In the Spring of 2019, Berta Borneo became the first international student to earn a Master of Oceanography (M.O.) degree from GSO. Despite growing up far from the beach, in a small village in East Java, Indonesia, Borneo’s fascination with the ocean led her to enroll at GSO, where her studies focused on microplastic and its effect on corals.
Berta now works with the Marine Research Center under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia, applying her knowledge by taking part in research activities as well as policy-making and community outreach programs to communicate research to the public.
“The M.O. program was perfect since it allowed me to combine oceanography core courses with courses on policy and environmental management,” Borneo said. “With my new degree I hope to build my career, get involved in more research and, if possible, propose my own research interests so I can ascend to a higher level.”