A first hand account of life as a research assistant at BMMRO

My time as a research assistant in Sandy Point was an expansive learning experience on many levels. In the five months that I worked with the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation I participated in a diverse range of activities: from gardening to observing dolphins, from cooking 15-person meals to teaching kids how to snorkel.

The most magnetic aspect of the project is the opportunity to study a diverse group of cetaceans in the spectacular underwater habitat of the Bahamas. In the spring and summer season alone I saw nine different species of whales and dolphins! But perhaps even more valuable to an aspiring field biologist was the chance to have a substantial amount of time and encounters with a few key species such as sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and Blainville's beaked whales that facilitated my familiarity with their unique behaviors. It was also thrilling to be a part of a project with such a long history. One of my favorite moments this spring was when we re-sighted a female sperm whale that had not been seen in 15 years; the longest re-sight of a sperm whale in the project.

Working with BMMRO also gave me the opportunity to be involved in education and outreach on both the local and the global scale, something that I believe has an important place in any research organization. The international team of volunteers that come through Earthwatch were enthusiastic and helpful and I truly enjoyed the chance to share what experience I had of the research and local environment. This April I also had the chance to interact with the local community through an extension of the Sandy Point Environmental Camp that BMMRO runs. It was a fabulous chance to get to know some of the kids and their families and a complete joy to share such a positive experience of their islands together.

Beyond the research and the public outreach I also found BMMRO to be simply a great place to live and serve. The principal investigators' facilitation and encouragement made me immediately feel that I was important to the project. I was able to pursue my interest in carpentry through building projects and help with organizing and updating their photo-identification catalogues. Diane and Charlotte's energetic instruction and willingness to involve others creates an open, supportive environment for the many people that come through their home. The group living encourages everyone's full participation in household chores and the nightly ritual of cooking and eating together both provide a great way to get to know your housemates. All things considered, it was a wonderfully diverse experience and I would recommend it to anyone with enthusiasm and dedication.

Kiya Gornik was a research assistant with BMMRO from January - June 2007, we thank her for her enthusiasm and dedication!