Flagler student working to help injured sea turtles

By Zoe Sherman

Maia Toler never expected to be working side by side with veterinarians at a sea turtle hospital at a college 4 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean.  

She had previously considered the idea of attending culinary school, before deciding to  pursue her degree in coastal environmental science.

Now that she has switched her focus towards a career in coastal environmental science, she has landed a coveted internship with the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, which has a sea turtle hospital in St. Augustine.

“They’re kind of elusive, it’s hard to get into because people are constantly applying. You have to be able to commit something pretty regularly,” Toler said.

After a few months of waiting, she was notified from the lab that she was approved to intern with the small and tight knit team. 

“The Whitney Lab specifically takes in turtles that have Fibropapillomatosis, which is this tumor disease in Green sea turtles. It’s really contagious to other turtles, so we try to not bring in turtles that don’t have that because we don’t want to risk getting them sick,” Toler said.

Toler said her experiences with the lab has been engaging in her education as they have had a booming number of turtles entering their lab. 

“Right now we have 6 turtles, it’s a record breaking year actually. We’ve had so many turtles. I think we’re at 170, and in the past years the most they’ve ever gotten is 120. It’s been a busy year for them,” Toler said.

She enjoys the knowledge and direct involvement in the field that the Whitney Lab provides her with. 

“I have always enjoyed how hands-on the field of natural sciences is. It’s one of the things that drew me to it in the first place. It keeps your mind and body engaged and helps make learning new and exciting,” Toler said. 

She said what she enjoys most are her Saturday shifts at the lab because of her close contact with the wildlife.

“My favorite part about my Whitney lab internship is definitely getting to handle the animals, juvenile and baby green sea turtles, and learning how their little personalities differ,” Toler said. 

Toler explained how her in-depth experiences at the Whitney Lab have been beneficial to her.

“These animals are a protected species so handling them without special permission is not allowed. Knowing that I am in a position to handle and get to know these creatures while we care for them feels really special and I try to not take that for granted,” Toler said.

Along with her internship at the Lab, Toler is enrolled full time at Flagler ollege and works at the library in a work study position. She also possesses a passion for the culinary arts.

“I originally thought I was going to go to culinary school. I might still do it eventually,” Toler said. 

Her entire life, she has always been drawn to situations and elements that require a sort of up close and personal experience. 

“I just like hands on things. Everything I was drawn to involved working with my hands. I don’t want to just sit at a desk all day until I’m 65,” Toler said.

With an interest in interactive adventures and engaging environments, Toler was always drawn to the culinary arts and science. 

Photo by Lenora “Leah” Adelmann

“I have been cooking for myself for as long as I can remember. It is a hobby that I have always enjoyed and it has grown with me,” Toler said.

She explained how her love for cooking works positively in her everyday life.

“It’s kind of stress relieving to me because even if I have a busy week and things outside of my control, what I choose to put in my body is something I can control and can ensure is a fulfilling part of my day,” Toler said.

Nina Johnson has known Maia Toler for four years. The two have lived, worked and completed many projects together. 

Johnson’s favorite thing about Maia is her reliability. She stated how Toler is someone that you can depend on for help. 

Their friendship carried over into the classroom, as they have always had classes together and have chosen to work together for many labs and group projects. 

Johnson said that they worked well together and helped each other out whenever the other one needed it. Johnson credits Toler for her hard working attitude and brave spirit.

“One word I would use to describe Maia is adventurous. She’s always willing to try new things independently, which I admire her for,” Johnson said.