NewsUpper School
Senior named first-ever CCMI intern
Jul 12, 2006 9:31 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Senior Daniela Ryan has been selected as Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s (CCMI) first-ever junior research intern. In this capacity, she assists CCMI President and Director of Research Dr. Carrie Manfrino.
“We selected Daniela to become a junior intern because of her love for the coral reefs of Cayman, many years of experience working with us, ability to direct research projects, and her ambition to make a difference in the community. Daniela is a true leader and an inspiring young Caymanian,” said Manfrino. “From the first day that I met Daniela, I knew that she would become a important part of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s mission. She was outgoing, intelligent, personable and, most importantly, she is incredibly caring about the environment.”
Ryan, who attended CCMI's Summer Sea Camp for the past four years, is working on several projects at Little Cayman Research Centre this summer. One of her main priorities is to help establish LAMP (Long-Term Assessment and Monitoring Program), which is collecting data on populations of threatened and protected species of the Cayman Islands, including whelks, groupers, conch and lobster to name a few.
She is also involved in a project called Dangerous Creatures, in which children learn about some of the more dangerous things that can be encountered while in the water.
“I have a deep love of diving and enjoy the incredible reefs of Cayman," said Ryan. "In the past few years, the Caribbean Sea Camp gave me more knowledge than I could ever imagine and provided me with an in-depth understanding of how the marine environment is so intricate. The program taught me how important it is to take care of our coral reefs.
"I decided to apply for this program so that I could volunteer to help and contribute back to the efforts being made by the Caribbean Sea Camp. I called Dr. Manfrino earlier this summer knowing how much help is needed for the sea camp and how much work goes into organizing the Caymanian youths during the program," she continued. "The most important aspect of the Caribbean Sea Camp is that it is helping to change the culture of our youth who think that it is OK to take everything from the sea and helps us understand that it is important to set limits rather than living in excess. I enjoy being a part of this effort and through the junior internship I have been able to give something back for the years of effort and investment that this non–profit organization has made for our youth in Cayman.”
Ryan is a founding member of Cayman Loves Children, an organization that raises money for the under–privileged children of the world and donates through UNICEF. She traveled to New York in 2003 to present the first check to UNICEF directors. With her fundraising experience, Ryan is developing the concept and activities for the First Annual CCMI Reef Relay, which will raise funds for local youth to attend the Caribbean Sea Camp. She will organize a telethon and other fundraising activities that will provide the money needed for CCMI to continue to operate youth programs and offer scholarships.
Last week during the internship, Ryan participated in the Tropical Marine Conservation course as the first Caymanian to join a college-level course offered by CCMI. Now with the Little Cayman Research Centre completed, CCMI will accept local students into the college courses offered during the summer.
“Our goal is to improve the variety of science and technology offerings for Cayman youth," said Nicoela McCoy, executive council member. "CCMI is providing training that is otherwise not available in the Cayman Islands, and we are committed to becoming a leader in undergraduate and graduate education in the marine sciences in the region."
Ryan is the daughter of Karen Ryan of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
“We selected Daniela to become a junior intern because of her love for the coral reefs of Cayman, many years of experience working with us, ability to direct research projects, and her ambition to make a difference in the community. Daniela is a true leader and an inspiring young Caymanian,” said Manfrino. “From the first day that I met Daniela, I knew that she would become a important part of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s mission. She was outgoing, intelligent, personable and, most importantly, she is incredibly caring about the environment.”
Ryan, who attended CCMI's Summer Sea Camp for the past four years, is working on several projects at Little Cayman Research Centre this summer. One of her main priorities is to help establish LAMP (Long-Term Assessment and Monitoring Program), which is collecting data on populations of threatened and protected species of the Cayman Islands, including whelks, groupers, conch and lobster to name a few.
She is also involved in a project called Dangerous Creatures, in which children learn about some of the more dangerous things that can be encountered while in the water.
“I have a deep love of diving and enjoy the incredible reefs of Cayman," said Ryan. "In the past few years, the Caribbean Sea Camp gave me more knowledge than I could ever imagine and provided me with an in-depth understanding of how the marine environment is so intricate. The program taught me how important it is to take care of our coral reefs.
"I decided to apply for this program so that I could volunteer to help and contribute back to the efforts being made by the Caribbean Sea Camp. I called Dr. Manfrino earlier this summer knowing how much help is needed for the sea camp and how much work goes into organizing the Caymanian youths during the program," she continued. "The most important aspect of the Caribbean Sea Camp is that it is helping to change the culture of our youth who think that it is OK to take everything from the sea and helps us understand that it is important to set limits rather than living in excess. I enjoy being a part of this effort and through the junior internship I have been able to give something back for the years of effort and investment that this non–profit organization has made for our youth in Cayman.”
Ryan is a founding member of Cayman Loves Children, an organization that raises money for the under–privileged children of the world and donates through UNICEF. She traveled to New York in 2003 to present the first check to UNICEF directors. With her fundraising experience, Ryan is developing the concept and activities for the First Annual CCMI Reef Relay, which will raise funds for local youth to attend the Caribbean Sea Camp. She will organize a telethon and other fundraising activities that will provide the money needed for CCMI to continue to operate youth programs and offer scholarships.
Last week during the internship, Ryan participated in the Tropical Marine Conservation course as the first Caymanian to join a college-level course offered by CCMI. Now with the Little Cayman Research Centre completed, CCMI will accept local students into the college courses offered during the summer.
“Our goal is to improve the variety of science and technology offerings for Cayman youth," said Nicoela McCoy, executive council member. "CCMI is providing training that is otherwise not available in the Cayman Islands, and we are committed to becoming a leader in undergraduate and graduate education in the marine sciences in the region."
Ryan is the daughter of Karen Ryan of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
