MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

DEVON BLAIR '19
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Affairs, B.A.

What I enjoyed most about the Marine Affairs program at the University of New Haven was the wide range of topics we covered in classes and the fact that the program is organized in a way that gives students a chance to dig deeper into topics that interest them, such as, in my case, coastal policy and management.

This major prepared me well for my current job with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) because of all the policies we learned, which gave me a good background and allowed me to learn quickly about the regulations I deal with on a daily basis at work. My favorite part about being a Marine Affairs major is that this field gives students a wide variety of career choices so everyone can find it their own!

AUSTIN FRANK '21
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Affairs, B.A.

I absolutely love the Marine Affairs program due to the variety of both natural and social science aspects it falls between. The program offers a variety of experiences such as a trip to Alaska for two weeks during the summer.

As far as future possibilities go, this program has offered me more than I could ask for. It allows me the option to pursue a career in marine and environmental law, or a position in coastal management. On top of these opportunities, what I believe might be the best part of being a Marine Affairs major at the University of New Haven is how personal everything is and the chance to become close with your professors, whether it be within the classroom or outside of the classroom.

TESSA PAULSEN '21
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Affairs, B.A.

When I decided to become a Marine Affairs student, I knew the program would have a lot of interesting opportunities, but I didn’t imagine I’d get to go to one of the coolest places in North America!

Between my sophomore and junior year, I had the opportunity to join the marine affairs program and several of my peers and spend two intensive weeks in Alaska. The trip was a glance into the different types of marine ecosystems and fisheries in the state and it provided many different experiences. We had the chance to talk to government officials, non-profits, scientists, and many others. But my favorite part was getting to interact with the fishermen.

I was previously completely inexperienced with the world of commercial fishing and its culture. After seeing and interacting with several fishers it really put me on the path to wanting to work with commercial fishermen and fisheries in the future.

KIARA ACEVEDO '20
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Biology, B.S.

Currently, research has been implementing more interdisciplinary approaches to studies, which often provides a more complete picture of the results. For this reason, it was important for me, as a marine biology major, to have some experience within the marine affairs field.

I was able to take part in a marine affairs faculty study in Puerto Rico. The research aimed to ask fishermen about the changes they saw in the ocean after hurricanes Irma and Maria. It was interesting to see how much opinions and ideas changed with people outside the scientific community. By being a part of this study, I was able to gain a better understanding of what research within the marine affairs field entails. I was also able to appreciate the differences between marine biology and marine affairs research. The major take-away for me was the understanding of why it is essential to include the community when talking about implementing new legislation and policies. In class we talk about how implementing new policies is easier when the community is involved in the process, but I was able to see why this is true.

Another thing I took away from this experience was the need and ability to adapt while on the field as circumstances arise. When dealing with people, not every interaction is going to be the same, so it is important to adapt to what the circumstance is. Overall, having been part of this research instilled in me the importance of intergrading both fields and the value of gaining knowledge of both.

JULIANNE DEGENOVA '18
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Biology, B.S.

In the summer of 2017, I received a SURF grant to go to Puerto Rico with my faculty mentor Dr. Tarsila Seara to conduct research on the island’s fishing culture and social aspects of fisheries management. When I stepped onto the plane heading to Puerto Rico, I had no clue that everything I learned for the past two years as a Marine Affairs major would be shown to me first hand.

I had learned in class about the different perspectives and stakeholders in fisheries. During my trip, I was able to experience all of these different perspectives and get to talk to and hear from so many different people about where they stand on important issues related to fisheries and how their lives are affected by these issues.

It was amazing to experience how much my classes were truly connected to real world scenarios! Plus, being able to conduct my own research was so rewarding! Working on this project made me realize how much I love marine social sciences and how much it can connect you to other people and different cultures.

Also through this project I gained so many new skills that I can take with me to any future job as well as a new found confidence in conducting research. I have the Marine Affairs program and faculty at the University of New Haven to thank for that!

KARIN JAKUBOWSKI, PH.D.
College of Arts and Sciences
Practitioner in Residence

As a faculty member for the University of New Haven’s Marine Affairs program, I am dedicated to each student’s academic success and professional journey. Our program includes a number of unique learning opportunities designed to expand knowledge, develop skills, establish connections, and provide applicable experiences.

For example, this past spring I taught our marine environmental education course which includes a service learning component. Students developed, tested, and modified marine science curricula for children attending environmental education programs in our community. This course allowed our students to demonstrate social responsibility by fostering science literacy, environmental awareness and stewardship through the lessons they designed.

Another unique learning opportunity offered by the Marine Affairs program is a course titled human ecology of coastal ecosystems. This course is designed to integrate theoretical learning with experimental learning in the field. This past summer the course took place in Alaska and focused on the impacts of climate change and the policies and management strategies developed to address these changes. Participating students gained a real-world understanding about the complexity of marine resource management and were able to meet, interview, and learn from many people involved in the process. I believe such opportunities make the University of New Haven’s Marine Affairs program standout.

I always feel a strong sense of pride and joy when I see how such experiences help our students grow professionally and obtain positions in this field after graduation. Our students leave the University feeling prepared, passionate, and ready to do important work because of the academic experiences provides at the University of New Haven. I am honored to be a part of it.

GIANNA PALLADINO '19
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Affairs, B.A.

In the past couple of months since graduating from the Marine Affairs Program, I have completed an internship with the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, worked with Boston Public youth at the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, and attended the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) 2019 conference in Kentucky where I presented a poster of my senior thesis research.

I continue to use the knowledge I learned in classes every day that I work towards my goal of becoming a professional in this field. The Marine Affairs Program gave me the skills I needed in order to achieve my professional goals and I look forward to furthering my skill set as I continue on my career path.

KRISTIN JONES '19
College of Arts and Sciences
Marine Affairs, B.A.

One of the most memorable aspects that I have had in the Marine Affairs program were the experiences I had working on my senior thesis. I was able to interview marine fisheries stakeholders about their perceptions of management and I had the opportunity to present my research at a national conference held by the Society for Applied Anthropology in Portland, OR.

In addition, I have recently submitted a manuscript based on my research to a top scientific journal. Through the marine affairs program, I have been given opportunities and tools for success that I will forever be grateful for. This fall I began law school at Pace University in one of the country’s top environmental law programs.