Sanibel Sea School Blog
Meet Your Counselors!
Kealy, Isaac, Cathy, Audry, Brianna, Doc Bruce, Emma, and Cameron are looking forward to the best summer ever.
Summer camp starts Monday! Here are the friendly faces – some old and some new – who will be leading the ocean fun and adventures this year:
Doc Bruce
What did you study/ are you studying?
I have loved animals all of my life – I studied zoology, then coral reef biology and then conservation biology.
Favorite sea creature?
Flying fish
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
If not floating on the surface of the ocean, then paddling across its surface.
One interesting thing about you?
Hmmmmm. I don’t like climbing down ladders, is that interesting?
Shannon
What did you study/ are you studying?
I majored in marine biology and minored in chemistry at the University of Miami. I stayed for a masters of professional science in marine conservation.
Favorite sea creature?
Striped pyjama squid!
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
How can I pick just one… scuba diving, snorkeling, floating on my back in a current, rolling around in the swash zone, body surfing.
One interesting thing about you?
I lived on a ship for 3 months, traveled to 18 different countries, and crossed the Atlantic!
Sam L.
What did you study/ are you studying?
I majored in biology and minored in anthropology at Salisbury University in Maryland.
Favorite sea creature?
Striped burrfish! They are adorable and always bring a smile to my face.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
It’s way too hard to choose! Scuba diving, paddling, swimming, snorkeling, exploring tidal flats, floating around in the water.
One interesting thing about you?
I have finished 7 half marathons!
Dani
What did you study/ are you studying?
I have a biology major and marine science minor from Wittenberg University and I went to University of Miami for my masters of professional science in tropical marine ecosystem management.
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite marine phylum is Echinodermata but if I had to pick one sea creature it would be the sea cucumber.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
My favorite way to enjoy the ocean is about 80 feet below while scuba diving, or at night with bioluminescence.
One interesting thing about you?
I started scuba diving when I was 12 and that is also when I started telling people I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew up. Despite living in landlocked states until after college, I have finally made it to the ocean. It is 100% possible for the kid from Kentucky to be a marine biologist when they grow up and I am more than happy to be proof of that!
Emma
What did you study/ are you studying?
I am studying Conservation Biology at Middlebury College and dabbling in all sorts of things along the way.
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite sea creature right now is the lettuce sea slug (one of the cutest and smallest critters).
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
I love to free dive and hang upside down in schools of fish, but anything I do in the ocean is perfect for me.
One interesting thing about you?
I am on a goalie on my college water polo team and we won nationals this year #rollpants! Also I can touch my nose with my tongue and my favorite color is purple!
Sam G.
What did you study/ are you studying?
I am studying Marine Science at FGCU.
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite sea creatures are the blue ringed octopus, hogfish, and sailfish because I can’t just pick one.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
I love fishing, free diving, scuba diving, and relaxing on the beach.
One interesting thing about you?
I grew up in the US Virgin Islands living on St. Croix for 7 years before moving to Florida.
Kealy
What did you study/ are you studying?
I majored in Environmental Science and minored in Marine Biology at the University of Tampa.
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite sea creature is a stoplight parrotfish.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
I love snorkeling, scuba diving, beachcombing and just relaxing on the beach.
One interesting thing about you?
I had tea with Ed Sheeran’s grandma while I was backpacking UK and Ireland.
Cathy
What did you study/ are you studying?
I just declared an economics major, but I’ve only finished my freshman year so I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing yet. I wanna add some fun minors!!!!!!
Favorite sea creature?
Atlantic pygmy octopus!!!!!!!!
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
I love snorkeling in and floating on the ocean!!!!
One interesting thing about you?
I like to sing operatic music!
Brianna
What did you study/ are you studying?
I’m currently studying Environmental and Conservation Biology with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Management.
Favorite sea creature?
Green sea turtle
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
Paddleboarding and tubing!
One interesting thing about you?
I used to be a performer in Walt Disney World and have lived in 5 different states working in various state and national parks.
Audry
What did you study/ are you studying?
I’m a Holistic Child major at Mercer University (it’s a combination of elementary education and special education).
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite sea creature is a sea cucumber.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
My favorite way to enjoy the ocean is snorkeling.
One interesting thing about you?
When I was little I had a pet hermit crab that won several competitions!
Cameron
What did you study/ are you studying?
I majored in marine science with a minor in geology and received my degree in May 2019.
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite sea creature is called the disco clam.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
My favorite beach activity is free diving. I also like grilling and making friends with all the other people walking around.
One interesting thing about you?
I have a steel rod in my tibia (shin).
Isaac
What did you study/ are you studying?
I am currently studying to be a middle or high school teacher.
Favorite sea creature?
My favorite sea creature is a spotted eagle ray.
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
Walks on the beach.
One interesting thing about you?
I enjoy reading.
Elly
Elly is our camp photographer!
What did you study/ are you studying?
I am studying Communications/ Advertising and Marine Sciences at Boston University.
Favorite sea creature?
Manta rays, but also every kind of mollusk ever (people call me Shell for a reason)!
Favorite way to enjoy the ocean?
I love freediving, beachcombing, and just being in or anywhere near the ocean!
One interesting thing about you?
I went scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef!