Madison Meltzer, a first-year master’s student, graduated from the University of Miami in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Affairs and minors in Biology and Ecosystems Science and Policy. Madison’s passion for marine conservation sparked in 2013 after visiting her first marine protected area, Saba Marine Park. In 2014, she interned at Science Under Sail Institute for Exploration in the Exuma Islands where she conducted research on corals, constructed coral nursery sites, and educated local communities about coral reefs. Madison continued to pursue her interest in conservation with Los Angeles Waterkeeper in 2015 as a Marine Protected Area Watch and Kelp Restoration intern using her AAUS scientific diving skillset. After studying conservation biology in the Galapagos Islands in Spring 2016, she realized her passion for ecosystem-based management of marine resources through the integration of scientific research, environmental advocacy, and education. Having observed both the adverse impacts on marine resources such as bleached corals and urchin barrens, as well as the positive results of restoration efforts, she is motivated to develop and implement sustainable solutions for preserving marine ecosystems. Madison plans on specializing in Coastal and Marine Resource Management with a post-graduate goal of working at a non-profit organization to mitigate the many threats to our coastal and marine environments.