STEM In The Community

From Finding Nemo to Finding Her Passion: Jasmine's Journey to Success in STEM

By Chelsea Crowley | October 22, 2025

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Meet Jasmine Kohler! Jasmine is an Environmental Technology student at Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) whose passion for science started in a rather unexpected place...a hospital room on Christmas Day.

“I’ve always been interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),” she said. “I think the first spark of my interest came from watching Finding Nemo on DVD in the hospital as a kid.” Jasmine had her appendix removed on Christmas Eve as a child and spent Christmas Day watching movies, one of which was Finding Nemo. The Pixar film, released by Disney, tells the story of a father clownfish navigating the ocean to find his missing son.

“The movie had just come out that year, complete with a special features segment featuring Jacques Cousteau,” Jasmine said. Watching Cousteau explore the ocean and reveal its hidden mysteries opened her eyes to a world she had never really thought about before. “Since then,” she recalled, “I’ve wanted to be a part of the science field, especially Earth, Ocean, and Biology.”

That early fascination with the ocean and its ecosystems eventually led Jasmine to a hands-on research opportunity at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).

The opportunity came to 4Cs students through the college’s STEM Starter Academy (SSA), a state-funded program whose funding has since ended, and through its collaboration with Dr. Gretta Serres, an adjunct professor at 4Cs and research associate at WHOI, and Dr. Julie Huber, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Senior Scientist, who lead the Blue Economy internship program. SSA hosted an info session for WHOI’s Spring 2025 Blue Economy internship, which allows students to gain hands-on experience at WHOI for 50 hours while continuing their regular classes at 4Cs.

At WHOI, Jasmine assisted with research on European Green Crabs. “They’re an invasive species in North America and have been taking over both coasts,” she explained.

At the Tepolt Lab in WHOI’s biology department, she worked with mentors Yaamini Venkataraman and Carolyn Tepolt on a study examining the crabs’ genotypes and thermotolerance. The research looked at how certain genes might help the crabs survive in colder waters. “We were investigating whether there’s a gene that allows the crabs to thrive in low temperatures,” she said, “which could explain their spread farther north into colder climates.”

The most exciting part of the experience for Jasmine was getting to work with real scientists outside of a school lab. “I asked them every question I could think of,” she said with a laugh. “I learned so much, especially since I came in knowing very little about microbiology. They gave me a great crash course and were incredibly supportive every step of the way.”

Jasmine was also surprised by how extensive and collaborative the research environment at WHOI was. “I always imagined scientists working at their own benches and not interacting with each other as much as they did,” she said. “It made everything feel much less intimidating than I had built it up to be in my head.”

When asked about what she wished she knew before starting her research internship, Jasmine said, “I wish I had a stronger, or any, background in the lab I went into, so I could really dive into the work and gain a deeper understanding. Even so, I never felt dumb for not knowing, and it actually made me want to ask more questions and learn more about it.”

Jasmine’s time at 4Cs has been instrumental in supporting her STEM journey. “Coming from an online university and out of state, my main reason for coming to 4Cs was to get to know scientists and researchers in Massachusetts and build my network,” she said. “I’m so glad I chose 4Cs, even with my commute to campus being over an hour. The Coastal Zone Management program I’m in has been a great addition to my Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science.”

Her willingness to make that commute underscores her dedication to learning. 4Cs has a thriving STEM community, and students like Jasmine are living proof of the college’s ability to nurture curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

When it comes to offering advice to other students pursuing STEM at 4Cs, Jasmine is straightforward. “Just go for it,” she said. “Even if you don’t know where to start, what field to go into, or if you think you’re not smart enough, you will be supported every step of the way.” That support comes from professors who share their real-world experience, staff who help students connect with STEM internships and opportunities, and peers who collaborate and lift each other up. At 4Cs, students are never alone in their STEM journey.

After her recent success in completing her program at 4Cs, Jasmine is taking a few additional classes to strengthen her foundation and better prepare as she applies to graduate school. Her next steps reflect the same dedication and curiosity that have guided her through her studies and research.

With a passion for learning and a commitment to exploring the world around her, Jasmine Kohler is a shining example of the curiosity and drive that 4Cs nurtures in its STEM students.