Featured Alumni

Sea Change Semester may focus on ocean sciences, but the methods, skills, experience, and thinking instilled during your time here can be applied to a wide range of career paths including science, policy, education, medicine, entrepreneurship, and more.

Where can a semester at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences lead you? You can get a good sense for that by checking out what some of our alumni are up to now!

Jules Thomas Middleton, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

“Getting to live at Bigelow for the semester, and then return to work at the lab for multiple summers after, allowed me to dive headfirst into ocean research while experiencing the joy of having mentors, some of whom continue to offer guidance and support today.”

Mike Staiger

Research Assistant
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

“My time at Bigelow gave me the opportunity to specialize in the instruments and techniques that my project advisor used. These skills in imaging cytometry were directly transferable to my current position where I use them every day. The variety in the coursework throughout the semester also allowed me to find my passions.”

Sarabeth George

Statewide Lead Staff Geologist
Constituents of Emerging Concern at the California State Water Resources Control Board

“My time at Bigelow shaped me as a multidisciplinary scientist who is as comfortable communicating my findings to the public.”

Grace Reville

Regional Program Officer
Blue Nature Alliance

“The Sea Change program was foundational for my career at the intersection of marine science and policy. I often reflect on the lessons learned in the lab, in the field, and in the classroom and can’t thank Bigelow enough for teaching me the fundamentals of ocean science that will forever inform my approach to ocean conservation.”

Olivia Antczak

8th Grade Science Teacher
Charter school in Massachusetts

“Working with such incredible educators at Bigelow made me want to be an educator myself. The Sea Change Semester inspired me to teach science to the next generation in a way that is hands-on and solutions-oriented.”

Savannah Stresser

Aquatic Business Development Manager
Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc.

“The Sea Change Semester was an incredible opportunity to learn from absolutely amazing people in a beautiful setting. In addition to the personal impact that it had on my life, the Sea Change Semester also helped prepare me for a career in science & technology.”

Tom Kiffney, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher
Aquaculture Research Institute at UMaine Darling Marine Center

“[Sea Change] put me squarely on the path I am on now. I got exposed to the Maine shellfish aquaculture industry while I was at Bigelow and have been obsessed ever since.”