DAN is proud to introduce its 2026 interns: Trystan Cavitt, Jacqueline Keleher, Juliana McKenna, and Alexa Rand.
DAN launched its internship program in 1999 to give qualified candidates valuable experience in dive safety research. While the three-month program remains rooted in research, its scope has expanded to include projects that support other aspects of DAN’s mission to help divers in need and to promote dive safety through education. Today, DAN interns participate in a range of activities, including field work, communications, and training program development.
Trystan Cavitt, Dr. Glen H. Egstrom DAN/OWUSS Divers’ Health and Safety Research Intern
Trystan Cavitt is a senior at the University of South Florida pursuing a degree in cell and molecular biology, with plans to continue his education at the graduate level. He is currently completing his divemaster certification and has spent the past two years gaining experience through an internship with a local dive shop. He plans to pursue a future in hyperbaric medicine and education and looks forward to supporting diver health and safety during his time at DAN. This internship is presented in partnership with the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS).
Jacqueline Keleher, DAN/OWUSS Divers’ Safety Intern
Jackie Keleher is a scientific diver and divemaster with a focus on accessibility and inclusion in the diving community. She earned Bachelor of Science degrees in marine fisheries and marine biology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in biology from Appalachian State University, where her research focused on species-specific nutrient processing by Caribbean sponges. She has worked as a dive program aide at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, engaging with the public through dive shows and leading kelp habitat surveys. She is excited to support safe diving practices grounded in science while at DAN this summer. This internship is presented in partnership with OWUSS.
Juliana McKenna, Michael Menduno DAN Outreach Intern
Juliana McKenna is a recent graduate of Eckerd College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies with minors in marketing and biology, focusing on marine ecosystems. She recently completed her divemaster certification in Bali, Indonesia, through an internship, where she contributed to coral restoration and green turtle research. Juliana has also participated in shark research expeditions in the Bahamas and Florida and in coral research in Costa Rica. She looks forward to using marketing and communications tools to promote dive safety and ocean stewardship as a DAN intern.
Alexa Rand, DAN Research Intern
Alexa Rand is a medical student at Indiana University School of Medicine. She previously received a Bachelor of Science in biology, along with minors in French and chemistry and a certificate in underwater resource management, from Indiana University. A scientific diver, she previously worked as a divemaster for the university’s academic diving program and as a research associate with its Center for Underwater Science. She hopes to combine her passion for diving and medicine in her future career and is excited to further her education in scientific research during this internship.
DAN’s internship program has supported more than 100 participants since its inception and continues to help emerging professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in diving-related fields. For more information about the program, visit DAN.org/Internships.