Internship Spotlight: Celebrating Talayeh Aviles

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The Meadowlands Research & Restoration Institute (MRRI) is proud to recognize Talayeh Aviles for her outstanding contributions as a Field Research Intern with the MRRI–NJSEA team.  
During her internship, Talayeh played a key role in several ongoing research and monitoring efforts across the Meadowlands. One of her tasks included conducting ichthyoplankton surveys, identifying organisms to the lowest possible taxonomic level across multiple sampling sites. This work helps MRRI scientists better understand fish populations and ecosystem health in our estuarine environments. 
Talayeh also contributed to Diamondback Terrapin research along Sawmill Creek Marsh, assisting with tagging efforts and compiling long-term Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data. This work supports critical population monitoring and conservation of this unique brackish-water species. In addition, she participated in winter waterfowl surveys, documenting bird species and abundance using eBird. Her efforts contributed valuable data to ongoing wildlife monitoring in the Meadowlands.
As part of her internship, Talayeh completed an independent research project titled “What’s on the Menu? How Diamondback Terrapin Diet Impacts Macroinvertebrates in Sawmill Creek Marsh, NJ.” Her study explored the relationship between terrapin feeding behavior and invertebrate communities, adding meaningful insight into the ecological dynamics of salt marsh habitats.
“Interning at MRRI prepped me for Graduate school by giving me the opportunity to refine my field research, data analysis, and scientific communication skills. Every day was something different, from catching terrapins to sampling sediment to attending conferences to present my work! “ – Talayeh Aviles
Talayeh’s curiosity, dedication, and strong scientific skillset have made a lasting impact on MRRI’s research initiatives and our understanding of Meadowlands ecology. This fall, she will continue her academic journey at Montclair State University, where she will pursue a Master of Science in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Science.
We’re excited to see where her passion for research takes her next. Congratulations, Talayeh!
Check out our social media posts on her work here
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