PMEL Interns

PMEL internships take place during the summer to provide Scholars with hands-on, practical educational training experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. They work across various groups at PMEL with assigned mentors.

Information about internships:

Hollings Scholars - 2026

Maggie Chen

My name is Maggie Chen and I am a rising senior studying Global Environmental Science at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I'm also currently finishing up my thesis on the life history of Gindai which is a deep water snapper found across the Indo-Pacific. I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, fishing, and photography in my free time and I am looking forward to doing all of those things this summer. I'll be working with the PMEL EcoFOCI group to evaluate the Bering Sea environment simulated by a regional ocean model.

Brookelynn Gotschall

My name is Brookelynn Gotschall, and I am majoring in Marine Biology at Florida International University. I really enjoy reading, specifically dystopian novels. I also really like hiking, scuba diving, climbing, and tide pooling. My future goal is to pursue a career in wildlife medicine or conservation research, with a focus on protecting marine species and their ecosystems.

Lapenta Scholars - 2026

Izaiah Williams

Hello, I am from Durham, NC attending Duke University. I am currently a rising junior studying Mechanical engineering with a minor in Earth and Climate Science.

NERTO Scholars - 2026

Kolawole Owoeye

My name is Kolawole Owoeye, and I am a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY), specializing in remote sensing and lidar applications for atmospheric and environmental studies. My research focuses on the use of ground-based remote sensing instruments, including lidar and ceilometers, alongside satellite observations to study atmospheric processes, monitor air quality, and improve environmental prediction systems through integrated observational analysis and validation.

UW CICOES REU Scholars - 2026

Carlos Hernandez Santiago

My name is Carlos and I'm studying Earth & Oceanographic Sciences and Education at Bowdoin College. I grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico and San Diego, CA with my 4 siblings. I enjoy hiking, playing basketball, cooking and just spending time with my family. Through a physical oceanography PhD, I hope to explore air-sea fluxes, ocean mixing and turbulence, and the implications of these physical processes on climate. I'm excited to explore Seattle's nature and food scene this summer!

OSU HMSC REU Scholars - 2026

Aaron Norton

My name is Aaron Norton, and I am an Oceanography major at Cal Poly Humboldt. I am most interested in chemical oceanography, with a particular focus on hydrothermal vent systems. I plan to become a professor; I've had a multitude of positive experiences with faculty and want to provide that for future students. I love making art of any kind, playing video games alone and with friends, and spending time in nature. I am super excited to be a part of a project well aligned with my research interests, and to meet the other interns and learn about everyone's projects.

Other Scholars - 2026

Tingting Yan

Program: Innovative Graduate Study program in Proactive Environmental Studies (WINGS-PES) award from The University of Tokyo

My name is Tingting Yan, and I am originally from China. I am currently a doctoral student at the University of Tokyo, where I study physical oceanography. My research focuses on the interactions between the Kuroshio Large Meander and coastal circulation off the south coast of Japan.

Brianna Liu

Program: High school intern

My name is Brianna Liu, and I'm a high school senior from South Florida. I am deeply interested in climate and data sciences, and I plan on studying engineering. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, writing, and reading, and love watching motorsport. This summer, I'm excited to learn as much as I can from this internship, meet new people, and explore Seattle!