About Carly Shaw
Haddon Township, N.J.
Natural Sciences Departmental Award
Coastal Environmental Science major | Biology, and Sustainability Studies minors
“My Flagler experience was encouraging, inspiring, and fulfilling.”
Undergraduate Research Assistantship (water quality), Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor, Dive Club, N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife Intern, The Wetlands Institute Intern, Lab Technician Assistant Work Study, Women of Vision Scholarship Recipient
Carly's History-Making Moments
Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:
I am an environmentalist. After graduating, I plan to go into climate change research. I also want to be a science communicator, because while scientific research is crucial, working alongside policymakers, economists, and community members will drive environmental change. My ultimate goal is to make others aware of environmental issues and excited about the positive impacts possible through education and collaboration.
What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?
I spent my summers growing up on the beach in Ocean City, N.J., where my interest in protecting coastal environments began. My passion grew during my freshman year at Flagler, as I became surrounded by students and faculty with the same interests. Collaborating and sharing ideas with a community of people who share my interests has been incredibly inspirational.
Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile:
I had an awesome opportunity to travel to Portland, Ore., with several classmates for a national science conference, where I presented my research. It was a valuable experience to learn from professionals in my field and so much fun exploring a new city with my professors and friends!
What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?
Over the past three academic years, I have been a research assistant for Dr. Matthew Brown. Partaking in undergraduate research has been the most valuable experience at Flagler College. It has taught me problem-solving skills, how to work well with others, and to pay close attention to detail in my methods. Dr. Brown has been the most insightful, kind, humble, and down-to-earth mentor, and he truly has taught me what it means to be a great scientist.
What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
Your college experience is what YOU make of it. Take advantage of the opportunities at hand. Join a club, learn a new skill, and reach out to the people you’d like to get to know better. It can be nerve-wracking, but stepping out of your comfort zone is worth it. This is one of the greatest lessons I learned at Flagler.
Tell us about what you’re up to next! Any cool experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up after graduation?
Starting in August, I am beginning a master's program at the University of Connecticut where I will be researching salt marsh restoration and biogeochemistry. I’m grateful to continue my education and excited to dive into climate change-related research.
Featured Undergraduate Research
As a distinguished undergraduate researcher at Flagler College Carly received a grant to study water quality by looking at areas in West Augustine that are on septic vs. sewer.
This research data has been shared this data with The St. Augustine City Commission in hopes of helping the city receive federal funding to implement sewer systems. This work will be officially published by the end of 2024.
Carly was among student presenters who joined Flagler’s Natural Sciences Department on a trip to Portland, Ore., for the national Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF). Carly and a partner presented a poster related to her grant-funded water quality research which examines fecal indicator bacteria in Oyster Creek and West Augustine.