Where are they now? An update on our previous intern - Tyler Steube!

It has been a few years since we last caught up with our previous intern, Tyler Stueube, so we thought we would check back in and see what he has been doing lately.

We last caught up in 2018, what have you been doing since?

Since my last update, I have made a career change. Following the pandemic, I moved back to central Ohio and now work as a high school science teacher.

Where are you teaching?

Currently I work for Teays Valley HS in Pickaway County.

Tyler lived at Forfar Field Station from December 2015 to July 2016. During his time there, he strengthened his communication and leadership skills while leading and interacting with students, teachers and researchers. We asked Tyler, how did the Forfar internship benefit you in your current job or your future career goals?

"I was fortunate to have boating and diving experience when beginning my internship. However, this starting knowledge was greatly enhanced at Forfar. This included boat knowledge, operation, maneuvering, and engine maintenance. North Andros is a remote island far from any marine part stores. Being a professional means safety always takes priority. Knowing how to prepare and react to boating issues while still leading and assuring a group is the most important professional skill I gained at Forfar. Others include confidence in leading water excursions and species identification."

Forfar Field Station truly benefitted from Tyler's positive attitude, hard work ethic, and growth as a young professional. His confidence and skills enhance the purpose and importance of the IFS' mission - experiential environmental education!

Since leaving Forfar, Tyler enrolled in a Master's Degree at Texas A&M - Corpus Christi and graduated May 2018. Now he works for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in St. Petersburg, on their Fisheries Independent Monitoring program. In his free time, he enjoys beachcombing and camping along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, and articulating fish skeletons for his ichthyology class. In the photos below, you'll see him and his dad fishing near South Andros!

What do you love about your new teaching job?

Although I miss the coastal life (especially in the cold Ohio winter!) I enjoy teaching in the classroom. Education has always been a priority in my life and I enjoy mentoring young adults.

"My internship at Forfar allowed me to develop both as a biological technician and a leader. As a teaching assistant and a graduate student, the ability to be a dynamic speaker and maximize audience engagement is paramount. From my time at the field station, I strengthened these abilities daily. Other leadership skills occurred from collaborating with group leaders and the station director. Having an open line of communication helps everyone involved, and in time I came to anticipate group requests which allowed myself and Forfar to exceed expectations. Now as a graduate student, speaking and connecting to others from a variety of backgrounds happens every day. Making the most of those interactions has been greatly enhanced by my time at Forfar."

When reflecting on the professional skills he gained from his internship, Tyler stated: