DURHAM, N.C. – Twelve Duke University undergraduate students have been selected for the Rachel Carson Scholars Program, which aims to train the next generation of marine conservation leaders.

Named in honor of world-renowned marine biologist, author and conservationist Rachel Carson, the program provides students with direct research experience in marine science and conservation. 

Rachel Carson Scholars are trained through small seminar experiences, experiential learning, enhanced faculty-student mentorship, and professional development. They also earn experience designing and carrying out independent research.

All scholars spend at least one semester at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C., and can apply for up to $5,500 to support research, travel to professional conferences and travel courses, or for registration for virtual conferences if travel is not possible due to COVID.

During spring semester of their senior year, scholars write up their research findings as a Graduation with Distinction honors thesis. Many also submit their research for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.  

The new scholars are:

  • Dana Adcock – a junior Environmental Science & Policy major with a concentration in Marine Science & Conservation
  • Arianna Agostini – a sophomore Environmental Sciences major, pursuing a Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate
  • Mason Berger – a sophomore Environmental Sciences major
  • Elizabeth Bock – a sophomore Environmental Sciences and Biology double major
  • Catherine Brenner – a junior Environmental Sciences and Biology double major at Duke Kunshan University
  • Brendan Cantwell – a sophomore Earth and Ocean Sciences major
  • Madison Griffin – a sophomore Biology major with a concentration in Marine Biology
  • Sophie Hanson – a junior Biology major with a concentration in Marine Science and Conservation
  • Jeffrey Hwang – a first-year undeclared major who intends to pursue an individualized degree through Duke’s Program II
  • Grace Jennings – a sophomore Environmental Sciences and Sociology double major
  • Kellie Johnson – a junior Environmental Sciences major, pursuing a Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate
  • Madena Mustafa – a sophomore Environmental Sciences major

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