Dock Watch Welcomes Summer Interns

The SMLA Dock Watch program, now in its third year, welcomes two new interns for the summer. The interns assist in the lab reviewing samples under the microscopes for cyanobacteria, the organisms that can cause harmful algal blooms. They will learn how a small volunteer citizen science program operates, how to manage data sets, and will develop individual projects to further our understanding of the lake.

Stephen Woodson is a resident of Roanoke and a rising sophomore at Western Virginia Community College. Stephen is studying biology and is working toward his associate degree with a goal of attending a 4-year college to complete at least a bachelor of science. Stephen has a sincere interest in environmental stewardship. He understands the importance of protecting natural resources and is motivated to join efforts to safeguard the health of our waterways and ecosystems.

Stephen is also employed as a line chef at Frankie Rowlands in Downtown Roanoke where he has made efficiency improvements through data analysis.

Seana Sebol is a lake resident in the Hickory Cove neighborhood. She is a rising junior at Radford University, studying Biomedical Sciences. Although Seana is planning to continue to dental school, she is also developing her interests in laboratory and field work with the Biology Department at Radford. Seana is excited to encourage others to recognize the importance of protecting SML for healthy and safe enjoyment of the resource.

Seana is a server at Tiff’s in Mariner’s Landing. Say hi if you see her there!