In May, Nirmal will join nine other selected fellows on a five-day, experiential-learning based retreat at the WHOI located in Falmouth, Massachusetts to learn about ocean-science concepts ranging from marine biology to geophysics. With a focus on environmental science communication, Nirmal will have the opportunity to engage with others who are also focused in this specific subject area, while also participating in activities like beach clean-ups and socials to foster networking opportunities and connection with other fellows, science communication professionals, and scientists.

Created in 2000, the OSJ fellowship recognizes outstanding professional science communicators and aims to advance their knowledge in ocean science through laboratory sessions and field excursions. With experience ranging from hosting videos on the popular Youtube channel SciShow to developing a short-form video series to highlight EESA research, Nirmal – who joined the EESA Communications team in August 2021 – is excited to apply her digital production and communication skills to a new area of science.

“I’ve been looking for ways to advance my knowledge in science that I haven’t had experience in,” Nirmal explained. “My background is in plant genetics and developmental research, but now I am working in a role where there are a lot of different types of science – and it’s impossible to have training in all of them. This experience is definitely a way to bridge that gap.”

Click here to learn more about the WHOI OSJ fellowship.