DURHAM, N.C. – Sixteen 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:

  • Nhu Bui, a sophomore majoring in English and Environmental Sciences & Policy
  • Ariel Chukwuma, a sophomore who intends to major in Environmental Sciences
  • Grace Chung, a junior majoring in Biology and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Marine Science & Conservation
  • Marley Dooling, a junior majoring in Biology and Environmental Sciences & Policy
  • Anya Gupta, a sophomore majoring in Earth & Climate Sciences and Environmental Sciences
  • Nick Kaney, a junior majoring in Biology
  • Erika Kraabel, a first-year who intends to major in Biology
  • Catalina Lopez, a sophomore majoring in Biology and Marine Science and Conservation
  • Olivia Polemeni, a sophomore majoring in Biology and Marine Science and Conservation
  • Sasha Provost, a first-year majoring in Marine Science and Conservation 
  • Xitlali Ramirez, a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science
  • Abigail Saks, a first-year majoring in Environment Science and Evolutionary Anthropology
  • Lydia Sellers, a junior majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Marine Science & Conservation
  • Jilly Senk, a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science
  • Emma Shuppert, a junior majoring in Marine Science and Conservation
  • Caleb Stevens, a junior majoring in Environmental Science

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