BIOS Research: Outstanding Scientists and Building Friendships at BIOS

My name is Esra Mescioglu, and I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. I was offered a position as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student for the fall of 2013 at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). I was excited to accept the internship as I was told it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great resume builder. What I was not told was that I would spend twelve weeks learning from outstanding scientists, building long term friendships with brilliant students and enjoying the beautiful island of Bermuda.

Me and Ameena, another REU intern, at Whalebone Bay located less than 2 miles away from BIOS.

My fellow REU 2013 interns!

The coral reef Amy and I found less than two miles away from campus!

The faculty at BIOS come from various scientific backgrounds and provide well-rounded advice. This was especially helpful since some of us were working on projects that had never before been studied. During the program, we gave several presentations to all the interns and faculty and received feedback on how to proceed with our projects as well as how to present data in a professional manner. It was rewarding to be exposed to a conference-like atmosphere and to exchange ideas with scientists.

Our backyard located on Ferry Reach.

An advantage of early morning sampling was catching this beautiful sunrise.

This year there were 8 REU students participating in the program. We all came from different parts of America and had different scientific interests, but it was not long before we became a very tight knit, helpful and complementing group of friends. Being around undergraduate students, who are being trained like scientists, results in having some peculiar conversations at the dinner table! We have had a great time exploring Bermuda and don’t look forward to leaving BIOS or each other. Leaving does, however, give us an excuse to plan a reunion J.