ASU Gilman scholar studies coral reefs in Mexico

While Rylee Dudley’s love for the natural world has never wavered, her passion for all that is underwater was strengthened this past year through many moments spent swimming with marine life. 

As a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in ocean futures (coastal and marine science) at the School of Ocean Futures in Arizona State University's Rob Walton College of Global Futures, Dudley is always seeking out new opportunities to advance her academic and professional career in marine science. 

After attending an information session hosted by the Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement (ONSA), Dudley learned about the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The Gilman scholarship provides Pell-grant recipient students with merit-based scholarships to participate in study abroad programs through which they can develop skills and abilities for the advancement of U.S. national security and economic development.

“I had heard of scholarships for study abroad programs, but hadn’t considered that any would apply to me,” said Dudley.

Dudley worked alongside advisors and fellow applicants at ONSA to polish her Gilman scholarship application. 

“Rylee was an exemplary applicant, thoughtfully participating in each stage of the advising process," said Shay Masterson, program manager at ONSA. “Gilman has experienced record-breaking application numbers in recent cycles, making this prestigious scholarship even more competitive.

“This means it is so important that students get started early and know they are not alone in the application process,” Masterson continued. “ASU students who fully engage in the advising support ONSA provides have been selected at more than double the rate of those who do not.”

Related: ASU a top producer of prestigious Gilman awards for study abroad

With the support of faculty and staff at ONSA, Dudley was awarded a Gilman scholarship to spend three weeks in Xpu-Há, Mexico, where the second-largest coral reef system in the world is located. 

Those three weeks were spent completing lectures, scuba dives, snorkeling and collecting data for independent research. Dudley was able to apply the techniques and skills in new technologies that she has learned through her courses at the School of Ocean Futures. 

“I’ve had the privilege of learning straight from amazing scientists from places like Hawai’i and Bermuda,” explained Dudley. “These courses, organized by passionate scientists, taught me how to view our Earth from a scientific perspective while also caring for it on a personal level.”

While studying in Xpu-Há, Dudley further developed her skills by collecting data for her own research as an undergraduate student while simultaneously diving at depths of up to 70 feet in the ocean. 

“I learned quickly that collecting data, and much of research, requires being flexible and ready for all that the project throws your way. These and other skills that I learned during my time abroad will be invaluable in my professional and academic career,” said Dudley.

This study abroad experience was not only a skill development opportunity for Dudley but was also the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. During her first scuba dive of the program, Dudley spotted a 6-foot nurse shark swimming behind her and the other participants. 

“This was my first of several shark sightings on this trip,” Dudley explained. “I don’t believe it was me seeing that shark, but a younger version of myself who dreamed of experiencing this magical moment one day.”

Now back in the Sonoran Desert, Dudley is excited to continue her studies with these new experiences guiding her at the School of Ocean Futures. 

“I absolutely mean it when I say the Gilman scholarship changed my life. If you are eligible for this scholarship and are even considering studying abroad, please apply.”