For marine sciences senior Melanie Gonzales getting to the Galápagos Islands was an adventure all its own. After nearly 30 hours of travel, multiple flights and layovers, and plenty of coffee along the way, Gonzales got to check off one of her “bucket-list items.”
Gonzales, an undergraduate student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, joined her mentor, Robert Lamb, Ph.D., on a research expedition to the Galápagos Islands. Lamb assembled an international team of scientists, offering Gonzales the opportunity to contribute to meaningful marine research.
The trip began on San Cristóbal Island at the 7th Annual Research Symposium, where Melanie presented her undergraduate thesis poster — entirely in Spanish.
“I speak conversational Spanish, but presenting in scientific Spanish was a whole new challenge. It pushed me to explain complex ideas in a second language and turned into one of the best learning opportunities of the trip,” Gonzales said.
Following the symposium, Gonzales and her team traveled to Santa Cruz Island to begin a five-day liveaboard science cruise. The team of 14 global researchers focused their time on the species Apogon astradorsatus, a type of cardinalfish.
Gonzales learned to perform CTD casts, plankton tows, fish collection, eDNA sampling, and more. Additionally, she learned the daily operations of what it is like to work on a research vessel.
For Gonzales, the dives themselves were the highlight of the expedition.
“Swimming through the Galápagos felt like being inside a massive aquarium filled with life. I saw sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, penguins, octopus, nudibranchs, corals and anemones. The sheer abundance and diversity was breathtaking,” she said.
Through research, exploration and cultural exchange, Gonzales advanced her scientific skills and deepened her passion for marine conservation. Gonzales’ experience is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and global collaboration in the agricultural and life sciences.
The VP Promise offers financial support to students engaging in experiential learning opportunities within agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is dedicated to fostering student development and success, encouraging students to expand their horizons through participation in study abroad programs, leadership roles, scholarly conferences, and other enriching experiences.
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