ExxonMobil Fellowship Recipients - 2005

The breadth of work that is performed at the DISL can be staggering to the outsider.  At least that is what the three recipients of the ExxonMobil Community Jobs Fellowship discovered this summer.  Marla Valentine, John Clark and Tripp Atkins spent eight intensive weeks in different departments of DISL, getting experience that gave them a deeper understanding of just what it takes to run a marine laboratory.

As an intern in the Information Technologies (IT) Department, Marla Valentine, a freshman at Salem College, NC, spent her summer learning skills that could prove invaluable in the rapidly progressing field of biology and science technologies. Valentine explained, "I gained a greater expanse of knowledge in the technology field learning about different computer programs and systems." Working with Network Administrator Melissa Mills, this experience also gave Valentine the chance to see how vital a role information technology plays in a marine science and education setting. The IT Department provides computing services supporting all academic, research, and administrative departments at the Sea Lab, which encompasses a broad range of computing support for a very diverse set of hardware and software.  "The Sea Lab was an invigorating atmosphere where educational pursuits are equal to hands-on experience," she added.

Working in public relations at the Sea Lab with Public Relations Director Lisa Young was the "highlight of my college education," stated University of South Alabama senior John Clark. "I've discovered that when you work in public relations, you have to be ready to do just about anything." Every day the Sea Lab posed something new and different for Clark to do. With the various programs the Sea Lab offers for grade school and undergraduate students, Clark was constantly on the go. "Sometimes it was a challenging task, trying to keep up because the Sea Lab is always doing so many different programs," admitted Clark.

"It was exciting to see my portfolio grow with the news clippings from the press releases I had written," he continued. Clark is convinced that, having worked under such an experienced public relations director, he is prepared for the intense requirements of a public relations career.

Tripp Atkins, a first year graduate student at Auburn University, was chosen for the fellowship by Sea Lab Executive Director George Crozier. Atkins conducted numerous surveys for possible sites of the proposed dry-dock launch marina. The proposed marina would serve to cut down on launching traffic and support Dauphin Island tourism. A portion of the 17-question surveys was completed during the weekend of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Atkins says this was an ideal time for the survey because it was an occasion when people were considering the amount of boating traffic on the Island, and what the benefits of a new launch would be. The response of most citizens was a positive one. "The people are quite jazzed about it." Atkins said. Proposed locations for the new marina include Bay Front Park and the Dauphin Island Airport.

Atkins believed that his time spent at Dauphin Island Sea Lab helped solidify his decision to become more involved in coastal development. Thanks to this fellowship and the mentoring offered by Sea Lab staff, students like Valentine, Clark and Atkins are able to use this experience to pursue a better future for Alabama and the Gulf Coast.

Contributed by John Clark, DISL Public Relations Intern, 2005