The Graduate Program in Marine Biology (GPMB) at the College of Charleston is known for producing top-tier professionals in the field of marine sciences. Behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth operation of this rigorous program, is Norma J. Salcedo, the Administrative Coordinator. With her passion for education, love for natural history, and dedication to student success, Norma plays a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of graduate students as they embark on their academic journeys.
A Passion for Guiding Future Professionals
Norma’s journey to the College of Charleston Graduate School is rooted in her background as an educator. “I used to teach undergraduate students and what I enjoyed the most was helping young professionals find their path and achieve their goals,” she shares. This passion for guiding students has seamlessly translated into her role as an Administrative Coordinator. For Norma, the most rewarding aspect of her job is seeing students graduate and move forward in life, carrying with them the knowledge and skills they acquired during their time in the program.
A Day in the Life of Norma
No two days are the same for Norma. Her responsibilities range from preparing contracts for Research Assistants to coordinating Colloquium activities and processing Individual Enrollment forms. She juggles these tasks while navigating the breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor at the Grice Marine Laboratory, where her office is located. “It is quite fun to work here,” she says, reflecting on the vibrant energy brought by the students and the close-knit community within the program.
Despite the unpredictable nature of her role, Norma thrives on the challenges and rewards it brings. She acknowledges the frequent administrative changes that require quick adaptation and learning but emphasizes that the rewards far outweigh these challenges. One of her greatest joys is witnessing the moments of realization and growth in her students—whether it’s learning to take a step back and breathe in a competitive environment or discovering new perspectives on problems they face.
Contributing to Student Success
Norma’s work is integral to the success of the graduate students in the Marine Biology program. She goes above and beyond to streamline their administrative needs, ensuring that students, many of whom come from out of state, feel welcomed and supported in their new environment. Norma sees her role as one that facilitates the first steps of these students as researchers, helping them to take off from the program with confidence and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Memorable Interactions with Students
Interacting with graduate students is one of the most fulfilling aspects of Norma’s job. She finds joy in seeing students navigate their paths, even when they realize that academia might not be the right fit for them. One memorable experience she shares involves a student who, despite not being initially accepted into the program, moved to Charleston and sought Norma’s advice on gaining more research experience. Through Norma’s guidance and connections, the student secured a research position and is now a graduate student in another program at the College of Charleston—a testament to the impact of Norma’s dedication to her students.
Passions Beyond the Office
Outside of her administrative role, Norma’s passions lie in the world of natural history, particularly in fish taxonomy. Her enthusiasm for dead fishes in Natural History Collections is evident as she eagerly introduces prospective students to the Grice Marine Lab Fish and Invertebrate Collection. This passion for natural history influences her approach to her job, as she strives to ensure that students understand the significance of such collections and their role in global research networks.
“This is the hogchoker, a flatfish common to the brackish waters of Charleston harbor. These fishes are bycatch, and it is said they used to be fed to the pigs, hence the name. Related to flounders, the left eye migrates to the right side of the fish during development. The closeup is of the blind side. These fish species show a lot a variation which is possible to observe when looking at the samples in the collections.” – Norma
In addition to her love for taxonomy, Norma enjoys turning photographs into black and white, painting with crayons, and cooking. These hobbies reflect her belief that success in academia and life is deeply connected to the relationships we build and the shared experiences that bring people together.
Conclusion
Norma J. Salcedo’s role as the Administrative Coordinator for the Graduate Program in Marine Biology at the College of Charleston is multifaceted and deeply impactful. Her dedication to student success, passion for natural history, and ability to navigate the challenges of her role with grace and enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to the program. Through her work, Norma not only contributes to the academic growth of the students but also fosters a supportive and vibrant community that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.
