Written by Karim Dergal
On Thursday morning, April 22nd, MAST@FIU had the lucky opportunity to jump into a zoom call with representatives from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation or the GHOF. The GHOF was founded by Guy Harvey himself, a marine wildlife artist and conservationist who became famous for his world-wide known Marlin paintings. As an ocean enthusiast, his foundation “conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment.” The GHOF is currently studying the movement of 6 different species, like Whale Sharks and White Marlins, and is doing other research on the genomes of other species, like the White Shark. The GHOF also records ocean data like the qualities of habitat over time.
MAST@FIU seniors Milene Braga and Karim Dergal, accompanied by AP Environmental Science teacher Martin Roch, were invited to join a Question and Answer style video conference. Jessica Harvey, Guy Harvey’s daughter, and experienced professionals and members of a Guy Harvey Research ship explained their work and answered students’ questions from around the globe; the call had students join from Greece to the United States.
Milene Braga is one of the MAST@FIU students who spoke out. She asked: “What is the greatest lesson you have learned about the ocean from traveling around the world?” The lead researcher laughed and responded that it was a great question. She answered that we have, to put it shortly, to “respect our ocean as it offers us so much.’ Milene said she was “Thankful for the experience knowing how lucky [she] was to be able to join a Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation question and answer conference.”
Karim Dergal asked: “What is your role on the ship, and what path did you take to land such an interesting job?” At such a point, one of the ship’s officers had joined the questionnaire. He said his role was to oversee the logistics and maintenance of the vessel, a role which one must learn about beforehand to complete. Karim stated: “it was super inspiring learning about the lead researcher’s position and what she does, and seeing how her passion for the ocean’s health led her to begin working there.”
The MAST@FIU Students thank Dr. Welker, as he was the one to connect them with the GHOF and present them with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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