Randolph-Macon College student Madeline “Maddie” Farmer ’17 has always been passionate about protecting the environment. She especially loves research and fieldwork, and during January Term (J-term) 2016, she spent much of her time doing both during an internship at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point, Virginia.

Survey, Restoration
Under the guidance of Romuald Lipcius, professor of marine science, and Gabby Saluta, research specialist, Farmer participated in a winter dredge survey, attended Virginia Marine Resource Commission and Virginia and Maryland Oyster Restoration Interagency meetings, and worked in the VIMS lab. 

“Maddie learned what real marine conservation research is all about,” says Lipcius. “College labs are great—but they can only do so much. Maddie’s internship helped prepare her for what real science is about. She was a fantastic intern.”

From Big Picture to Hands-on Experience
While Lipcius gave Farmer the “big picture” of why science matters through the lens of a Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, Saluta was tasked to show her how surveys are conducted.

“Maddie spent five days on the Bay Eagle, helping us with the survey, which was conducted so that we can better understand the dynamics of the blue crab population,” says Saluta.  “Boat days can be long and hard; often you work from sunrise to sunset in cold and sometimes rainy conditions. Maddie was a trouper and eager to try everything, from deploying the water-quality meter, to sorting, measuring and tagging blue crabs. She also helped out with chores like washing the deck, helping with dinner and sweeping the floors. When she wasn’t busy she took to writing in her daily journal.”

When the boat wasn’t able to go out, Farmer helped out on land. She entered dredge data and helped in the lab with various oyster projects in which she had to measure oysters and identify other organisms such as limpets and mussels.

“Maddie was extremely responsible, punctual and eager,” says Saluta. “I truly hope her experiences here will help guide her career path.”

Challenges, Rewards
Farmer, an environmental studies major and biology minor, experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of a busy internship.

“My internship gave me the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to the real world,” she says. “The scientists I shadowed were supportive and knowledgeable and I learned so much. For example, on the dredge boat, I learned how to use oceanic and lab equipment. Field research of this kind is physically and intellectually challenging—but also very rewarding. I developed the skills, discipline and perseverance necessary to conduct research, all of which will help me in graduate school and my future career.”

Getting The Edge
Farmer secured her internship with the help of RMC Environmental Studies and Biology Professor Chas. Gowan, the Paul H. Wornom, M.D. Professor in Biological Sciences.

“It was a great pleasure helping Maddie secure her internship at VIMS,” says Gowan. “I knew that she would love it, and I knew that she would represent RMC very well. I’m especially appreciative of how Dr. Lipcius and Gabby Saluta at VIMS gave Maddie so much help in terms of getting invaluable experience on the boat, in the lab, and at regulatory meetings where the important resource management decisions are made.”

Working with staff from The Edge, RMC’s four-year career preparation program, Farmer applied for the internship via the college’s Bassett Internship program.

“The resources that RMC makes available to students, including The Edge, are incredible,” says Farmer, an honors student who plans on applying to graduate school at VIMS to earn a master’s degree in marine science. “Ultimately, I’d love to work for an organization that combines marine science research needs with community outreach through education.”