November featured student mentor—Greg Graeber
Our National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) mentor for November 2022 is Greg Graeber, Marine Educator III at Dauphin Island Sea Lab on Dauphin Island, AL. As Maine Educator III, Greg teaches field-based marine science for K-12 students, some college undergrads, teachers, and the public in south Alabama at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL). During the academic year, DISL teaches students from across the southeast that field trips to the Sea Lab. Throughout the summer, DISL teaches a variety of camps, Professional Development workshops, and a month-long, residential high school course with some small day camps for young students. Greg has been in the education world for 20 years, and when asked what he loves most about his job, Greg replied, “I literally get paid to work at the beach and teach field based science by going to salt marshes, out on research vessels, stroll on beach walks, measure waves in the Gulf, etc... It truly is a great job. I also teach a marine science online course through the Alabama State Department.”
“I literally get paid to work at the beach and teach field based science by going to salt marshes, out on research vessels, stroll on beach walks, measure waves in the Gulf…”
Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Auburn University, a Masters in Education from the University of South Alabama, and he is currently continuing his studies at the University of West Alabama where he is pursuing an Educational Specialist Teacher Leader degree (Ed. S.). Greg adds he is also CPR/First Aid certified and Kayak Leader certified. When asked why he selected these schools/programs, Greg responded, “I picked Auburn and loved it because it was the closest of the far away schools that I was accepted to, but still 5 hours away from my home in Jackson, MS.”
“I always tell students that it pays off big to do something that sets you apart from the crowd during the summers.”
When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Greg replied, “Maybe not for myself, but I always tell students that it pays off big to do something that sets you apart from the crowd during the summers. I also tell them for undergrad, attend a school that pays YOU to go there. Then focus later on what really floats your boat (We're talking marine science. Get it?) in grad school. Look for internships and other professional ways to get as many tools in your tool belt to make you marketable.” Greg adds, “If you are interested in something just go for it. I'm from Jackson, MS, a place with very few sharks! But that is what I wanted to do. I knew NO marine scientists at all, but did it anyway. Also there are jobs out there to get you on, around, in, or above the water, and more jobs on the way with a focus on the "Blue Economy." I am looking forward to hearing from you!”
“There are jobs out there to get you on, around, in, or above the water, and more jobs on the way with a focus on the "Blue Economy".
Interested in connecting with Greg for more information or advice? NMEA Student members are given the opportunity to connect with our student mentors! Email us to find out how to become a student member: students@marine-ed.org.