Social media spotlight: Corrina Oakley

Hometown: Bradford, Vermont

The rising third-year student majors in marine sciences with a concentration in biology and minors in zoology. This summer, she’s interning with White Shark Africa, a research, conservation and ecotourism company.

“The desire to be a young woman in STEM research has always driven me to never stop learning and to never stop traveling. This is my second time interning in Mossel Bay, South Africa. I receive college credit and field experience hours by working with one of the world’s apex predators, great white sharks. I did vigorous research last year with Oceans Research, and was able to fully understand the behavioral, migration and hunting strategies of these animals. Now, I use my knowledge to inform our cage-diving clients about the beauty and power of these animals, and change the fearful perspectives they might have. White Shark Africa brings awareness to a larger community of people all over the world. Being a part of that is just one of the many passions I have for all marine research. Friends are the family you choose, and I spend the majority of my time with them … cooking dinner, making campfires and playing video games. The rest of my time goes to playing club soccer, diving or snorkeling, working part time or coming up with ideas for my next international internship. I am proud to be a UMaine student. I wanted to branch out and be part of a larger community — UMaine gave me that and much more. I’ve met some of the most incredible people throughout my time here who have pushed me past every obstacle I’ve faced. The professors and TAs I’ve worked with genuinely care about your well-being as a student and as an individual.”

See posts featuring Oakley on UMaine’s Facebook and Instagram pages.