Internship Spotlight: Cat Bohner '20, the Marine Mammal Center

In her first internship experience, Cat Bohner '20 is a conservation education intern at The Marine Mammal Center, where she engages visitors and brings awareness to little known aquatic species.

Cat Bohner '20 hones her communication and leadership skills while making an impact as a conservation education intern at the Marine Mammal Center.

Majors:

English, environmental studies.

Internship title and location:

Conservation education intern, the Marine Mammal Center.

How I got this internship:

I applied to the position through the Marine Mammal Center's website and interviewed with them.

What I do, day to day:

I lead guided tours around the hospital and answer visitor and guest questions about the work being done at the center. I oversee the volunteer docents, answering their questions over the radio and briefing them on changing patient numbers and new developments. I also help develop educational programming for the center by putting together materials about the vet scientists' research and how to combat climate change and ocean warming.

Most valuable part of this experience:

Not only have I learned a lot about marine mammal science, but it's so meaningful to go into work and know that the things you're doing are making a difference for the planet. I've also had the opportunity to see the animals up close, even coming within a few feet of threatened species like the Guadalupe Fur Seal.

Advice for students considering internships:

Internships are a valuable experience, but you only get out of it what you put in. I think it's important to be interested in the internships you apply for. When you're passionate about something and you work hard, it really shines through and the people around you take notice.

How this internship has helped me:

This internship has made me so much more comfortable with public speaking and has challenged me to develop and hone my leadership skills. It's encouraged me to be a self-starter and to really take initiative. It's also made me more confident in my ability to communicate and relay complex information in a digestible and accessible way.

Post-Dickinson plans:

Ideally, I'd like to do something in science communications or environmental education. I like researching and sharing complicated information in a relatable and engaging way.

Learn more about internships at Dickinson.

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Published July 31, 2019