Noah McGahagin

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

University:  University of South Florida

Mote Program: Library

Dear Mote Donors,

Thank you for your generosity and interest in developing early career professionals. My stipend enabled me to travel to Sarasota from Jacksonville, Florida and gain invaluable experience in Mote's Arthur Vining Davis Library and Archives. I study Library and Information Science at the University of South Florida. I'm not sure how many people would think of librarians interning at Mote, but the unique collection of original field notes from influential scientists like Dr. Eugenie Clark and Dr. Charles Breder are a huge draw. Right now, I work in a public library and am transitioning into the archival field. My time at Mote gave me hands-on experience editing a finding aid for and digitizing materials from the Charles M. Breder, Jr. Collection. Not only did I gain new skills, but I also got to do it in an environment out of a childhood dream. As a kid I loved reading books about marine ecosystems, and I wanted to be an ichthyologist. When I realized how much math can be involved, I changed gears because that isn't my strongest or favorite subject. It's incredible to me that I can use my strengths to be involved with and support a field that I admire so much all these years later. The highlight that encapsulates my internship was getting to snorkel with my mentor and Library Director Jaime, and retired scientist Ernie to collect algae for the herbarium collection. Afterwards, I gushed to Jaime that we could do fieldwork as librarians. Upon reflection, my internship has helped me develop foundational skills in archiving and reminded me of my ability to contribute my skills in unique ways.

Thank you again for your support!

Noah McGahagin