The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium welcomed two new Marine Biology Education interns this summer thanks to a grant from the Rist Family Foundation.
Lillian, a Zoology student at the Lyman Briggs College of Michigan State University, and Jade, a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in Marine Science, are working with the Museum’s experienced Marine Biologists and educators to learn about mollusk biology, ecology, biodiversity, and teaching methods. They are gaining experience in educating visitors, designing programs, and operating a museum that will be valuable in building careers in education, the non-profit sector, science, and conservation, among other areas.
“For 19 years, I’ve been visiting Sanibel Island and have fallen in love with shelling and marine life—especially mollusks,” said Lillian, pictured here with Brian and Kim Rist. “Becoming an intern at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is truly a childhood dream come true. This opportunity has allowed me to interact with fellow passionate shellers and curious visitors who share an interest in mollusks and marine life.”
In July, the interns will lead two educational programs at the Museum:
· Ocean Pollution and Its Impact on Marine Animals. 11am, Saturday, July 12
· Florida’s Coral Reefs. 11am, Sunday, July 27. This interactive program is ideal for children ages 8-11 with their guardians.
Both programs are free with the price of admission to the Museum, and participants have the opportunity to decorate their own reusable grocery bag to keep. Pre-registration is required: [email protected].
Paid internships in Marine Biology Education and Animal Husbandry are available year-round at the Museum through the Rist Family Foundation Internship Program. The program was established in 2024 by a grant from the Rist Family Foundation. Information is available at shellmuseum.org/careers-internships.
About the Museum: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and
mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.
