by 
By Amaar Khan
If you asked what I’d be doing this summer, I wouldn’t have ever said that I’d be sailing the Chesapeake Bay while helping out with research on plankton. As we loop back towards Lewes, Delaware, we’ve been finishing up our last experiments and packing our bags. This whole journey has just reaffirmed my love for science.
I first learnt about STEMSEAS almost two years ago. My geology professor at my community college mentioned she would be heading on a voyage with the program, and that we should all give it a try, regardless of if we were into oceanography or not. I was too young at the time but kept an eye on the program. This year, I was finally 18 and old enough to apply, by some miracle, I got in!
Ever since then, it’s been lots of firsts for me. I’ve never flown alone before, nor have I been a part of actual research before. Even with all the nerves I’ve had, there’s been an amazing group made up of fellow students, our mentors, and the crew of the ship that have been with us every step of the way.
Each day has brought new experiment, or new problems. But all of us have learnt to adapt to the up and downs. It’s here on the R/V Hugh R. Sharp that I’ve been able to truly realize that I want to pursue science as a career! I’ve loved everything about the experiments we’ve been doing (even if I’m not quite there yet with doing the procedures correctly). Working with the others in the dry and wet labs had been such an awesome experience! I seriously think this has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it!
