Ocean love fuels Becker’s studies

Johann Becker, a rising senior at the University of Rhode Island, was recently awarded the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the most prestigious scholarship awarded to undergraduates studying the marine sciences. The award provides students with a total of $19,000 toward tuition in their final two years of undergraduate study, in addition to a paid summer internship at a NOAA lab.

Coming from the landlocked town of Amherst, Mass., what influenced you to study marine science?

My original influence came from visiting my grandparents here in Rhode Island. Every visit consisted of ocean-related adventures such as sailing, swimming and tide-pool exploration, which built up my love for it. Then, when deciding on my college major, I simply picked what has always interested me: the ocean.

You are a double major in marine biology and ocean engineering. Could you speak on the relationship between the two?

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I like to view marine biology as my motive. My goal is to study, understand and protect the ocean and its life. Comparatively, ocean engineering is my means; it is how I will go about achieving my goals. In that sense, I think they fit together very nicely.

As you look forward to your senior year and next year’s NOAA internship, what are your next steps after URI?

After URI, I see myself attending graduate school. I think that would be the best place for me to hone my skills and narrow my interests.

Is there a facet of marine research of particular interest to you?

I find the subject of climate change particularly interesting. I believe the ocean has many of the answers we need, and I’d love to have the opportunity to help look for them. •

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