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Teaching Intern Program (for Oxy Students) Whenever the Vantuna leaves the dock, we try to have Oxy students aboard to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Teaching interns are designated as either apprentice, assistant or lead onboard instructors–more on this as you read further. These interns, who need not be Biology majors, assist our onboard biologist in organizing the cruise for the chartering school. Before the arrival of the class, the interns prepare the vessel for the cruise, and adopt a dual role as crew deckhands. They then prepare the sampling gear, from plankton and otter trawl nets to the Sea-Bird, video scopes and monitor, so that everything is ready to go once the cruise commences. These Oxy students assist the chartering group by teaching, answering questions, and by helping our onboard biologist as deckhands. With each cruise, our students learn more about marine biology and also gain experience, ability and confidence in the area of teaching. The Oxy student begins working on the boat as an apprentice. When the student becomes familiar with all of the elements of the working cruise--from set-up, trawl operation and common organism identification to basic comprehension of water quality, sediment/rock sampling as well as an awareness of the inherent safety factors associated with the sea-going research vessel, then the student receives assistant cruise instructor designation and is paid for each cruise. While participating in many cruises aboard the Vantuna, each intern evolves into a lead instructor and is able to conduct lectures at each of the field stations, effectively supervise the other teaching interns, and is well-versed in every aspect of running a half- or full-day cruise. Becoming a lead is not necessarily an elusive goal, as we’ve had sophomores in this position in recent years. This is unequivocally a unique and stimulating participatory experience for the Occidental College undergraduate interested in marine biology, and we are very proud of the program, the vessel, the crew, and our wonderful and energetic students! |
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