We recently connected with Summer Collins and have shared our conversation below.

Summer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I was nearing the end of my second internship in the Marine Sciences field, with about three weeks left before leaving the Keys. I was about to say goodbye to this coral restoration internship experience and venture into the uncertain job market. This was right after the peak of COVID-19, and uncertainty still loomed over everything, especially for a 20-year-old.

I met with my mentor/boss and was in the middle of discussing my departure. I expressed how much I didn’t want to leave, explaining that I had formed friendships with the other staff members and that working at this place felt like home. I truly didn’t want to go.

I had drafted an email to the president of research at the facility—essentially, my boss’s boss. I took a deep breath and showed it to my mentor. “Look, I wrote this email, and I’m frankly terrified it might come across as too forward, but I want to know what you think,” I said. He listened, and with a smile, replied, “You absolutely should send it. She’ll appreciate that you have the courage to ask for a job like that.” A few minutes later, the email was sent.

A few weeks later, I was changing into my first staff t-shirt. I ended up working at that laboratory for three years, which sparked my love for science communication and research. I found myself thriving as the bridge between researchers and the public, even mentoring my own interns. That’s why I created the Summer.Scientist Instagram page—to connect and help students working in the marine science field. Taking that one risk, sending that one email, had a huge impact on my life. I’m grateful for the support I received to take that leap, and I’m glad I did!

Summer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Summer Collins, and I work as a science communicator, career advisor, and author. My primary goal is to educate people about coral reefs and help guide students toward success in their marine science careers. I have hands-on experience in the field, including work in sea turtle rehabilitation, micro-plastics research, and as a coral restoration biologist.

I share my knowledge and experiences on my Instagram page, @summer.scientist, where I create engaging videos offering a variety of resources. I cover topics such as how to find jobs, a day in the life of a coral biologist, and even explain who NOAA is.

In addition to my Instagram page, I’ve written a self published guidebook called Into the Depths: Introduction to Marine Science. This book is designed to provide students with all the resources they need on their journey toward a STEM career. It includes interview advice, tips for crafting application materials, where to find free online courses to boost their resumes, and recommendations for books and documentaries to learn more about the ocean. It truly has it all.

Beyond the guidebook, I offer one-on-one digital meetings to provide personalized advice for each student’s unique journey. Most recently, I’ve begun leading wildlife conservation trips, working with local nonprofit and conservation agencies in various locations. On these trips, I travel with students around the world, helping them gain hands-on experience while volunteering with these vital agencies.

Lastly, I’m currently in the process of publishing my first book on coral restoration, which I hope will be released this fall!

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Keeping an open mind. I initially went to work in the Marine Science field hoping to work with sharks. I never anticipated to work with coral! They’re fascinating animals that are the backbone of our oceans. People ask me all the time, where to next? I always like to reply with, I’m not sure, but isn’t that so exciting?

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I always strive to be the least educated person in the room. If I’m not, I make an effort to find someone who is undoubtedly more knowledgeable than I am and engage with them directly.

Learning from others has provided me with the most insightful, impactful, and helpful knowledge I could ever hope to gain from a book or a class. The topics can vary widely, not necessarily within my niche. It could be something as simple as chatting with an older gentleman at the park. People’s lives hold stories, and in those stories are lessons. We just have to overcome our fears of how we’re perceived. Let me tell you, it’s refreshing not to worry about looking or sounding “dumb!”

Outside of talking to others, I personally enjoy MasterClass. By finding unique ways to apply other people’s experiences to my specific niche, I’ve been able to view what I’m working on from different perspectives!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.summerscientist.com
• Instagram: @summer.scientist
• Other: BlueSky: summerscientist