Student Stories
From professional connections and work experience to courses at the coast and research opportunities, Marine and Coastal Opportunities has played an invaluable role in the education of countless students. Here are some of their stories.
Thank you to our campus and agency partners, and our generous donors who make these experiences possible!
Courses at the Coast
No matter their major, any student can take courses at the Oregon coast. These courses focus on experiential learning and provide students with hands-on experience early in their marine-related career.
MACO offers a variety of financial assistance programs for students to increase access to courses at the coast. MACO also works directly with OSU departments to develop and expand marine and coastal undergraduate coastal course offerings, and offers financial awards to support faculty in these endeavors.
"I saw how science, culture, economics, and policy intertwine, and that effective management depends on collaboration across those realms. Every person we met approached stewardship from a different angle, yet all were connected by respect for the coast."- Student in Coastal Ecology and Resource Management (FW 426/526), Fall 2024
"This course helped me realize I could tackle challenging material – and even thrive in it. I left feeling more confident in my abilities and ready to take on more in marine mammal science.”
- Elijah Foster, Student in Biology, Ecology, and Conservation of Marine Mammals (FW 457x/557x), Fall 2024
Clubs & Student Organizations
Experiential learning doesn't have to begin in a classroom. There are a wide range of marine-related clubs and student organizations at OSU that put students in touch with the ocean and Oregon Coast through outreach, field trips, professional development, community engagement, and more.
As part of MACO’s dedication to connecting more students with the coast, we work closely with student clubs and organizations to provide them with activity sponsorship and resources to access the beautiful Oregon Coast. This support includes providing logistical coordination, sponsoring activity entry fees, providing a tour of the Hatfield Marine Science Center and self-guided activities, and connecting their leadership teams to external collaborators. MACO also coordinates a list of Ocean & Coasts Clubs at OSU for interested students.
"As a student, it was a great way to get involved with a lot of the ocean and marine-themed activities. I was passionate about helping to educate other people and to get involved with community projects like beach cleanups. But it was also the perfect catalyst to learn about leadership and organization, which are skills that have just been instrumental for me going forward after my degree.”
- Cole Thieme, former Ocean11 Marine Club member, Biology major with the Marine Biology and Ecology option, Class of 2023
"Another thing that’s really special is that when students give their time and effort to Ocean11, the club gives right back. I have made friendships and memories here that I know will last a lifetime.”
-Avery Haymowicz, former Ocean11 Marine Club member
Student Employment & Internships
Through student employment and paid internships, MACO provides undergraduate students with experiential learning and leadership opportunities that help them grow their professional networks, build transferable skills, and confidently navigate resources available during their studies and beyond graduation.
Throughout the year, MACO hires and mentors student employees who support and lead media and communications projects for the office. These students also provide peer advising to fellow undergraduates, gaining meaningful leadership experience in the process. In addition, MACO coordinates annual summer internships with partner organizations, offering OSU undergraduates interdisciplinary, human-dimensions–focused research experiences.
"MACO has given me opportunities to grow both professionally and personally, from connecting with faculty to providing guidance to prospective students. I see myself in those I speak with and am reminded at how helpful these moments are. I have gained connections and experiences that will fuel my future career, and I am grateful for the people I have met along the way!"
- Stefania Diano, MACO Media & Communications Technician student employee
“MACO has allowed me to build connections that will be invaluable for the rest of my life. From meeting like-minded classmates to industry professionals and researchers, my work at MACO has built bridges between me and the field I want to pursue.”
- Noor Denolf, MACO Media & Communications Technician student employee
Students, ready to start your story? Visit the For Students tab or contact MACO to get started.
Donors, thank you for your continued support. Even small gifts make a huge difference. We couldn't do this without you.