I have been given the opportunity to go to the International Sea Turtle Symposium (ISTS) in February 2026 to share my own research on Stable Isotopes throughout the decomposition process of stranded sea turtles. After 15 days of field work collecting samples, I am at the point of processing them, registering & submitting my work while looking at travel details! ISTS is being held in Hawaii (anhhhhhh!!!) and I need help with my travel cost! I am applying for travel grants and was just awarded a grant to fund the full cost of my sample analysis (yay!) but I’ll need food, lodging and airfare for the week I am there.

I am working my way through college taking 17 credits this semester, while working 2 jobs (the CFCC Marine Technology technician and the Mate for Cape Fear Riverboats), volunteering in the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project and working on upgrading my Captain’s license. This opportunity is a once in a lifetime for me while I finish out my undergraduate degree, to be able to connect globally with sea turtles conservationists along with sharing my 18 years of experience with others!

Anything is appreciated to help me get to this conference!!!