Meet Communications Intern, Ellie Vieira

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, just 20 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. I spent much of my childhood on the New England coast, where I would go clamming and explore wetlands and bogs. Those experiences sparked my curiosity about coastal ecosystems and drove my love for the ocean.

Where did you go to school and in what subject did you get your degree(s)?

I currently attend the University of Georgia as an undergraduate student, where I am working toward a bachelor of science in marine science with minors in biology and scientific diving. Although I'm not certain what will come next for me, I know that my love for animals and ocean ecosystems will always be a part of it.

How did you come to work at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center?

As much as it may seem like my life revolves around the more science-y side of things, anyone who's known me long enough will tell you I always find myself working on some kind of creative project in my free time. Whether it's managing club Instagram accounts or designing the theme and decor for my school's cabaret fundraiser, I've always loved finding creative ways to bring ideas to life. I've also had fun exploring different digital platforms, and as a Girl Scout, I was constantly creating videos, posters, and other projects for the community. So, when I came across this position this summer, it immediately caught my attention and it couldn't have been a better fit for both my creative and scientific interests.

What do you do at the science center?

I work with the science center to create and share a variety of engaging community outreach materials. I recently published a web story about Texas A&M University students conducting conch research alongside a group of NOAA scientists, and I look forward to writing and publishing more stories in the near future. I also contribute to the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Instagram , including the "Fun Fact Friday" posts and other special features, such as "Shark Week" content. One of my longer term projects is developing a tagging webpage for the public that explains what to do if they capture a tagged fish. The goal of this project is to make it easier for the public to understand the recapture process and facilitate recapture reporting across NOAA Fisheries.

What advice would you have for someone interested in a career at NOAA Fisheries?

Don't close yourself off to opportunities just because they may look different from what you initially imagined. Going into my internship search, I knew I wanted an experience where I could learn and contribute across different areas of NOAA Fisheries, but I didn't know exactly what that would look like. My biggest piece of advice is to explore the possibilities available to you and be open to trying something new. You never know what skills you might develop, who you might meet, or where an opportunity might lead you, so always be willing to see where it takes you.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work and school, I love spending time in and around the water. I enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing, and I've been a competitive swimmer since I was little. I also have a strong love for music, especially jazz, and began playing the trumpet in fourth grade. I love traveling and meeting new people, and I recently had the opportunity to study abroad in Belize, which was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had.