University of Mary Washington student Amanda Gambale recently received Marstel-Day’s Innovation Award.
Marstel-Day, an international environmental consulting firm, presented Gambale with a $1,500 cash award at the firm’s annual Green Gala. Gambale will work on her environmental project with the guidance of an adviser from Marstel-Day and will present her findings at the culmination of the work.
The Innovation Award was designed to inspire students to submit an innovative idea to tackle one of today’s critical environmental challenges.
Gambale’s research centers on the plight of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay region. “I have reason to believe that one of the causes of the blue crab’s decline are invasive catfish, and I wish to see if the removal of the latter will aid in the blue crab’s recovery,” she said. “Receiving this award really meant the world to me because it gives me the opportunity to show everyone how passionate I am not only about my career field, but about these creatures as well.”
“After speaking with Amanda, we realized what a bright, thoughtful student she is,” said Ann Kuo, research analyst with Marstel-Day. “We’re looking forward to seeing where this research takes her.”
