From Intern to Advocate: my transformative journey at the D’Arros Research Centre

My name is Alana Robert. I came to work as a Research intern to the Save Our Seas Foundation D’Arros Research Centre for 12 weeks between October and December 2024. I was assisting with the everyday tasks whilst learning about the collection, handling, processing and, analysis of data. This was my first time working with Mantas and hands-on with sharks.

Alana working-up a juvenile lemon shark in St Joseph Atoll. Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

I also got the opportunity to represent the SOSF-DRC and the work we do at the 7th International Marine Conservation Conference (IMCC7) in Cape Town in October, 2024. The theme for this year was “Making Marine Science Matter”. The conference was a chance to collaborate and network by making new connections and sharing ideas with experts in the conservation community. My presentation was about ‘Smart Science: using new and advancing technologies to keep research conservation relevant’.

Alana giving her first in-person presentation at her first international scientific conference in Cape Town. Photo by Wade Naude | © Save Our Seas Foundation

The encouragement I received helped boost my confidence and contributed to a successful presentation. I gained insights into environmental policies and Marine Protected Areas management, and a boost to create future opportunities for myself and research in Seychelles. After the Conference, work resumed on trash walks, turtle walks, acoustic receiver dives, BRUVS deployment with Nico Fassbender and tagging manta rays with Rachel Newsome for her on-going PhD. Another data analysis skill that I gained was to ID corals for the bleaching event which enabled me to learn more about corals.

Alana during a turtle walk on St Joseph Island. Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

My time on D’Arros and St.Joseph Atoll was an intellectual journey. The untouched beauty allows a unique backdrop for connection and inspiration. I have developed into a more scientific mindset and have gained more research skills in data analysis, writing up reports, shark handling and tagging, boat handling and more. These are necessary tools that I will need along my journey as a researcher and in the maritime industry. Thank you Save Our Seas Foundation and the D’Arros Research Centre, for this Internship opportunity.

Alana on a receiver swap dive at D’Arros. Photo by Ellie Moulinie | Save Our Seas Foundation