Student spotlight: Jane Churchill

Jane Churchill is a dedicated student with a passion for the natural world. She has nearly completed two certificates in natural resources and is working towards a two-year outdoor leadership degree.

Jane made significant progress when she enrolled in PWSC's marine natural resources technician (MNRT) program. She only needs one more credit to complete the program. Throughout the semester-long program, she gained essential skills for technician work in the marine field, including water chemistry sampling and plankton identification. Dr. Amanda Glazier, her instructor, played a crucial role in helping Jane secure an internship with the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute after their class spent a week working with them during spring break. This experience confirmed Jane's decision to intern at the institute over the summer, where she gained hands-on experience in ocean chemistry, ocean acidification, and the latest research techniques.

During her internship, Jane worked with environmental DNA (eDNA), a non-invasive method that helps scientists study biodiversity and ecosystem changes. eDNA is valuable for detecting rare, elusive, or endangered species and has applications in monitoring invasive species, assessing aquatic ecosystem health, and detecting harmful algal blooms. Jane used eDNA to scan for harmful phytoplankton species, specifically Alexandrium, demonstrating how this technology provides crucial information for managing marine ecosystems.

As Jane looks back on her internship, she sees it as a learning experience and a chance for personal and professional growth. She is not just satisfied with her experience; she is also reflective. "The internship was well-managed from my perspective as an intern," she said. "However, I wish I had more background knowledge to contribute more. I plan to pursue an environmental science degree after my outdoor leadership program. I'm motivated to expand my skills and knowledge."