Meet Ibrahim, our First Seek2Sea Apprentice

Our Seek2Sea Apprenticeship* is a paid program that enables early-career individuals to gain hands-on experience working in marine science and animal care. Hear from Ibrahim, our first Seek2Sea Apprentice, as he reflects on his recent experience and shares his plans for the future. 

Can you tell me a bit about your experience before the Seek2Sea Apprenticeship? What made you interested in working in marine science? 

The natural world has always fascinated me growing up in South Florida, with the ocean playing a vital part. When my family and I moved up to Boston in 2018, the ocean was just as vital in making me feel at home. The Atlantic remained a constant, steadfast friend, albeit one I longed to understand better and truly appreciate. The joy of being an educator is that you are constantly learning. This opportunity allowed me to delve deeper into the realms of marine science, conservation, and education, sparking an ongoing exploration of these fields throughout undergrad and post-graduation that would ultimately lead me back to the Aquarium!   

What have you been working on here at the Aquarium? Do you have a favorite experience from your time here?  

As an Aquarist Apprentice with the Permanent Galleries team, I work alongside staff in caring for animals and maintaining exhibits. Specifically, I have been extensively trained up within the Yawkey Coral Reef Center and Freshwater Galleries, but I can also learn and lend a hand in the other areas of the Aquarium if desired. I have had the opportunity to shadow the Aquarium’s Environmental Quality scientists, Mechanical Systems Operators, and even the Penguins team!  

I’ve been able to put my degree in animal behavior to use in daily monitoring of our animals and their environments, while gaining hands-on skills pertaining to managing life-support systems, keeping records, and target feeding, along with preparing and culturing food items. Beyond hands-on work, I actively pursue professional development through virtual courses on fish physiology, water quality, and chemistry, as well as bi-weekly check-ins with my supervisors.  

One of the most unforgettable moments of my apprenticeship was snorkeling in the Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit for light maintenance and fish identification practice! Being able to literally immerse myself in the habitat, surrounded by the incredible creatures I help care for, was such a surreal and deeply rewarding feeling that, upon reflection, fills me to the brim with gratitude. 

Did you learn anything new or unexpected? What experience did you gain that you can bring to a future role?  

Going into the apprenticeship, I expected to learn from a wide range of experiences, but some of the most valuable lessons came from unexpected moments. A prime example was witnessing the renovation of two major exhibits: “Healthy Corals, Healthy Reefs” in the Tropical gallery and the “Ancestral Fishes” exhibit in the Temperate gallery. Seeing the intricate planning and interdisciplinary collaboration behind these projects provided incredible insights. I was honored to contribute, whether assisting with construction efforts or helping acclimate animals to their new environments. This experience strengthened my teamwork, attention to detail, and curiosity—skills I will continue to cultivate and carry forward into my future career. 

What are your plans after the Seek2Sea Apprenticeship ends?  

This fall, I will take an exciting step toward my goals by pursuing a master’s degree in museum education at Tufts University. I’ve gained invaluable experience in animal care, which has contributed significantly to my intentions to become a well-rounded science communicator. During this apprenticeship, I created an interactive digital tool for the Yawkey Coral Reef Center, the gallery in the Aquarium I had grown most accustomed to during my tenure. Designed to support both the Conservation Learning team’s public engagement as well as the Animal Care team’s behind-the-scenes work, my desire to bridge gaps and present valuable information in innovative and enriching ways is at the heart of my choice to go to graduate school.  

 Where do you hope your career takes you? 

My dream job will unify my love for the natural world, education, and creativity. Accessible, informal learning spaces like the Aquarium are the unifying environments I seek to make this dream a reality. I hope my career takes me to a position in which I can inspire communities local and global, becoming a conduit for curiosity, respect, and meaningful action for our planet. 

*The development of the Aquarium’s Seek2Sea Apprenticeship Program and its first cohort were funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In April, IMLS terminated the grant at its discretion. The Aquarium proceeded with an abbreviated apprenticeship program for the already planned second cohort using Aquarium funds.