Current & Former Students

​Grant Funds Gulf Center For Sea Turtle Research Summer Interns

A turtle patient at the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research

The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research (GCSTR) at Texas A&M University at Galveston recently welcomed three summer interns to their team, thanks to a grant from the Mary Moody Northen Community Service Internship Program.

Undergraduate interns Beatriz Canavati ’25 and Sarah Riley ’25, both marine biology students and Travis Moon ’25, a marine biology and marine fisheries student, will gain hands-on experience this summer in the vital conservation work, rescue, recovery, rehabilitation, research, education and outreach that GCSTR provides. 

The grant is awarded annually to non-profit organizations based on a set of program goals centering around educational opportunities and community service, and allows each intern to be paid through the summer. This is the first time GCSTR has had externally-funded interns, expanding the center’s capacity for the summer. 

“We are so excited for this class of summer interns,” said Dr. Christopher Marshall, director of GCSTR and marine biology professor at the Galveston Campus. “Each of them are hard workers dedicated to our mission and vision at the center. This summer, they will gain practical experience with our program that will help set them up for successful careers after graduation and benefit our turtle patients and the field of conservation as a whole.”

A partnership of Texas A&M University, the National Park Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, GCSTR is a significant contributor to finding solutions to threats facing the sea turtle population. As the first nests of the season begin hatching and severe weather threatens the coast, GCSTR’s continues to protect the sea turtles of Texas and beyond. 

GCSTR also impacts student education on the Galveston Campus, with ongoing opportunities for students to participate. Students interested in internships, volunteering or research opportunities should email Theresa Morris, the rehabilitation hospital manager for GCSTR.

The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research leads rescue and recovery for the upper Texas coast. If you would like to support the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research in its missions, please consider donating.