Hello PDXWildlife followers! This is Bryan Kinane, Summer Intern 2016.
Originally from London, I recently graduated ARU University, Cambridge with a degree in Marine Biology and Animal Behaviour. During my undergraduate studies I was fortunate enough to travel to Egypt for a module where I completed my PADI open water and Advanced diver qualifications.
At ARU University, Cambridge
I remember my first dive, the brief panic of having to re-learn how to breathe to the sudden realisation that there was a whole new world to discover. We drifted through the famous blue hole and later that evening participated in my first night dive, as we descended, a multitude of venomous lionfish inquisitively greeted us; their magnificent feather-like manes shimmering in our torchlight. The spectacular way the underwater world transforms as the sun sets is unlike anything else that I have experienced. Suffice to say, I didn’t want to leave. Still, that trip cemented my passion for exotic wildlife and their conservation.
Since then I’ve spent time at the Marine Biological Station in Millport as well as volunteering for two projects run by ZSLs Marine and Freshwater Conservation group. Working with actual active conservation scientists made me realise that this really is something I could see myself doing for years to come!
Giving an interview for London Zoos online course (The MOOC).
In the near future I would like to continue my studies and complete my masters, possibly even PhD, in international conservation and use that as an outlet to travel. I’m really looking forward to my internship with PDXWildlife, the chance to meet new people, explore new places and of course the exciting opportunity to work with the charismatic symbol of worldwide conservation, Meg, and Nate – bring on China!
-Bryan
