Samantha Mackiewicz (MAF Undergraduate Senior) advances ocean conservation by working for The Ocean Project 

This semester, Marine Affairs undergraduate student, Sam Mackiewicz interned with The Ocean Project. The Ocean Project is a non-profit organization that advances ocean conservation in partnership with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other visitor serving organizations around the world. The Ocean Project also coordinates World Oceans Day, a United Nations recognized day of ocean celebration that happens every year on June 8th. Sam has assisted in coordinating World Oceans Day this year by helping with a variety of communications targeting event organizers and the public worldwide. She has drafted social media content, on the World Oceans Day Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts as well as the World Oceans Day blog. She has also helped to develop creative and effective resources and tools for World Oceans Day event organizers that engage the public in behavior change and community action. Sam will continue her work and has accepted a full time position with The Ocean Project after graduation. 

Samantha said, “I have had a rewarding experience interning at The Ocean Project, and I am very excited to begin full time employment after graduation. In many of my Marine Affairs classes I have learned about the importance of working with government and non-government organizations, as well as the public, in the matter of advancing ocean conservation. My work with The Ocean Project allows me to interact with a number of aquariums, zoos, and other organizations in order to promote ocean conservation amongst their guests. Through the power of social media, I am also able to reach tens of thousands of people across the globe to encourage the public to protect the oceans!” 

Future Marine Affairs students could have the opportunity to intern at The Ocean Project. Especially if they are interested in ocean conservation, communications/media, NGOs and working with the public. Students can learn more by visiting http://theoceanproject.org/about-us/internships/.