Clayton Smith
Graduate Student
Master of Operational Oceanagraphy
DMCS
 

Short Bio:

I was born and raised in New Jersey, and I received my bachelor’s degree in marine biology and biological oceanography from Rutgers University in 2024. In 2019 I entered Rutgers University with a focus on marine biology and was able to explore various fields of marine science during my years as an undergraduate. The classes and professors showed me that my aspirations could be a reality and an enjoyable one at that. I was able to get firsthand experience with the topics I love and that has led me to my current path as a Masters of Operational Oceanography student. My aspiration for becoming a marine scientist started outside of the classroom as a kid and was always something I hoped to do with my life. I loved studying and researching different organisms and would always make time to learn. My passion for fishing, exploring and sailboat racing had amplified my passion and propelled me towards a future in the marine field. As a young teen I spent a week living and sailing aboard the historic AJ Meerwald around New York harbor. I also spent every Wednesday night during the summer months sailboat racing around Atlantic highlands with my father and his friends. If I were not at school or doing homework I would be fishing in fresh or salt water.