Sophomore Garrett Hickman has always been drawn to invertebrates—specifically cnidarians such as corals and jellyfish. Photo courtesy of Garrett Hickman ’27
Ella Skonieczny’s flight had just touched down in New Zealand when she turned on her phone and an email notification stopped her in her tracks.
The environmental studies and marine science student from Madison, Connecticut, found out she was one of two Eckerd College sophomores awarded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. Scholars receive up to $9,500 per academic year to support their studies, as well as paid summer internship opportunities at NOAA facilities across the U.S.
“I was so excited and practically ran off the jet bridge into my classmate’s arms for a celebratory hug,” Ella says. “I think the entire airport could hear and feel my excitement.”
Ella is joined in the 2025 Eckerd cohort by Garrett Hickman, a marine science and animal studies student from Crystal River, Florida.
Since the establishment of the program in 2005, Eckerd students have been awarded 117 Hollings Scholarships—the most in the nation.
Ella hopes to incorporate policy, education, hands-on science research, and advocacy in work on larger marine mammals. Photo courtesy of Ella Skonieczny ’27
“I was in my room on a Tuesday evening, getting ready for our EC-SAR [Eckerd College Search and Rescue] team meeting. It was April first, and I saw the email come in,” Garrett recalls. “I opened it, read the first few lines, and froze. I was ecstatic.”
Both sophomores had learned more about the scholarship through peers and faculty mentorship, and they credit their first-year experiences with preparing them for the rigorous application process.
“Since coming to Eckerd, one of the most impactful parts of my experience has been being a part of EC-SAR,” Garrett says. “Being a part of a team that responds to real emergencies has pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to stay calm under pressure. It’s helped me learn how to think clearly in high-stress situations and trust myself to act, no matter what challenges I’m facing.”
Ella started a study abroad program in April with the Sea Education Association, studying copepods aboard a ship sailing from New Zealand to French Polynesia.
“I am interested in larger marine mammals. Overall, I hope to incorporate policy, education, hands-on science research, and advocacy in all of the work that I do,” Ella explains.
Garrett doesn’t have a dream placement for his NOAA Internship, but his interests lie in fisheries.
“I’ve always been drawn to the marine sciences, but what has always captivated me most are invertebrates—specifically cnidarians such as corals and jellyfish,” Garrett says. “There is something incredible about seeing these seemingly simple organisms play such a major role in the marine ecosystem. Over time, I have become interested in the idea that some of these species could help us find biological solutions to environmental problems.”
Soon, both students will attend a program orientation before beginning their careers as Eckerd’s newest Hollings Scholars. “I am so grateful,” Ella says, “for the people, and experiences, who have led me to this opportunity.”
