What inspired you to work for DMAD?
I was an intern with DMAD a few years ago, and I loved the opportunities and skills I learned throughout my time here. So I leapt at the opportunity to get a job with DMAD. This NGO pushed me to learn and achieve more than I thought possible during my time here.
I have always wanted to work with cetaceans as well so this is a dream come true. Everyday I still learn new things and improve myself as a researcher. I love being there alongside the students going through the same process, and supporting them.
Everyone on the DMAD team working hard together in our lovely little office.
Describe a typical day at work.
Depending on the survey, I can be up before sunrise or finishing after sunset. Generally I work 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. both within my accommodations and within the office depending on my tasks for the day.
As Student Coordinator, I spend half of my day being available for students if they need me for their projects. I make sure I am there to answer any questions. Also, I have my own tasks and research I have to achieve, so I will spend half my day completing those tasks.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is watching interns gain confidence in the work they are doing and learning how to apply the skills they are using into their work. Then building great scientific work which will highly benefit them in the future.
It is great watching the personal project progress, from the initial idea, to the knowledge gained through literature reading, the application of the workshop lessons into their data analysis and finally watching them use their knowledge to draw conclusions and discuss their results. The pride they gain from this process is great. Also, working alongside dolphins is the best.
Some interns working hard on a land survey, this was just before we saw dolphins!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell myself to keep open mind, embrace my time there to the max, apply my all into everything I do. It is a really exciting and nerve racking thing to go away and do an internship.
So, keeping positive and putting the effort into learning everything properly and utilizing that knowledge to personal projects and outreach will be highly beneficial in the long run for gaining confidence and scientific skills. Also, bringing insect repellent and home comfort snacks is always a good idea.
Why should someone choose DMAD over competitors?
Having been a previous intern at DMAD, I highly recommend an internship here. I gained so much knowledge and scientific skills and perspective throughout my time here, more than I ever knew I could. I became so much more confident in my abilities and this was due to the opportunities I was given at DMAD.
I think that if you are really wanting to build on yourself as a true researcher and gain real scientific experience, DMAD is the place for you. I would never have gotten the final university grade I got, or have the things on my CV I did before graduating without my time spent in Montenegro and Turkey.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our organization's mission is to create ecological consciousness through scientific research and community outreach. This is achieved everyday and ongoing through our activities in Montenegro, our consistent survey effort, staff research, and student personal projects all contribute to the research effort. Outreach activities are student led and an ongoing success.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that participants leave their time at DMAD having gained invaluable skills, a new scientific outlook and confidence in their work. I also hope they leave here with amazing memories of both Montenegro, dolphins and fantastic times with all the wonderful people here both staff and students. My personal aim for participants is that they leave here having achieved something that makes them proud and surprised at themselves.
Out for a quick swim after a hard day's work in the bay, near the students' house!
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I think it is an extremely enriching experience to see new places and discover new cultures. It gives you a unique perspective on life depending on where you go and what you see. It builds on your gratification for what you already have and makes you appreciate both the world and where you have come from more.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about utilizing your time in a place to the maximum, immersing yourself in the experience to make memories which last a lifetime. Particularly embracing culture, learning something, becoming mindful of what you have already, becoming open-minded to new things, and challenging yourself to have personal growth.