Master of Environmental Management student Vicky Fong shares her journey to choosing the Coastal and Marine Systems (CAMS) concentration and how it鈥檚 preparing her for a successful career. From initial motivations to key experiences in the program, get an inside look at how this concentration is shaping her future.
What drew you to the CAMS concentration and how is it preparing you for your career?
After studying ecology and conservation in my undergraduate studies, I worked at a nonprofit studying manta rays in Florida for three years. Working in marine conservation highlighted the importance of understanding the natural, social, and political systems at play to protect and manage our oceans. Thus, I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the MEM program and the flexibility of the CAMS curriculum to explore my various professional interests.
How does that skillset complement what you're learning in your other concentration?
I am also in the Environmental Analytics and Modeling concentration and completing the Geospatial Analysis Certificate. Courses such as "Geospatial Analysis for Coastal and Marine Management" use real-world datasets to demonstrate the latest geospatial tools and encourages students to apply their newfound skills to their own research topic!
What has been the most rewarding experience or project in the program?
Being a part of the has been the highlight of my time at Duke so far! I am in an interdisciplinary Bass Connections team using drones to monitor endangered African elephants, where I have been able to collaborate with folks across education levels and fields! Developing my independent Master's Project with Dr. David Johnston to conduct field-based summer research is also pushing me outside of my comfort zone and helping me grow as a scientist.
What advice would you give to someone considering this concentration?
Explore opportunities to get involved with hands-on projects within and outside of the Nic School! Most CAMS students spend their second year at the Marine Lab (DUML) to take full advantage of the field-based coursework that Duke offers. I loved visiting DUML as part of the fall introductory CAMS course and look forward to my time in Beaufort next year!