Cristina Marie Abboud

Senior Undergraduate, Marine Science and Geology
University of Miami
email: [email protected] 

I am currently a senior at the University of Miami majoring in Marine Science and Geology.  I am working on my undergraduate thesis at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences focusing sedimentary cores obtained from the Cariaco Basin off the coast of Venezuela to assess paleo-environments.  The main goal of the study is to correlate turbidite deposits found within these cores to known geologic events.

My involvement in the undergraduate Marine and Atmospheric Science program has allowed me several opportunities to explore the many possibilities in this field.  I have participated in several environmental outreach programs including a coral reef restoration program intended to “grow” corals later used to repair damaged reefs.

While my primary focus is in the sciences, I hope to pursue a career in policy.  This past summer, I attended a seminar at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil focusing on integrated coastal zone management (ICZM).  This consortium brought together students, professors, government officials, and affiliates from NGOs and other grassroots organizations from across the United States and Brazil to address the current state of the marine ecosystem and how effective management plans can have significant positive effects on our oceans.  My experience in Brazil has allowed me to realize the need for a stronger emphasis on scientific knowledge for effective policy making.