My Internship Experience

Steffen Mirsky

National Marine Science Center

Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia

8/10/2007 - 3/14/2008

Reflecting back on my internship in Coffs Harbour, I realize just how much has transpired during my time here.In ways that go far beyond the internship, I have learned valuable lessons about myself and the world.I have become more informed, more perceptive, more understanding, more aware of who I am, and more conscious of what I want out of life.This exchange has prepared me not only for a future career but for future life.I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity and to have made the most of it.

The first few days after my arrival I was overwhelmed as I expected, but not excessively so. The workplace was intimate enough for me to become familiar with it and the researchers fairly quickly.Its setting on a resort and near the beach was beautiful.My new colleagues and supervisor were welcoming and I didn't have much of a culture shock.I was looking forward to beginning work and experiencing Australia.

In spite of this, as the days turned into weeks, I was admittedly slow to find my niche in the workplace; figuring out my role at the institute turned out to be one of the biggest challenges for me.Dr. Ken Cowden, my supervisor, was fantastic, always thinking of jobs for me and teaching me all sorts of skills.However, I felt like the center was not prepared to take on an intern because of the unfinished construction of facilities and it did not provide me with any specific direction for research.Indeed, much of the work I did at the onset involved manual labor constructing a hatchery.Although it was interesting to see the process from start to finish, my time could have been better spent had the hatchery been completed prior to my arrival.I floated around initially, doing other odd jobs for people and not really delving into anything in depth.There was limited opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I had acquired in college and I felt like I was being used as free labor.Despite meeting with Professor Alistair McIlgorm, the center's director, and other colleagues to talk about what I envisioned, it was difficult to draw up my own project without the necessary physical resources.So I persisted in working to get the hatchery completed, hoping this would open up many opportunities.

In retrospect, even though I had a limited and subsidiary role, being part of the construction of the hatchery was one of the most valuable experiences that I will take with me.The knowledge I acquired gave me a foundation for understanding what is involved in aquaculture.I learned many technical skills relating to seawater and aeration systems, sterilization techniques, and equipment installation that will be useful for future work in hatcheries and any laboratory.I came to appreciate the amount of foresight and responsibility needed in ordering supplies while operating within a budget and time frame.I became familiar with all the factors involved in and degree of sensitivity required for optimal rearing conditions; how the reliability and consistency of equipment is crucial to successful rearing.All of this insight will assist me with future aquaculture work and management of the marine environment.

Intermittently throughout construction of the hatchery, I assisted Mitchell Green, the schools program coordinator, with the schools program.This was one of the most valuable aspects of the internship.It allowed me to explore the unique marine life I had traveled so far to experience.Besides spending time in the field, I learned how teaching methods and students compare with those in the US.Australian students are very attentive and inquisitive.They are energetic and clever and prefer to learn through direct observation and hands on activities rather than lecture.My progression from assisting the students to leading them on trips and giving presentations was an important step for me, as I am a shy person by nature.I learned what it took to keep their attention and interest and how best to convey ideas.Having a foreign accent made things a bit more difficult and forced me to communicate effectively and clearly.It was also satisfying to spark the curiosity of students and hear them say that they want to become marine biologists at the end of the program.

Participating in the schools program forced me to expand my breadth of knowledge of the local marine environment and interactions between people and the environment.Upon initial involvement in the program, I knew less than the students about the local ecosystems so my learning curve had to be steep.Mitch helped me get up to speed.We visited local mangroves, estuaries, rocky headlands, and sandy shores so I could familiarize myself with these ecologically important marine habitats.He demonstrated methods of surveying population dynamics and described factors, abiotic and biotic, that animals had to cope with in their microhabitats.We measured different parameters, such as salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature, which influence species distribution.I learned how human behavior is changing and affecting the state of the environment from a diverse array of sources.Interviews of the seafood manager of the Fisherman's Co-op and of the manager of fisheries planning and operations of the Fisheries Department exposed me to different perspectives.Firsthand experiences aboard a commercial drop-lining vessel and a prawn trawler allowed me to form my own opinions on the subject.I came to understand the attitudes of different people and the roles that education, experience, and occupation have in shaping them.Understanding the position of all the different players in the marine environment is important in making decisions and forming opinions.The schools program gave me the opportunity to share some of mine with the students.

The end of the schools program and completion of the hatchery marked the beginning of my work with sea urchins.Collaboration with Dr. Symon Dworjanyn, the center's new research scientist who joined the institute's staff midway through my internship, sparked this new project; in fact, Symon's arrival transformed my role at the center.Prior to his arrival, the attitude of my co-workers was very laid-back.Ambition to get things done quickly was lacking and deadlines were dragged out.Though Symon still lived by the motto, "work to live, don't live to work," he really amplified the pace of progress.He, Ken, and I worked out a project that gave me a lot of responsibility and freedom.

The research project dealt with the larvae of the lamington sea urchin, Tripneustes gratilla, a common species found just offshore in the marine park and northward into the tropics (Figure 1).This species of urchin is of high economical value because of its status as a delicacy in Japan and regions of the Mediterranean.Their roe, or gonads, sells for as much as $400 per kilogram.The culture of this urchin can be quite lucrative and would help mitigate the depletion of wild stocks.Symon's previous experience with this species was the key reason behind selecting this particular organism.The purpose of the experiments was to determine the feeding rates of the larvae when given only one of three species of microalgae (no-choice experiment) and when given a choice (preference experiment) of all three species.Our control treatments contained algae but no larvae.I also recorded the performance of the larvae under each treatment by noting the developmental stage.Our null hypothesis was that the larvae would feed indiscriminately on all three species of algae.Our reasoning behind this was that because of the relatively low concentration of algae in the ocean, larvae would benefit from consuming as many cells as possible, without feeding selectively.Under such circumstances, there would be no apparent advantage to selective feeding.

The preparation phase for this experiment was far more time consuming than doing the actual experiments.We did several dives to collect a broodstock.Their condition was quite poor so for several weeks we fed them up until they were ready to spawn.Many spawning and larval rearing trial runs were conducted to increase our understanding of their behavior and to adapt our aquaculture techniques.We had many setbacks that included contamination, faulty equipment, and issues with aeration.When these larger issues were resolved, we concerned ourselves with issues specific to the experiments.Many factors went into deciding which three species of microalgae to use.Ease of differentiation from each other and differing nutritive properties were foremost considerations, but optimal culturing temperature, size, and motility were also important.Under Ken's guidance, I helped culture the algae.I spent many hours studying the distinctive characteristic of each species under the microscope so that I could confidently distinguish them from each other.Also an issue was the setup of the containers for the experiment.After several pilot experiments, we settled upon an inverted soda bottle with an airline attached to a caulking cone on the cap (Figure 2).The conical shape of this design and the air from below kept the negatively buoyant larvae (and algae) in suspension.With these matters sorted, we began the actual experiments.

During the urchin larvae experiments, days were repetitive but nevertheless quite interesting and satisfying.The larvae were initially fed a known concentration of algae and the density was verified in every replicate using a hemacytometer.Larval densities were counted using a Sedgwick-Rafter slide and the developmental stage (# of arms) was recorded.The following day the algal densities were counted as a measure of feeding rate.50% water exchanges in the containers using banjo screens were carried out every other day.Container exchanges were done every week.To our pleasant surprise, the experiments went more smoothly than any of us had anticipated.

The results we obtained were very interesting and quite compelling.Contrary to our null hypothesis, the species of algae most consumed in the no-choice experiment (Figure 3) was the least consumed in the preference experiment (Figure 4).One possible explanation is that the larvae fed algae lacking in nutrition compensated for this by consuming it in large quantities.When fed a mix of all the algae, the larvae selectively consumed the more nutritious algae.This supports the idea that urchin larvae have the ability to feed selectively.Our data on the performance of the larvae is more uncertain because we had problems with larval survival over the long-term in the soda bottles.If larvae fed the more nutritious algae performed better than the others, in terms of survival and rate of development, our conclusion on larvae selectivity would have an evolutionary basis.This part of the experiment will be repeated in my absence.Regardless of whether or not the results support or refute our theory, they will be informative about the quality of each of these diets for these larvae, be it because of its nutrient profile or some other variable between them.

The experience that I gained working with sea urchin larvae prompted the idea of doing an embryology unit with students in the upcoming schools program.During the students' visit, they will have the opportunity to perform a real spawning and watch the initial stages of embryo development.I created an introductory presentation on embryology for the students using photographs I had taken throughout the experiments (Figure 5).I am hopeful that the students will be able to benefit from some of my work.

Throughout this project, not only did I learn a tremendous amount about the science involved but also about the differences in how scientific research is conducted in Australia versus the US.The most important difference I observed was the lack of collaboration between researchers.People tend to keep their research confidential and are not as inclined to share their knowledge.The workplace environment here is much more competitive compared to the collaborative atmosphere I experienced in three different labs at the University of Washington.The situation here in Australia may be a product of the fact that the field of marine biology is very competitive in such a highly attractive region for related research; indeed, there is a large demand for a limited supply of grant money and it is game of every man for himself.

Having had my own project to fully delve into, I learned many valuable skills and techniques that I will be able to apply to any career in the life sciences.I researched subjects never before studied and hopefully, with more verification, Symon will soon include the results in a manuscript for publication.I was able to apply my background in developmental biology and it served me well.Throughout the project, my supervisor, Ken, played a very important foundational and support role.He constantly assisted me and offered guidance.As an aquaculture technician, he was the one behind-the-scenes keeping everything running smoothly.

In addition to working inside at the NMSC, I was able to explore other avenues through work.I spent a week at a field station doing lab-work on invertebrates in algae samples taken from sub-Antarctic islands. I assisted PhD candidates with work on the recruitment of invertebrates in estuaries and also the effects of dredging on recruitment.I tagged along on a visit to a prawn farm to discuss the potential for a business venture.And, although I was misled on how often I would be diving, I did go on several spectacular dives.In this diverse range of activities, I took advantage of the great location of Coffs Harbour for the study of marine biology.

In addition to great experiences, the internship provided me with insight into what a career in the marine sciences would entail.Working alongside a teacher, an aquaculture technician, and a research scientist gave me a feel for different directions that I could potentially pursue and which would be most suitable for me.From the experiment and working with Symon, I learned that being a research scientist requires a great deal of creativity and perseverance.Because experiments rarely go as planned and results are often ambiguous, it is easy to become disillusioned.The competitive environment can be overwhelming, especially when studying popular subjects, such as sharks, marine mammals, and coral; and with less glamorous subjects, there is inevitably less funding.However, research is extremely important for making informed management decisions concerning the environment.In realizing the impact humans are having on the environment, one recognizes the need for research.As an aquaculture technician, the work is more maintenance oriented and requires less creativity.One's working schedule revolves around the job at hand and those you are working under.It requires a broad range of technical as well as biological knowledge.Finally, teaching is very satisfying but requires charisma and a tremendous amount of patience.I am still unsure if marine biology is the field for me, but within it, a career that combines the work of a technician and the stimulating nature of research would be ideal.

Outside of the workplace, Coffs Harbour was terrific for cultural immersion.I experienced the many ways that the ocean gives the city its livelihood.Through my morning routine of fishing in the harbour, I learned about and experienced the world of recreational and commercial fishing.In a sense, I became an apprentice to several fishermen whom I met each day.I also experienced the thrills of ocean catamaran and yacht racing.And inevitably I discovered and became addicted to the wonderful sport and lifestyle of surfing.Coffs is additionally renowned as being a backpacker's city, so it was fitting that I lived in a hostel.I met and befriended countless people from far and wide and with stories to match.I encountered the whole spectrum of personalities and created many great memories.Among them was campaigning with fellow backpackers on behalf of Kevin Rudd, the new prime minister, during the federal election.Beyond Coffs, I found similarly amazing places during extended stays on an organic farm in far north Queensland and on New Zealand's majestic south island.

I will forever think of Coffs Harbour and the NMSC as a great learning experience and life-changing event.Although there were some unfulfilled expectations within the internship, I will always remember it fondly.I have grown as a scientist and more importantly, as a person.The camaraderie I developed with my colleagues and the memories we created, including those from surfing after work and lunch at the beach, will stay with me forever.I have been inspired to remain in Australia for another year to discover more of its natural and cultural beauty.

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This is my final paper for the internship. I could only upload the individual photos that made up the figures, not the figures themselves. And figures 3 & 4 are graphs, which I couldn't upload either. So there you have it. Be kind Dr. Swalla.

I'm leaving Coffs next week to begin traveling (after some gold panning and a little,ok lots, of surfing). After I strike it rich, I will head north and do some WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) and temping (temporary work) along the way. Can't wait!

I'll keep updating the site. Until next time!