MEET OUR INTERNS
and read their testimonials
interns welcomed between 2023 and 2025, and happily counting!
Representing 12 states throughout Europe, US, and Africa
percent of our interns have returned for thesis or more internships
Andrea Garcia Martin
Andrea, currently pursuing a PhD, is a former intern and important member from Spain, who earned her degree on blackmouth catsharks from the Adriatic Sea.
Testimonial: My first internship was so exciting and enriching, both on a personal and professional level, that I decided to return to do my thesis. The level of knowledge I gained was phenomenal, and the experience expanded in a monumental way. If Sharklab ADRIA is the living body where my aspirations thrive, then Andrej and Emina are undeniably the brilliant mind and compassionate heart.
In three words: Exciting, Enriching, Welcoming
History at Sharklab: Internship 2023, Master thesis 2024, UNEP training 2025
Patrícia Conceição
Patrícia is a graduate student from Portugal who conducted her thesis on deep-sea velvet belly lanternsharks from the southern Adriatic Sea.
Testimonial: The Sharklab ADRIA is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a unique opportunity to learn about sharks in a way that isn’t possible anywhere else. Being able to observe and study these animals up close and in detail has been an incredible and unforgettable experience. I don’t believe I could have gained this kind of knowledge anywhere else, and I am deeply grateful to Sharklab, Andrej, and Emina for having me.
In three words: Exceptional, Unique, Hard-work
History at Sharklab: Master thesis 2025
Jade Mayer
Jade, an aspiring marine biologist from the United Kingdom, successfully completed her internship at Sharklab ADRIA.
Testimonial: I had an incredible time during my internship at Sharklab ADRIA. It was an unforgettable, hands-on experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for marine conservation work. Some of the highlights included helping rescue two rough sharks—moments that truly brought science to life. The team was passionate, welcoming, and truly inspiring. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in marine biology or wanting to make a real impact in the field.
In three words: Eye-opening, Rewarding, Unforgettable
History at Sharklab: Internship 2025
Olfa Sehli
Olfa is an early-career researcher from Tunisia focusing her work on elasmobranchs, who completed two training programs at Sharklab ADRIA
Testimonial: Both internships were life-changing for my career. I discovered a whole new perspective on my work and realized that I’m truly devoted to it. I deeply appreciated that the internship offered a mix of lab work, fieldwork, lectures, and fruitful discussions. I formed core memories that will never be forgotten. Andrej and Emina’s support has left me more inspired than ever and prepared to advance my career in shark conservation.
In three words: Transformative, Memorable, Diverse.
History at Sharklab: Internship 2024, Internship 2025
Elias Neuman
Elias is a professional underwater photographer and aspiring marine biologist
from Sweden, deeply passionate about the work of our center.
Testimonial: Getting hands-on experience with some of the most threatened and elusive animals on Earth was an unforgettable and enriching experience! Both internships covered a wide variety of skills. Andrej and Emina made me feel at home from day one, and I couldn’t have asked for better supervisors. I feel more inspired than ever and fully prepared to advance my career in conservation. The most impactful experience from the internship was participating in a revival and release attempt for an Angular roughshark.
In three words: Intense, Meaningful, Wholesome
History at Sharklab: Internship 2024, Internship 2025
Janis Broutin-Renaud
Janis, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and member of a shark research team in France, completed specialized training at Sharklab ADRIA.
Testimonial: This highly enriching experience is ideal for developing professional knowledge and skills relevant to elasmobranch science. Anatomy and physiology are covered in detail, while fostering a keen analytical and critical approach to scientific data—all within a superbly collaborative atmosphere. The most satisfying part for me was the opportunity to discover rare species in real life and to observe and handle them firsthand.
In three words: A-MAY-ZING
History at Sharklab: Internship 2025
Vincent K. Roberts
Vincent is an aspiring biologist and scientific illustrator with a deep passion for extinct chondrichthyans, who completed his internship at Sharklab ADRIA.
Testimonial: This internship was a dream opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of elasmobranchs, including deep-sea species. I learned how to work more efficiently, how to improve my work through feedback, and how to grow both personally and professionally. Almost every day during this internship was a highlight. I’ve never learned so much in such a short time. This experience has motivated me more than ever to pursue a career in elasmobranch conservation.
In three words: Inspiring, Exciting, Informative
History at Sharklab: Internship 2025
Johannes van den Hurk
Johannes is a young biologist from the Netherlands with a deep interest in sharks, skates, and rays, as well as their conservation.
Testimonial: The internship was incredible! There were a lot of hands-on experiences, and the supervisors were very helpful. Every day was different, and we could never expect what would happen! I really loved working at Sharklab ADRIA – I had the time of my life, and when I can, I’ll definitely go back! The internship can be hard, as Andrej puts a lot of pressure on us, but this is only done to bring out the best in us. Often, we had to work until late at night, but you don’t feel it, as all attention goes to sharks.
In three words: Hard but fair
History at Sharklab: Internship 2025
Jorje M. Tsenov
Jorje is a student from Bulgaria who, despite coming from a background far from marine biology, spent nearly six months with us (he swears! )
Testimonial: The five-month internship was a fun and challenging experience for me, mainly because I come from a background of studies that have almost nothing to do with marine biology. One of the most memorable work experiences was the release of two deep-sea angular rough sharks, and I am very grateful to have been able to see that. The most satisfying part for me is that, by the end of my internship, I could keep up with people from a marine biology background and participate in discussions.
In three words: Fun, Challenging, Strange
History at Sharklab: Internship 2025
Klervi Croiser
Klervi (from France) was the first intern we had the pleasure of welcoming in Albania,
and a fantastic one. She later returned to complete her thesis on microplastics.
Testimonial: My both internships at Sharklab ADRIA were an exceptional experience, offering a unique opportunity to work with extremely rare elasmobranch species and conduct research on microplastics. It was far more enriching than a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree, as every aspect was studied in depth and applied in the lab. This total immersion is an extraordinary opportunity that all elasmobranch enthusiasts should seize.
In three words: Inspiring, Immersive, Enlightening
History at Sharklab: Internship 2023, Thesis 2024
Emilie de Loose
Emilie from Belgium is undoubtedly one of the key people who joined our lab, where she completed multiple programs, including her thesis.
Testimonial: When working with Sharklab ADRIA, there will never be a moment of boredom. With the schedule depending on the fieldwork, there are constant new and exciting opportunities, new protocols and new question that need solving. Every day we are presented with chances to learn and explore the world of research, whether it be in the field, or in the lab. Never before have I had the pleasure of working with such vast friends while constantly feeling like I am learning. It was intense and unforgettable experience.
In three words: Adventurous, Educational, Extraordinary
History at Sharklab: Internship 2023, Thesis 2024
Rhiannon Plant
Rhiannon is an aspiring biologist and surfer from the United Kingdom who joined Sharklab ADRIA for professional practice
Testimonial: We encountered a variety of rare and deep-sea species, while Andrej and Emina always ensured the work was super interesting and informative! As a team, we had a great balance of working hard but also having a lot of fun. The highlight of team-building activities had to be paragliding from 900m high and landing on a beach. I left feeling satisfied, inspired and more equipped to continue my career in shark conservation.
In three words: Inspiring, Informative, Enjoyable.
History at Sharklab: Internship 2024
MORE COMING SOON!
Please visit us again
- agajic@sharklab-adria.org
- 00387 (0)61 078 104 (BA)
- 00355 (0)69 533 6652 (AL)
- Vlorë (Albania), Il-Hamrun (Malta), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
ACTIVITIES
- News Digest
- Research
- Conservation
- Projects
- Publications
GET INVOLVED
- Collaborations
- Student internship
- M.Sc./Ph.D. thesis
- Adopt a shark
- Make a donation
SUBSCRIBE
Sharklab ADRIA 2007 – 2025 © All Rights Reserved
Designed and developed: A. Gajić