Brooke Delo
OBlu - Marine Conservation Intern
Sant'Anna Summer 2024
Supervisor: Domenico Sgambati
ABOUT
I am a recent college graduate from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Biology and a minor in International Business, equipped with a strong foundation in scientific analysis and a deep appreciation for global cultures. My academic and professional experiences have fostered a passion for sustainable tourism, where I aim to blend my scientific expertise with a commitment to preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the destinations we cherish. Having honed skills in event coordination, data management, and creating inclusive environments through roles at Stevens Office of International Programs, I bring a unique blend of scientific knowledge and cultural competence to my career. My training in research methodologies and critical thinking is essential in addressing the complex challenges posed by mass tourism. I am driven by a philosophy that values empathy, continuous learning, and making a positive impact on the world. I aspire to contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives that promote responsible travel, ensuring that the beauty and cultural richness of our planet are preserved for future generations. My goal is to help establish a balance between the joy of travel and the necessity of environmental stewardship, so that everyone can explore the world while keeping it a beautiful place for all.
RESUME
INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP
A brief overview of conservation activities in Ieranto Bay
Internship Assignments
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SMART Goals:
1. Conduct a Research Project on Sustainable Tourism Impact
Specific: I aim to conduct a research project assessing the impact of sustainable tourism practices on local marine ecosystems. This project will involve collecting and analyzing data on tourist activities, marine biodiversity, and environmental health indicators.
Measurable: The project's success will be measured by the completion of a detailed report and presentation of findings by the end of the summer internship. Specific metrics will include the number of data points collected and the diversity of sources
Attainable: This goal is attainable given my scientific training in data analysis, research methodologies, and critical thinking from my Chemical Biology degree. Additionally, my experience in adapting to unfamiliar challenges during study abroad programs will be valuable in conducting field research.
Relevant: This goal is highly relevant as it aligns with my interest in sustainable tourism and my degree in the sciences. By understanding the impact of tourism on marine ecosystems, I can contribute to developing strategies that balance environmental conservation with tourism growth.
Time-bound: The research project will begin in the first week of the internship with data collection taking place over the first two months. Analysis and report writing will be conducted in the final month, culminating in a presentation of findings by the end of the internship.
2. Enhance Knowledge and Skills in Marine Conservation Techniques
Specific: I want to enhance my knowledge and practical skills in marine conservation techniques by actively participating in fieldwork, workshops, and training sessions provided by the internship program.
Measurable: Progress will be measured by the number of workshops and training sessions attended, the number of fieldwork hours completed, and the acquisition of specific skills such as species identification, sustainable tourism practices, and habitat restoration techniques.
Attainable: This goal is attainable as it involves structured learning and hands-on experience that will be provided during the internship. My background in chemical biology and previous experience in international programs provide a solid foundation to quickly absorb and apply new conservation techniques.
Relevant: This goal is relevant to my career aspirations in sustainable tourism, as it will equip me with essential skills and knowledge directly applicable to future roles in this field. It aligns with my desire to make a tangible impact on sustainable tourism through scientifically informed practices.
Time-bound: The goal will be pursued throughout the duration of the internship, with a focus on attending workshops and training sessions in the first month and participating in fieldwork throughout the entire internship period. A self-assessment and reflection on the skills acquired will be conducted at the end of the internship.
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Project Management Plan: Research Project on Sustainable Tourism Impact
Approach:
1. Research Design: Develop a comprehensive research plan outlining data collection methods, sampling strategies, and analysis techniques.
2. Data Collection: Gather data on tourist activities, marine biodiversity, and environmental health indicators through field surveys, interviews, and existing databases.
3. Data Analysis: Analyze collected data using statistical tools and GIS software to identify correlations, trends, and patterns.
4. Report Writing: Compile findings into a detailed report outlining the impact of sustainable tourism on local marine ecosystems, including actionable recommendations for conservation efforts.
Stakeholders:
1. Internship Supervisors: Provide guidance and oversight throughout the project.
2. Local Environmental Organizations: Collaborate on data collection and interpretation, ensuring alignment with existing conservation initiatives.
3. Tourism Industry Representatives: Engage stakeholders to gather insights into current practices and potential areas for improvement.
4. Local Communities: Share findings and recommendations to raise awareness and foster community involvement in conservation efforts.
Anticipated Challenges:
1. Data Availability: Limited access to comprehensive datasets may require innovative data collection strategies.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring active participation and cooperation from diverse stakeholders may pose challenges.
3. Time Constraints: Balancing data collection, analysis, and reporting within the internship timeline may require efficient time management.
4. Data Quality: Ensuring accuracy and reliability of collected data may require rigorous quality control measures.
Desired Result:
1. Comprehensive Research Report: A detailed report highlighting the impact of sustainable tourism on local marine ecosystems, supported by robust data analysis.
2. Actionable Recommendations: Clear and practical recommendations for conservation efforts based on research findings, aimed at minimizing negative impacts and promoting sustainable practices.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Active involvement and buy-in from stakeholders, fostering collaboration and commitment to implementing recommended strategies.
4. Knowledge Transfer: Sharing research findings with local communities, environmental organizations, and tourism industry stakeholders to raise awareness and drive positive change in sustainable tourism practices.
REFLECTION
Challenges
Physically Challenging
Hiking to and from Bay, swimming for extended periods to collect data, snorkeling, kayaking to pickup marine litter in water and on beach
Transportation
The 40 minute bus ride to and from the start of the hike was a bit difficult sometimes, and the time schedules were inconsistent
Language Barrier
Language barrier when talking to some guests at info-point in the Bay
Skills
Adaptibility
I was able to adapt to a new and physically challenging work environment by embracing tasks like snorkeling for biodiversity data, hiking to and from the work location, and kayaking to assist with marine litter clean up. I found that I really enjoy this type of work and am honored to have played a small part in driving positive environmental change.
Communication
By helping manage the info-point, I was able to engage with visitors and effectively communicate information about the marine protected area and the environmental preservation strategies being utilized.
Time Management
I honed my time management skills by establishing a schedule each day with my supervisor that enabled me to efficiently complete diverse tasks—such as data collection through snorkeling, monitoring of the bay, and assisting various tours - while consistently meeting strict transportation schedules.
Future
This internship has made me realize I have found a deep appreciation for sustainable tourism. Understanding the impact of tourism on local communities and ecosystems highlighted the need for responsible travel that benefits both the environment and the people. I realized that I want to currently focus my career on promoting eco-friendly travel practices and educating others on the importance of sustainability in tourism.
Internship Assignments
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Week 1 Reflection:
My first week at the marine conservation and sustainable tourism internship in Sorrento, Italy, was both informative and exhilarating. We began with introductory meetings, diving into marine biology basics and internship details. Then, our visit to Ieranto Bay provided hands-on preparation for the season's opening while immersing us in the area's stunning natural beauty. This week reinforced my excitement and commitment to contributing to these conservation efforts in this picturesque coastal region.
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Week 2 Reflection:
- Listening
1. What are you learning through listening in your internship experience? Through listening during my internship, I am gaining a wealth of knowledge and insights that are pivotal for my personal and professional growth. Specifically, I am learning about marine conservation techniques, such as habitat restoration, species protection, and pollution mitigation. I am also gaining insights into sustainable tourism practices, understanding how tourism can be managed sustainably to minimize its impact on marine ecosystems while promoting conservation awareness among tourists. Additionally, listening to community members and local experts provides me with valuable perspectives on traditional conservation practices and the socio-cultural aspects of marine conservation.
2. Are you managing to be open to learning new things through listening? I am definitely managing to be open to learning new things through listening during my internship. I actively engage in conversations, pay attention to details, and show genuine interest in what others are saying. I demonstrate curiosity by asking insightful questions that deepen my understanding and clarify any uncertainties. I take constructive feedback seriously and use it to improve my skills and knowledge. I also value and consider different viewpoints, especially those from colleagues with more experience or different backgrounds. Being receptive, asking questions, reflecting on feedback, and embracing diverse perspectives are all helping me to be open to new learning experiences.
3. Based on your internship experience reflect on which 'Active listening skills' come naturally to you and which are harder for you to implement.
When it comes to active listening, some skills come naturally to me, while others are harder to implement. I find that being attentive is something I do well; I can maintain focus and show genuine interest in what others are saying. I am also good at requesting clarification, ensuring that I fully understand the message before moving forward. Paraphrasing what others have said to confirm understanding and show engagement is another strength of mine, as is summarizing discussions to ensure clarity and mutual understanding. Additionally, I am attuned to and can reflect on others' feelings, which helps in building rapport and understanding different perspectives.
However, there are some aspects of active listening that I find challenging. For instance, I sometimes struggle with asking open-ended questions, which are crucial for eliciting more detailed and thoughtful responses. Additionally, asking probing questions to delve deeper into a topic or uncover underlying issues is something I need to work on. By reflecting on these aspects of active listening, I can identify areas for improvement and enhance my effectiveness in my role.
- Communication Style
1. I tested as having an analytical communication style, characterized by being task-focused, formal, and precise. During my internship, I exemplified this style while monitoring the conservation area. This involved systematically overseeing beach attendance, assessing biodiversity, participating in litter cleanups, and tracking boat activities. I gathered and analyzed data meticulously, asked clarifying questions, and created detailed reports to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness in monitoring efforts. This approach highlights my preference for data-driven decisions and thorough, logical analysis.
2.I exemplify my analytical communication style through my methodical approach to tasks and my reliance on data and evidence to support my conclusions. My communication tends to be formal and considered, focused on ensuring that details are accurate and reliable. I also tend to internalize my thoughts and feelings, preferring to analyze and process information internally before sharing it. I believe I am an analytical communicator because I value accuracy, enjoy problem-solving, and am cautious about drawing conclusions without substantial evidence. I prefer to ask questions to clarify and understand, reflecting my task-focused and precise nature.
3. During my internship, I observed that my supervisor likely has a driver communication style. This style is characterized by being task-focused, formal, and considered. For example, during team meetings, the supervisor focuses on quickly identifying action items and setting clear, immediate goals. They communicate in a direct and results-oriented manner, often emphasizing the importance of achieving objectives efficiently. This tendency to drive towards quick and effective outcomes, coupled with a direct and formal communication style, aligns well with the driver communication style.
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Week 3 Reflection:
1. During my internship, I am immersed in a diverse community that values marine conservation and sustainable tourism. A strategy that significantly helps me interact with people from different cultures is by listening to and understanding their perspectives. By engaging in community and company activities, I learn to appreciate their way of managing a business and the daily tasks required to make it successful, which has fostered mutual respect and understanding. This approach has not only improved my communication skills but has also built stronger relationships with my colleagues.
2. This internship solidified my passion for sustainable tourism and international education. I realized that I want to currently focus my career on promoting eco-friendly travel practices and educating others on the importance of sustainability in tourism. Understanding the impact of tourism on local communities and ecosystems highlighted the need for responsible travel that benefits both the environment and the people. Moving forward, I am committed to advocating for sustainable tourism policies and developing educational programs that inspire travelers and everyone involved to prioritize conservation and sustainability.
3. One of the most challenging aspects of adapting to my host culture was the approach to the "training process" in my internship. I have noticed here during my internship that the training process is not overcomplicated and you start helping out and completing tasks immediately. This is quite different from the US, where training tends to be a longer, more complicated process with more hand-holding. Adapting to this hands-on, immersive approach required me to quickly learn on the job and rely on my resourcefulness. I truly prefer this immediate hands-on approach and find it more efficient and effective. As a result, I have become more comfortable and confident in my interactions and responsibilities, which have greatly enhanced my overall experience.
4. Through my work in marine conservation and sustainable tourism, I gained a deeper understanding of the global issue of ocean pollution, particularly plastic waste. Witnessing the direct impact of plastic debris on marine life and local communities was eye-opening. This experience underscored the urgent need for global cooperation in reducing plastic use, improving waste management systems, and raising awareness about the consequences of pollution. It has reinforced my commitment to environmental advocacy and is inspiring me to contribute to solutions that mitigate this critical issue.
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Week 4 Reflection
STAR Responses on Skills
1. During my summer internship at a marine conservation and sustainable tourism company in Italy, I found myself in a completely different environment than I was accustomed to. I spent my days outdoors, performing physically demanding tasks such as snorkeling for two hours at a time to collect biodiversity data, monitoring and cleaning the area by removing litter, assisting in kayak tours, and hiking to the bay where these activities took place. Given the nature of the work, my main tasks were to accurately document marine biodiversity through underwater photography, ensure the cleanliness and environmental health of the coastline, assisting guided kayak tours, and support conservation efforts through hands-on activities. Despite having no prior experience in these specific tasks, it was crucial for me to acclimate quickly and perform effectively to contribute to the company's goals. To adapt to this new way of working, I took several steps including embracing the physical challenges by gradually increasing my stamina through regular snorkeling and hiking practices, educating myself on marine biodiversity and conservation techniques by shadowing experienced team members, and fostering a positive attitude towards learning and adaptation, which allowed me to quickly adjust to the demands of each task. As a result of my proactive approach, I successfully adapted to the physically demanding tasks and developed a strong appreciation for marine conservation and sustainable tourism values. I have found that I love this type of work and the goals of the company. My efforts contributed to the collection of valuable biodiversity data, improved cleanliness of the local environment, and enhanced tourist experiences through well-guided tours. Moreover, I found a newfound passion for this field, and I am honored to have played a small part in driving positive environmental change.
2. During my summer internship, I was required to interact with a diverse group of people, including tourists, local community members, and my colleagues. This was a significant shift from my previous experiences, where I had limited exposure to such a varied audience. My main tasks included assisting in kayak tours, educating visitors about marine conservation, coordinating with my team to ensure smooth operations, and engaging with the local community for conservation activities. Effective communication was essential to convey important information clearly, ensure safety, and foster a collaborative environment. To enhance my communication skills, I undertook several specific actions including practicing active listening to understand the needs and questions of tourists and team members, using visual aids and hands-on demonstrations to make complex conservation topics more accessible and engaging, and fostering a culture of open feedback within the team, encouraging constructive criticism and continuous improvement in our communication methods. As a result of these efforts, I became more confident and effective in my communication. These improved communication skills not only facilitated a better visitor experience but also contributed to the overall success of our conservation efforts.
3. During my summer internship, I was responsible for a variety of tasks that required careful planning and efficient use of time. This included catching an early morning bus, coordinating with my supervisor to plan daily activities, and ensuring that I completed all tasks in time to catch the bus back at the end of the day. My primary tasks involved collecting biodiversity data through snorkeling, monitoring and cleaning the area, assisting in kayak tours, and hiking to different locations where these activities took place. To manage these tasks effectively, I needed to develop a structured schedule that allowed me to complete all activities within the available time each day. To improve my time management skills, I took several specific actions including establishing a daily routine to ensure I caught the early morning bus consistently allowing me to start my day on time, collaborating with my supervisor to create a detailed schedule that outlined my daily activities prioritizing tasks based on their importance and time requirements, using time-blocking techniques to allocate specific periods for each task ensuring that I left enough time to hike back to the bus stop in the afternoon, and regularly reviewed and adjusted my schedule based on the day's progress and any unforeseen circumstances, maintaining flexibility while staying focused on my priorities. As a result of these actions, I successfully managed to complete all my assigned tasks within the available time each day. I never missed the bus in the morning or the afternoon, demonstrating my ability to stick to a strict schedule. This experience significantly improved my time management skills, as I learned to balance multiple responsibilities efficiently, prioritize tasks effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances without compromising on productivity.
PROJECT GALLERY
