Summer 2023 Student Mentor - Rae Quadara
Rae Quadara
Our National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) mentor for Summer 2023 is Rae Quadara, Marine Education Project Manager for The University of Southern Mississippi's Marine Education Center. As the Marine Education Project Manager, Rae manages a paid, ocean exploration internship program for college students. Rae notes that her work is only possible with the amazing team beside her. Her work is truly in supporting students before, during, and after their summer research with additional personal and professional development and mentoring. In addition, Rae gets to work on collaborative team projects with colleagues across the nation's blue economy ranging from deep ocean technology, to environmental DNA, to science communication! She also serves on several committees of professional organizations that work to make marine science and education an inclusive environment, encourage networking, and so much more! Rae has been in this role since July 2021 and in this field for over 6 years.
When asked what she loves most about her job, Rae replied,
“My absolute favorite part of my job is definitely the relationship-building component. I get to meet so many new colleagues to work with on projects, and getting to know student interests and see how I can support them into next steps.”
Rae earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Marine Biology and Conservation at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She also holds a Specialized Certificate in Sustainability and Behavior Change. Additional training the Rae benefits from in her job includes Rescue SCUBA Dive Certification and ESRI MOCC (massive open online courses that show how to apply geospatial thinking and create data-driven insight that improves organizations, communities, and the world). Rae adds, “I picked California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo for the location and feeling welcoming in a small town. It was a bonus that my school's motto was "Learn by Doing." I knew going in that research was going to be ingrained in my learning.”
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Rae replied,
“Your voice and perspective is so valid and needed. Create space for you and other voices to be heard!”
She adds, “Every experience you have counts as experience. From my journey, I worked in fast food, volleyball coaching, caretaking roles, and more. I use skills I've learned in all of these positions - whether or not they seem directly related to ocean science.”
Interested in connecting with Rae 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.