SUMMER 2025 BLOG

The rain couldn’t dampen the energy at IMET as a new class of summer interns stepped into their first week. The interns arrived early and eager to begin a summer of immersive research, growth, and exploration. 

A Legacy of Mentorship

The IMET Undergraduate Summer Internship Program has a legacy of equipping undergraduates with a focus on students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds. For over 20 years we have provided undergraduates with the tools, mentorship, and research experience needed to thrive in science. Interns are matched with a Principal Investigator (PI) to work on a dedicated project in one of IMET’s three key focus areas:

• Sustainable Seafood Production
• Environment, Animal, and Human Health
• Energy, Water, and the Environment

Throughout the summer, interns will go beyond benchwork. Weekly seminars, field experiences, and creative science communication workshops round out their training, helping them grow not only as researchers but as well-rounded science professionals.

Name: Jerin Tasnim
School: SUNY Stony Brook University
School Year: Graduated May 2025
Major: Marine Vertebrate Biology with a Journalism minor
From: New York, NY
Mentor: Danielle Staggers
Current Career Goal: No matter what I do I am always in pursuit to be a catalyst for conservation of wildlife and wild places by driving meaningful, lasting change for a healthier planet and future generations.

Name:  Mikaela Gonzalez
School: Swarthmore College
School Year: Rising Senior, Class of 2026
Major:  Environmental Studies
From: El Paso, Texas
Mentor:  Ally Kido
Current Career Goal: Ecologist and Marine Conservationist 

Name: Joseph Lenzo
School: University of Delaware
School Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Science
From: Hightstown, NJ
Mentor: Vijay Hemmadi
Current Career Goal: Make a genuine difference in the environment, particularly in marine and estuary systems, through field work and research. 

Name: Desmond Seybold
School: UMBC
School Year: Sophomore
Major: Biochemistry
From: Ellicott City, Maryland
Mentor: Dr. Ting Yeh
Current Career Goal: To earn a PhD in genetics.

Though Week 2 was shortened in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, IMET’s summer interns made the most of each moment. This week, the interns had plenty of time to settle into their labs.

Monday through Wednesday and again on Friday morning, interns worked alongside their mentors, building momentum in their research projects. They began applying foundational lab skills, asking deeper questions, and becoming more familiar with the tools and techniques unique to their research areas.

Week 3 of the IMET Summer Internship Program was all about building one of the most underrated skills in a scientist’s toolkit: communication. While the interns continued to make steady progress in their lab work on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, the real spotlight of the week came from a two-day intensive workshop designed to transform how they share their science with the world.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, they joined the IAN Science Communication Workshop. The goal was simple: make science easy to understand. Interns learned how to focus their message, avoid jargon, and design better visuals. From 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day, the interns explored strategies for simplifying technical content without sacrificing accuracy. They learned how to identify key messages, design effective visuals, and structure communication that resonates with both expert and non-expert audiences. Hands-on activities and real-time feedback kept the energy high and the learning practical.

They practiced writing for people who don’t work in science. They asked questions and got direct feedback. The workshop lasted all day, but the energy stayed high. Interns worked in groups, shared ideas, and gave each other tips. On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, interns stayed in the lab. They kept building skills and asking new questions.

By the end of the week, they knew more about their research and how to talk about it.

Week 4 will bring more time in the lab. Now, they’re ready to do the work and explain why it matters.

Week 4: Career Talks and Lab Work

With the fourth of July holiday approaching, Week 4 was short, but full of new and exciting things !

Now fully comfortable in their labs, the interns spent most of the week in the lab, moving deeper into their projects.

On Tuesday, the interns had an opportunity to have a one-on-one with the program coordinator. It was a chance to ask questions and stay on track.

Wednesday brought a break from the bench. The group joined a Bench to Business workshop and career talk. Two guest speakers shared how they moved from lab research into business and biotech roles. The interns were excited to ask about career paths, daily work life, and how to plan ahead. The session was honest and helpful for many. Here is what Mikaela Gonzalez had to say:

Week 5: Magnet Fishing, and Making Connections

Week 5 starts off steady, with interns digging deeper into lab work and checking in with the program coordinator to track progress.

But Friday is when the adventure began…

IMET hosted a joint intern social with partners from the National Aquarium, Morgan State PEARL, BGE and Maryland Sea Grant. The day began with a welcome and IMET overview, giving visiting students a chance to learn about the research happening inside the institute.

Interns took part in scooter magnet fishing with the National Aquarium team. They headed to the water’s edge, magnets in hand, ready to pull debris from the harbor. The goal: learn more about marine pollution and how simple actions can support local ecosystems. It was hands-on, muddy, and unforgettable.

One group even pulled an entire wheelchair from the harbor ! This was an unexpected catch that drew gasps and applause from curious onlookers passing by the waterfront.

After drying off and changing clothes, the group came together for lunch and a career panel featuring STEM professionals. Speakers shared honest stories about their paths into science—from research to industry to education. Interns asked sharp questions and left with useful insight.

The day ended with guided IMET lab tours, giving guests from Morgan and the Aquarium a closer look at the projects IMET interns are leading this summer.

After the fun filled event from week five, Week six was focused and productive. With final presentations coming up, interns stayed locked into their research.

Most of the week was spent in the lab. Interns ran experiments, collected data, and sharpened their techniques. There was a shift. They were starting to lead their projects with confidence and learned skill.

On Tuesday, interns attended a career talk with Djik Maouyo during lunch. He spoke about building a path in science and shared advice on staying flexible in a changing field. Interns asked about grad school, job options, and how to find work that makes a difference.

The rest of the week was quiet. Lab notebooks filled and fully in focus.

Week 7: Eyes on the Horizon

After weeks of focused research, Week 7 was filled with both productivity and anticipation. The interns continued pushing forward on their projects, making steady progress in the lab. Here is what Mikaela is working on:

Mikaela Gonzelez

Biodiversity in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Habitats at Otter Point Creek

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) - like bay grasses and sea weeds - provide many important ecosystem services in the Chesapeake Bay, and provide habitat to underwater organisms. However, SAV populations are highly susceptible to changes in the water, and as urbanization in land use near the Chesapeake Bay has drastically increased in recent decades, nutrient runoff has significantly altered aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, my experiment utilizes eDNA and traditional survey methods to comparatively analyze the difference in biodiversity levels between SAV and non-SAV habitats within Otter Point Creek — a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.

On Friday, the interns enjoyed a field trip that included much rest and relaxation. Many interns said that this field trip was beautiful, well needed and gave them an opportunity to be refreshed and ready for week 8. Enjoy this photo of 2025 interns Jayson and Desmond.