Outer Island Interns 2024
Interns are hired each summer to staff Outer Island and to assist visiting groups with educational programming during their visit to the island. The interns also conduct research activities, including water quality monitoring, and participate in maintenance activities on the island facilities. Below are brief bios for the Summer 2024 Outer Island Interns:
Kaitlin Cole
Hi everyone!
My name is Kaitlin Cole. I am a biology major at Central Connecticut State University, graduating in May 2024. My studies at CCSU have focused on ecology, biodiversity, and evolution. My fascination with the natural world began when I was a child; The home I grew up in was surrounded by 5 acres of forest, carved with flowing streams and a small pond, all of which I used for my own personal exploration. I remember looking for frogs, turtles, worms, and any other curiosity I could find while enjoying the serenity and sense of adventure I felt in the woods. Jane Goodall, Steve Irwin, and David Attenborough were some of my childhood heroes, and still are today.
Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, painting, reading, watching documentaries, and exploring unfamiliar places. In January 2024, I traveled to Belize for a study abroad trip, where we observed the biodiversity of the Belize Barrier Reef and learned about the marine and jungle ecosystems that comprise the region. The trip was truly life changing and eye opening; Seeing the beauty and interconnectedness of the wilderness up close solidified to me how important it is to protect it, while making it clear that wildlife biology is the correct career path for me.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work on Outer Island at the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge this summer! I am eager to do my part in protecting and preserving the coastal wildlife and beautiful habitat of Long Island Sound. This will be my first hands on experience outside of school using wildlife techniques, so I am very excited to learn and experience new things, while also teaching others! I hope to see you out there this spring and summer!
Megan Magalik
Hi everyone!
My name is Meg Magalik, I’m a junior at Central Connecticut State University studying Biology. I have always had a very deep interest in the natural world and our environment since I was a child, and much of it has to do with growing up on Long Island sound. I am hoping to become a scientific educator in the future- one of my passions is sharing that love for science with others and am looking forward to assisting with educational programs here on Outer Island! Some of my passions include wildlife photography, hiking, fishkeeping, and drawing. I’m excited to work with you all this summer!
Aidan Surian
Hey everybody!
My name is Aidan Surian. I am a senior at Central Connecticut State University,
graduating in May 2025. I currently study biology with a focus on environmental science,
but in the future, during a master’s program, I hope to study marine ecology. My passion
for science started at a young age, but it bloomed after reading Into the Wild by Jon
Krakauer. After learning about an individual’s deep connection with nature, I felt it calling
out to me as well. So, during my free time, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, running, and
swimming.
During my time at CCSU, I have fallen in love with our oceans, especially after my study
abroad course in Belize, where I got to snorkel in a great barrier reef ecosystem! Once I
heard about the opportunity to work on Outer Island at the Steward B. McKinney Wildlife
Refuge, I knew it was the right place for me to work this summer. I am ecstatic to be
researching while also getting to meet everyone on the island and provide my
assistance in any way that I can! Hope to see you all this summer!
Rheannon Smyth
Hi all,
My name is Rheannon and I am in my senior year of studies in ecology, biodiversity,
and evolutionary biology at Central Connecticut State University. I am a dedicated and
passionate environmental enthusiast with a strong background in sustainability
initiatives, community engagement, and academic pursuits in ecology, biodiversity, and
evolutionary biology. I am excited about my role at the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife
Refuge on Outer Island this summer and am happy to contribute skills and expertise to
advance environmental conservation and sustainable practices here.
I have long been fascinated by the natural world and science-based approaches to its
conservation. Since beginning research under Dr. Jarrett, I have performed marine field
surveys in two locations around the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, we are investigating
genetic distinctiveness among/between local populations of Caprellid (skeleton shrimp)
including samples collected around Outer Island. We are comparing variation of
invasive and native species in hopes to determine points of introduction and/or spread
of these species.
In my free time I enjoy propagating and collecting house plants, creating wheel thrown
pottery (for all my plants), gardening, dogs, and spending time in nature. Can’t wait to
meet you on the island!