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Participant’s Comments

On The Water With Humpbacks

January Internship:

“The research experience made me feel like I was a part of something great and that a small group of people can work together to make a difference.”
--Carrie Kellams

“The internship is very intensive and completely immerses the students. Working with peers in research teams and learning together also teaches valuable people skills and prepares students to work with research teams, coworkers, and employers in the future. Overall, the program is a perfect preparatory experience for students regardless of whether or not you are going into environmental conservation. It may be even more important for those who aren't.”
--Sarah King

“The field work definitely exceeded my expectations. It was a great learning experience and really gave me a feel for what it was like to have a career in marine mammal research. I would definitely recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in marine mammal research”
--Lindsay Hemphill

“I had the best time of my life.”
--Jill Neilson

“I loved the internship and I dare say it changed my life.”
--Mary Tarara

“I thought this was an unbelievable experience. I have learned so much about not just the whales, but the world as well. I think / wish all of my classes were this informative on the world and environment.”
--Jessica Parker

“Experience of a lifetime, informative and educational, meet great people, first hand look at the cold hard facts.”
--Tara Crane

“It is an incredible experience! A real eye opener to the status of the whales. Everyone should know this and what a wonderful way to learn about them.”
--Linde McNamara

“I learned so much about humpback whales, other marine life, and the ethics and politics of our government. This was the most beneficial internship I've gone through. I 'am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to experience this.”
--Miriam Reyes

“This was a great way to gain first hand experience and I would highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in any type research.”
--Jennifer Morin

February Internship:

“I learned so much about dolphins and the beauty of their lifestyle. I recommend this program to others so they may broaden their perspectives not only by immersing themselves in the lives of the dolphins, but also by their interaction with the many types of people they will meet during their time in Hawaii.”
--Lily Brown

“I felt like I learned a great deal about cetaceans and got a full understanding of the reasons for and the importance of this research. The evening discussions were informative and enjoyable, and the guest speakers were fascinating. I came to Hawaii to learn about dolphins, but I am leaving here having gained so much more. I have a greater understanding of a number of environmental conservation issues, and the place of dolphin research within that. I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing and beautiful location, and our accommodations were wonderful. Overall, it's been an eye-opening and well-spent three weeks.”
--Steven Porter

Summer Internship:

“Not only did I learn about psychobiological field research but I also learned a lot about the cultures. The OMI program brings a very open-minded attitude when dealing with the native culture. Many of the natives are protective of the land and culture since both are endangered. OMI does research in the best interest of the cetaceans, in the best interest of Hawaii and in the best interest of science. I am a psychology major at UC Santa Cruz, and have done a good deal of lab research. I take a very serious and professional attitude about research. Though the field research OMI does is professional, it is very relaxing and light -hearted climate. "Science protecting Nature" is good for cetaceans and good for the soul. I think about my experiences there as not my past but my present; I know I will go back again.”
--Matt Jezzi

“This has been the greatest experience of my life. I have learned so much about research, and I really wasn't expecting to have so much hands on as we all did. The discussions also taught me a lot and just the entire atmosphere of this internship was completely amazing and a lot more that I could ever have imagined it to be! The dolphins without saying were 100% worth this entire experience. I was so fortunate to be part of such an adventure!”
--Joanna Campo

“Being a part of Ocean Mammal Institute has been an amazing part of my life. Not only have I been given the opportunity to work with amazing people, but I have also realized that education plays a huge role in protecting the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.”
--Elizabeth Parrish

“I learned a great deal about dolphins, but also about people and community as well. Overall it was an amazing, eye-opening event in my life. This experience gave me more knowledge to back up my beliefs and to share with others.”
--Caryn Beiter

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to gain research experience and meet people who share my interest in marine mammals. I will treasure the time spent learning about the Hawaiian culture and its people.”
--Brooke Heher


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