Durham, NC – Fifteen 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. 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:

• Marley Kaplan – a junior biology, environmental sciences and policy double major
• Cassie Shriver – a junior mechanical engineering major
• Jessica Zhao – a junior environmental sciences and policy major
• Melissa Marchese – a junior environmental sciences and policy major
• Max Hofstetter – a sophomore biology major
• Chandler Katz – a sophomore economics major
• Megan Wang – a sophomore economics and environmental sciences double major
• Ryan Rogers – a sophomore environmental sciences and policy major
• Zach Horowitz –  a sophomore environmental sciences and policy major
• Anna He – a sophomore environmental sciences major
• Ari Bechtel – a sophomore physics and earth and ocean sciences double major
• Stella Haley – a sophomore mechanical engineering major
• Avery Taylor – a sophomore environmental sciences and policy major
• Magdalena Phillips – a first-year undeclared major
• Lauren Miller – a first-year undeclared major