Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science
The Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) is a specialized high school in Ocean County, New Jersey. Students are admitted through a selective admissions process, competing against all public and private schools across the county. All students take a rigorous curriculum consisting of all honors courses or dual-enrollment courses with Stockton University. MATES is located in Stafford Township, New Jersey, near the Barnegat Bay and the Pine Barrens, providing students with enriching hands-on field and research experiences.
Field Experiences
Many of the courses I have taken at MATES include a field component: Marine Biology, Research Methods, Aquatic Ecology, Research Methods II, Advanced Oceanographic Research, Environmental Science. I have acquired experience with: seining, kayaking, birding, dissolved oxygen tests, YSI multimeters, turbidimeters, sample collection, species identification, and more.
Field Write Ups
After collecting data in the field, I perform statistical analyses using Microsoft Excel and Tukey HSD tests and compile my findings into field write ups, improving my scientific writing skills.
I have gained experience in technical writing and statistical analyses from writing multiple field writes ups each semester. I am skilled in ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel Analysis ToolPak, ImageJ Software, and TukeyHSD.
My MATES Experience
A reflection
MATES has been such a memorable high school experience. From Christmas parodies about shark species to gym trips to Wawa, MATES fosters a unique culture. I am incredibly grateful for the enriching field experiences and amazing research opportunities MATES has given me. It has been invigorating to be surrounded by a community of motivated peers throughout these four years. I have made meaningful connections with many of my classmates and teachers. Furthermore, MATES has instilled in me a confidence, as I have accomplished things that I never even dreamed
of doing. I remember trembling in front of the class during an Aquatic Ecology presentation during sophomore year; then less than a year later I was beaming after presenting my research at the Jersey Shore Science Fair. Although the rigorous curriculum has led to many sleepless nights, MATES taught me the importance of time management, compartmentalism, and work-life balance. As I progressed through the aquatic academic curriculum, I became aware of the pressing issues threatening our coastal ecosystems. Although the complexity of climate issues is daunting, MATES has shown me that people who are truly passionate about the environment are making significant efforts to find solutions.