Jenna Malloy is a junior in The Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources. This summer, she participated in Stone Laboratory’s Semester at Stone Lab program. Read about her experience below.
This summer at Stone Laboratory was nothing short of transformative! From the moment I stepped into the Bayview Office, I felt welcomed by the incredibly kind and helpful staff. Arriving on Gibraltar and being greeted by Newton the dog was a comforting experience that set the tone for an unforgettable summer. Settling into my dorm and exploring the island only added to the excitement.
As classes began, I was initially nervous about the intense hours, but the schedule was surprisingly manageable and engaging thanks to my professor. I even discovered a knack for rowing — my personal record from Gibraltar Island to the research docks is now an impressive 7 minutes!
The two courses I took at Stone Lab, about the taxonomy and behavior of aquatic invertebrates and fishes, were phenomenal. I loved being able to focus solely on the identification of invertebrates and fishes as opposed to having them combined with other courses. The content provided me with hard skills beyond just identification.
The connections I made, both professionally and socially, are invaluable. I feel comfortable reaching out to any of the professors for guidance or recommendations. Choosing a “favorite part” of the experience is impossible; I truly loved every moment, from playing volleyball with friends on the island to swimming and snorkeling off Gibraltar. My time in the Water Quality Lab was particularly rewarding, where I learned essential skills in researching and analyzing algal toxins known as microcystins.
Interacting with the public during Put-in-Bay Science Days at the South Bass Island Lighthouse and teaching kids how to fish at Oak Point State Park were highlights that enriched my experience even further. Field trips with my classes were both fun and educational, reinforcing my passion for environmental science.
I cannot recommend this experience highly enough to anyone considering it. I am incredibly grateful to the donors who made it possible. I’ve walked away with lifelong friendships — something I initially thought was an exaggeration! Thank you, Stone Lab, for an unforgettable summer.
For more information about Stone Lab scholarship opportunities, visit go.osu.edu/SLscholarships.
Learn more about State Science Day at ohiosci.org/ssd.
Ohio Sea Grant is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs nation-wide dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Stone Laboratory is Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie and is the research, education, and outreach facility of Ohio Sea Grant and part of CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources.