Semester at CMAST Student Works with Bonehenge Whale Center

Each spring, NC State offers a semester-long hands-on immersion learning experience for undergraduate students at the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST).  While each student takes a full load of courses, they also work with a mentor to conduct a research project.  This semester, CMAST is hosting twelve students, including sophomore, Cecilia Calub, who is majoring in marine science with a biological oceanography concentration, with a minor in biological sciences. 

Cecilia is working under the mentorship of Keith Rittmaster, who directs the Bonehenge Whale Center in Beaufort, an organization that often partners with CMAST.  Cecilia says her research focuses on the anthropogenic (human) dangers to whales, dolphins, and porpoises.  She indicates that the process of her work follows that of the NC Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which responds to stranded animals and strives to determine and understand their cause of death.

Once these deceased mammals are transported to and necropsied at CMAST and later buried at Bonehenge, Cecilia says she helps excavate and study the bones. The skeletons are then sometimes displayed at Bonehenge Whale Center as learning tools about whale conservation.

This research is key for whale conservation, says Cecilia, because the more we know about these mammals and the more the public is aware of these issues, the more likely it will be to, “pass legislation that protects these mammals from anthropogenic threats like ship strikes and entanglements.”  

Cecilia says participating in the Semester at CMAST program, “has been the best decision I’ve ever made. The connections I’ve made have been a huge step in my undergraduate journey. The people here are all very friendly and supportive. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.”