Karsen Henwood: Marine Biology, Week 1

I am Karsen Henwood, one of two pinterns from Olathe High School this year. I have been interested in Marine Biology for years and this chance to volunteer at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center has been the chance of a lifetime.

I flew into Savanna, Georgia on Friday the 15 and had a few days to settle in before I started work the following Monday. I rode a bike into the Center and met Beth, the program director. She gave a tour of the place and showed me the ropes. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is on Tybee Island, Georgia, just of the coast of Savannah. It is right on the main stretch of the beach behind the pier. It is a small building, but has a lot happening both inside and out.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

It is a small aquarium with a Loggerhead Sea Turtle named Matthew and a touch tank, along with many other tanks. It a nonprofit that focuses on education, restoration, and conservation. Along with the Science Center, they also run Sea Turtle Rescues, Marine Mammal Rescues, and Bird and Reptile Rescue.

Matthew the Sea Turtle

As for my work, I spent 39.5 hours at the Science Center and loved every minute of it! During the week, they have an open camp for the children called Sea Camp and I spent a lot of time helping with that, including Monday morning. Each section (there is 10, every week day, morning and afternoon) there is an animal or group that they focus on. Monday morning was Sea Turtles and they do all sorts of games and activities, along with an educational power point to teach about the animal. The most exciting part of Sea Camp was on shark day when we went up to the pier just in time to see a Black Tip Shark be caught. The kids are so great and learn, or already know, so much! I spent least part of the day, every day, helping with Sea Camp.

Black Tip Shark

When I wasn’t doing that, there was a variety of other things I would be doing. I shadowed a Guided Tour Monday afternoon. This is where a group gets a tour of the aquarium with an educator, including the Husbandry area, they walk on the beach with more information, and end with sand sifting or seining (a form of fishing). I also got to help Chantelle, the curator, in Husbandry. Husbandry is the area which they take care of all the animals. Monday, Wednesday, Friday is animal care and feeding, while Tuesday and Thursday is water quality. This week, I only worked with Chantelle and Tuesday and Thursday. We did all sorts of tests, tank water changes, and cleaning. It really is a wonderful place! I have already learned so much this week.  From the beginning of the week, when I was being taught about the animals in the touch tank to Friday, when I was helping answer questions about the species in there. It really was a wonderful feeling! Without even meaning to, there is so much to learn.

When I am not working, I am spending countless hours reading on the beach which is just a minute walk from my host family’s house. The Grays are so sweet, as are many other people in the area who are being supportive of me, thanks to Zelda. I also spend time hanging out with the two dogs and cat they have, which makes me feel right at home.

I am having a wonderful summer thus far and I do not imagine that changing one bit! I am so thankful for everyone and everything that has made this experience possible for me!