12 July, 2024
The CORDAP Young Coral Champion Internship offers an exceptional opportunity for young professionals and students passionate about marine conservation to gain hands-on experience in coral reef research and restoration. This year, we proudly launched the first internship with two young, passionate candidates, Safeer and Siena. Participants in this program have the chance to work alongside leading experts, engage in cutting-edge scientific projects, and contribute to innovative solutions addressing the challenges facing coral ecosystems.
During their time here, Safeer and Siena were guided throughout the entire internship by Eleonora Re, a PhD student and dedicated member of the TAJRC group. Eleonora taught them various skills, including coral maintenance, coral scanning, and 3D printing, among other activities. Her mentorship provided them with deep insights into her research and the projects of other lab members, and made it an enriching learning experience for the interns.
Notably, Siena's father, Marcelo Claure, an influential entrepreneur, visited KAUST and dove into the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the campus. During his visit, Marcelo shared his diverse experiences as a successful entrepreneur with the TAJRC group, inspiring all team members and providing valuable insights for their future careers.
Watch Siena's video on "A Day in the Life" of a Young Coral Champion:
https://www.instagram.com/cordap_/reel/C9mIA40t-uM/?img_index=1
Watch Safeer's video on "A Day in the Life" of a Young Coral Champion:
https://www.instagram.com/cordap_/reel/C94Hbx4tM3y/?img_index=1