Expedition Team

Megan Cronin, S-224

Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Hometown: Hamilton, NY
Career Interest: Environmental Activism

I am an Environmental Studies major and Biology minor at Colgate University. I am a senior applying for research and grassroots organizing positions at national environmental organizations. I am particularly interested in environmental justice issues as well as those regarding the regulation of agriculture, animal farming, and electronic waste.

I was a member of class S-224 (last summer) and sailed through the 'great pacific garbage patch' studying plastic distribution and abundance.I applied for this trip because I am sincerely interested in continuing to research oceanic plastic and, more specifically, the relationships plastic particles have with the marine biological community. However, I have also been itching to get back on a ship since I left the Seamans last July because it was a fun and meaningful experience for me.

My SEA experience made me realize how to derive satisfaction and enjoyment from hard work, it gave me the confidence to achieve whatever goals I set for myself, and it showed me what being passionate about something really feels like. I am both terrified and fascinated by oceans and learning about them was exhilarating for me - I cannot wait to do it again.

My favorite watch was mid-watch, my favorite activity was field day clean up, my favorite job was bow-watch, and my favorite meal was every meal because Lil' is a master steward that deserves her own show on the food network. On land on enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, traveling, camping, and meeting new and interesting people like yourselves; I will see you all soon.