Australia

Queensland, Australia (Summer 2005)

I studied at the Lizard Island Research Station in the northern Great Barrier Reef, during the summer of my freshman year of college. The island, a small, uncultivated speck of land surrounded by spectacular coral reefs, was my home for 6 weeks. My time was spent boating and snorkeling through the vast network of reefs, collecting field data and enjoying the teeming wildlife for hours each day. I also took advantage of the unique beach and island views from dawn until dusk. Toward the end of the trip, I climbed the highest point of the island, Cook’s Look, the spot that Captain James Cook used to visually map out the reefs to avoid running aground. This experience holds a special place in my heart, as it is partly responsible for my career path today.