate assistant at the Center for Coastal Resources Management at VIMS.  I've been incredibly lucky with all of the opportunities I've had here and graduating this May is certainly bittersweet!

Among one of the coolest opportunities I've had through VIMS was funding I received through the W&M Society of 1918 and the VIMS chapter of SWMS.  The grant was to connect in person with a woman alumni mentor in marine science and very quickly I had an idea of where I may want to find a connection. 

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

Growing up in Chicago, the place that got me interested in marine science was the Shedd Aquarium.  Amazingly, Lisa Junkin Lopez, the Vice President of Learning & Community at the Shedd was a W&M alum.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity for me as a young professional interested in education and outreach roles in conservation institutions.  

The grant allowed me to not only connect to Lisa, but to visit Chicago and shadow her for a weekend as well.  During my trip, I sat in on meetings with Lisa, learned about the strategic plan developed to expand their learning and community engagement, got to shadow outreach programs, and shadow internal programs at the aquarium as well.  

Coming back to the institution that started it all for me was a full circle moment that was so fulfilling for me.  Seeing Lisa, a strong and successful woman in marine science education, was so inspiring.  I am so grateful I got to forge this connection with Lisa and members of her team and cannot wait to continue this connection as I figure out my next steps!

Lisa and Amy during her shadowing weekend in Chicago

Post written and photos by Amy Nicholson, VIMS SWMS member