Three of MEESA’s twelfth graders, Lenora Malmberg, Sanaa Speller, and Hailie Kidd, have begun their senior internships as MEESA’s first cohort to do so. Through these experiences, students at the Maritime Engineering & Environmental Studies Academy are applying what they have learned in class to real-world maritime settings, from exploring marine life and inspecting underwater environments to taking apart boat motors.
Lenora Malmberg: Exploring Marine Life and Research
Lenora Malmberg is exploring marine science through an internship with Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC), guided by mentor Dr. Jennifer Martin. Her experiences include examining marine organisms, collecting sediment, exploring marine laboratory operations, and learning about microplastics and how they move through ocean waters.
During an overnight experience on the Eastern Shore with VPCC and William & Mary, Lenora collected sea urchins from baskets alongside a dock. Holding and observing a sea urchin was a favorite moment, giving her an opportunity to connect directly with the marine life she was studying.
Lenora has also enjoyed meeting undergraduate and graduate students involved in research. Hearing their perspectives has offered a glimpse into college life and opportunities to continue exploring marine science.
Sanaa Speller: Investigating Underwater Environments Through Technology
Sanaa Speller is working with the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) and mentors Regina Deltzer and Debbie Baggett on a project focused on underwater inspection. Her work will explore pollution, marine life, and how underwater vehicles can help investigate marine environments.
As part of the project, Sanaa will measure water quality indicators, including temperature, water level, and turbidity. The project will incorporate micro:bits, 3D printers, and drones, connecting technology and engineering with maritime investigation.
“Our project is focusing on underwater inspection,” Sanaa explained, describing plans to explore pollution and marine life using underwater vehicles. The experience will give her opportunities to apply technical skills to questions about the health and conditions of local waters.
Hailie Kidd: Getting Hands-On with Boat Motors
Hailie Kidd is exploring the mechanical side of the maritime field through an internship with Youth Sailing Virginia and mentor Dreugh Phillips.
On her first day, Hailie learned about boat motor components and the projects she would be working on. She has since begun learning how to disassemble a motor, remove its lower section, and clean and inspect its parts.
“My favorite part so far has been turning a wrench and unscrewing bolts and using my hands to work in this internship,” Hailie shared.
With the waterfront as her workplace, Hailie is gaining practical experience in boat motor maintenance while discovering what she enjoys about mechanical work.
Building Connections Between Student Interests and Maritime Careers
The internship process began with a career interest survey at the end of the students’ eleventh-grade year. Using students’ responses, MEESA’s ODU program manager connected with industry and community partners to identify opportunities aligned with their interests.
In mid-October, mentors visited MEESA to meet students in person, discuss their interests, introduce their organizations and fields, and establish a schedule for in-person and virtual connections. These conversations helped students and mentors begin building relationships and planning their work together.
Partnerships like these extend student learning beyond the classroom. By working alongside mentors, students can see how maritime concepts apply in professional settings, practice using tools and technology, ask questions, and explore potential career paths through direct experience. The range of placements also introduces students to the many fields connected to maritime, including marine science, environmental monitoring, engineering, and mechanical maintenance.
Lenora, Sanaa, and Hailie are just the beginning. The remaining MEESA seniors will also be paired with internship partners this fall with mentors from Capes Shipping, Dominion Energy, Jefferson Lab, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, ODU Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity Innovation Lab (iLab), The Longbow Group, and VPCC, expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and explore their futures in the maritime field.