Aquaculture Journey
Exploring aquatic science, reef ecosystems, fish care, and conservation through hands-on learning and volunteer experience.
Hands-On Aquarium Care
Learn how healthy saltwater aquariums are maintained through filtration, water quality management, routine maintenance, and daily animal care.
Coral & Reef Ecosystems
Discover how coral reefs function, why they are important, and how responsible aquaculture helps protect marine ecosystems.
Fish Health & Aquaculture
Explore the science behind fish care, habitat management, nutrition, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Volunteer and Field Experiences
How youth leadership and community engagement drive positive change in local fisheries.
Volunteer & Field Experiences
From volunteering at local aquariums to visiting hatcheries and participating in conservation projects, each experience helps me better understand aquatic ecosystems, fish care, and environmental stewardship. This section documents that journey
Fintastic Aquariums of Wake County
Volunteer | Summer 2026
Volunteering at Fintastic Aquariums has given me hands-on experience caring for saltwater aquariums while learning about marine ecosystems. Working alongside experienced staff, I helped maintain aquarium displays, monitor water quality, learn coral care techniques, observe fish health, and assist customers interested in reef aquariums. This experience strengthened my understanding of aquaculture and responsible aquatic animal care.
Skills Developed
✓ Aquarium maintenance
✓ Water quality management
✓ Coral reef ecosystems
✓ Fish health observation
✓ Customer education
✓ Daily aquarium operations
Community Conservation – Wake County Big Sweep 2026
Protecting North Carolina's Waterways
On July 11, 2026, I volunteered with Wake County's Big Sweep to help clean Crabtree Creek in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Our team traveled by canoe through the creek, collecting litter and debris from the water and shoreline. Removing trash from local waterways helps improve habitat for fish and other wildlife while reducing pollution that can eventually reach larger rivers and lakes.
As someone passionate about fishing and aquatic ecosystems, this experience gave me a firsthand appreciation for the importance of conservation. Healthy fisheries begin with healthy waterways, and I believe protecting these environments is a responsibility shared by everyone who enjoys them.
What I Learned
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🚣 Worked as part of a volunteer team during Wake County's Big Sweep.
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🗑️ Removed litter from Crabtree Creek to improve water quality.
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🌿 Learned how community conservation efforts directly benefit aquatic ecosystems.
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🐟 Gained a deeper understanding of the connection between clean waterways and healthy fish populations.
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🤝 Experienced the impact that volunteers can have when working together to protect natural resources.
NC State CMAST – Exploring Aquaculture Research & the Business of Shellfish Farming
July 19, 2026 | Morehead City, NC
I had an amazing opportunity to spend a Sunday morning at NC State University's Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST) in Morehead City with Mr. Eric Herbst, Coastal Aquaculture Specialist with North Carolina Sea Grant. Mr. Herbst generously spent more than three hours with me, showing me around the facility and explaining research and work involving oyster and clam farming, shellfish mariculture, and fish hatcheries. I really appreciated how welcoming he was and how much time he took to answer my questions.
One of my biggest takeaways was seeing that aquaculture isn't only about marine science. There is also a fascinating business side—from the cost of starting and operating an oyster farm to production, risk, market demand, and the challenge of building a profitable and sustainable business. The visit helped me see a connection between my interest in aquaculture and my growing interest in business and finance.
Upcoming Experiences
🟢 Creek Cleanup Projects
Participate in local stream cleanups and
community conservation efforts to improve water quality.
🟢 Future Aquatic Conservation Projects
More volunteer and field experiences will be
added as my journey continues.