Grace Collins

Marine naturalist with 3 years' experience in marine and coastal ecosystem conservation. PADI certified Divemaster with experience in sonar data, coral husbandry, and science communication. Interested in researching how genetic and species diversity in a coral reef can affect stress tolerance, and how these findings can be applied to reef restoration practices and establishing optimal marine protected areas in partnership with local communities.

Sonar Technician - Inwater Research Group - Jensen Beach, FL

(2025-06)

• Reviewed ARIS sonar footage to identify and categorize marine megafauna
• Managed data entry and ensured data quality
• Summarized and documented sonar data in abstracts, annotated bibliographies, and poster presentations
• Performed daily maintenance on ARIS units, including cleaning lenses and conducting anti-corrosion practices
• Conducted shipboard transect surveys using EdgeTech Towfish Side Scan Sonar technology
• Assisted with measuring, weighing, satellite tagging, PIT tagging, and releasing sea turtles and other marine megafauna
• Performed excavations of sea turtle nests
• Adhered to safety guidelines in industrial and aquatic environments

PADI Divemaster - Stuart Scuba - Riviera Beach, FL

(2025-09 - 2026-01)

• Guided certified divers on a variety of sites throughout the West Palm Beach area, including wrecks and drift dives
• Assisted with setting up tanks and gear
• Ensured the safety of boat passengers and divers

Eco Divemaster Intern - Oceans Unlimited PADI IDC - Quepos, Costa Rica

(2024-10 - 2024-12)

• Participated in coral rehabilitation work in partnership with non-profit Marine Conservation Costa Rica
• Harvested and outplanted mature corals, built in-situ nursery structures, and monitored coral growth and health
• Gained experience in servicing scuba equipment including fixing regulators and filling tanks
• Guided dives for clients and assisted instructors in certification courses
• Earned PADI Coral Reef Restoration Certification and Divemaster Certification

Seasonal Educator and Conservationist - Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute - Maui County, HI

(2024-06 - 2024-08)

• Performed daily husbandry for rehabilitated sea turtles including feeding, monitoring water quality, and medical care such as topical treatments, laser light therapy, and blood analysis
• Trained sea turtle and coral husbandry volunteers in proper procedures
• Assisted with intake and release of sea turtle patients
• Ensured accurate and precise data collection
• Provided daily maintenance of corals including feeding, monitoring water quality, and cleaning tanks
• Educated students of Travel for Teens program about corals and sea turtles in Hawai'i through educational presentations, hands-on activities, and in-water field trips

Marine Naturalist and First Mate - Pacific Whale Foundation - Maui County, HI

(2022-09 - 2024-05)

• Assisted captain with safe navigation and operation of vessel, gaining over 200 days of sea time
• As first mate, supervised and delegated tasks to crew members
• Educated up to 130 passengers per trip about the marine life, culture, and geology of the Hawaiian islands both on and off microphone
• Identified marine life and educated groups of up to 30 passengers on reef tours while actively snorkeling and freediving
• Performed daily freediving up to 40 feet to secure vessel to mooring
• Narrated 2-3 hour long whale watches with up to 130 passengers
• Enforced safe wildlife viewing guidelines for snorkelers and whale watch passengers
• Gathered data about wildlife abundance and behavior using Whale and Dolphin Tracker application
• Independently operated a small skiff in open ocean

Research Assistant - American University - Washington, DC

(2021-11 - 2022-05)

• Assisted Associate Professor Garrett Graddy-Lovelace with research for her manuscript "Power of Seeds" researching the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food as well as farmers' rights and benefit sharing policies

Explainer - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) - Washington, DC

(2020-08 - 2022-02)

• As a science communicator I led interactive activities and science demonstrations on topics about space flight
• Educated visitors of diverse backgrounds and age groups over both virtual and in-person platforms, usually 100+ per shift
• Developed thorough knowledge of museum's exhibits and gained science communication experience

Research Intern - Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary - Kihei, HI

(2021-06 - 2021-08)

• Supported by NOAA's Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship and weekly stipends, I conducted a 10-week research project at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei, HI
• Used MATLAB, Triton, and Excel to analyze navy sonar data from SoundTrap acoustic recorders placed in 8 Hawaiian locations
• Conducted multiple Zoom presentations of findings to groups of 100+ peers and sanctuary staff

BS - Environmental Science - American University (AU) Washington, DC