Making a Difference Above and Below the Surface 

Needham, Massachusetts, native Alli Fransblow knew she wanted to be close to the beach to pursue a marine biology degree and continue sailing. When she discovered the College of Charleston could offer both, along with the opportunity to add a Jewish studies major, she knew CofC was the perfect fit. 

“Not many schools offer both a great marine biology and sailing program with the ability to add a Jewish studies major, which heavily influenced my decision to come to the College,” says Fransblow. 

For an out-of-state student, the cost of attendance can be daunting, but with the help of the Gerald and Beth Polis Endowed/Annual Scholarship, attending the College became much more attainable. 

“I remember getting the notification that I had been awarded the scholarship,” says Fransblow. “I was visiting my grandparents at the time, and it meant so much to all of us. 

“It was also an honor to receive the scholarship, as Jerry Polis believed strongly in social justice. I feel a responsibility to carry on that legacy through my involvement at the College, whatever that may be.” 

Growing up, Fransblow was heavily involved in her synagogue and Jewish community, taking on numerous leadership roles throughout high school. She served as president of Gann Gives, her school’s philanthropic club, for three years, as well as president of her environmental club. She was also a Northeast Region of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY-NE) representative and song leader for her region’s religious youth group; served on her Temple Youth Group board; worked as a teacher’s assistant and substitute teacher at Temple Beth Shalom;l and served as an Interfaith Fellow through Temple Beth Shalom and Eastern University during her junior year of high school. 

Now at the College, Fransblow continues her involvement through Hillel, which fosters community and the exploration of students’ Jewish identity. 

“Hillel is an incredible experience for students,” explains Fransblow. “It offers programs like a Birthright trip to Israel. I plan to go next summer where I will travel for 10 days and learn more about our culture and heritage. It’s a life-changing experience for anyone who goes.” 

Fransblow’s enthusiasm for Jewish life and learning has already made her a meaningful presence within the College’s Jewish studies community. Whether participating in Hillel events, engaging in classroom discussions or encouraging other students to become involved, she brings both energy and curiosity to the program. Faculty and staff have taken notice of her passion for learning and commitment to building community on campus. 

“Alli is an incredibly bright and curious student eager to learn not only from readings or lectures but from her fellow students as well,” says Max Daniel, public historian and Jewish Heritage collection coordinator. “Active in class and on campus, Alli embodies the academic and community-minded values of the Jewish Studies Program at CofC.” 

Fransblow is equally dedicated to marine science and ocean conservation. She has excelled in her biology coursework with strong support from faculty.  

“Professor Janech played a huge role in helping me stay on top of my coursework and navigate the challenges of biology,” says Fransblow. “She pushed me to embrace difficult concepts, ask questions and take advantage of the resources available to me. Her encouragement helped me grow not only as a student but also as someone who learned how to advocate for myself. The confidence and skills I gained in her class have helped prepare me for opportunities like my coral restoration internship and my future career in marine biology.”  

During the academic year, one resource Fransblow took advantage of was volunteering as an aquarist assistant at the South Carolina Aquarium, working alongside professional aquarists to care for freshwater species and maintain exhibits. Through the role, she assisted with feeding, water quality checks and habitat upkeep while gaining hands-on experience in aquarium husbandry techniques and freshwater ecosystem conservation. 

“Alli actually enjoyed the challenges of learning biology and leaned into the struggle of fitting all of the pieces together,” says Kathleen Janech, professor of biology.  “She was great at communicating with me throughout the semester to find support in helpful campus resources.  It was rewarding to watch her personal growth, as she found her voice to advocate for herself as both a student and a human being.” 

This summer, Fransblow is interning with Mote Marine Laboratory’s Coral Restoration Program in Key Largo, Florida. As part of a highly selective internship program, she is gaining hands-on experience in coral nursery operations, reef restoration efforts and the protection of critical marine ecosystems.  

“As a marine biology student, this experience is an incredible step toward my goal of becoming a coral restoration biologist,” says Fransblow. “I’m especially thankful for the chance to combine my passion for the ocean, hands-on marine conservation work and reef restoration in such a meaningful way. I am grateful to be learning from an amazing team and making a tangible impact on reef resilience.” 

On campus, Fransblow has also worked in building community around scuba diving. Through outreach events, tabling initiatives and a beach cleanup, Fransblow and fellow students helped grow the College’s dive club to nearly 90 members. The group hopes to certify more than 30 students as Open Water Divers this fall before eventually leading dive trips to Florida and beyond. 

Fransblow’s passion for the ocean will continue even farther next year as she embarks on a Seamester voyage beginning in Antigua and ending in Tahiti. She discovered the opportunity through Action Quest, a sister company where she previously earned her Divemaster certification. 

“I love boats and the ocean beyond words and getting to fully immerse myself in that environment for 90 days is truly a dream,” says Fransblow. “I’m also excited to hopefully earn my yachtmaster certification and be able to sail and dive all around the world.” 

Fransblow’s drive to get involved extends far beyond the classroom. Through leadership roles, service opportunities and extracurricular involvement, she has built a reputation as a student who embraces every opportunity to learn, lead and contribute. 

In addition to pursuing majors in marine biology and Jewish studies, Fransblow distinguished herself as a leader in Intentional AI for Good, an interdisciplinary first-year experience course taught by Lancie Affonso, Honors College faculty fellow, director of the Honors Entrepreneurship Living-Learning Community and senior instructor of computer science, management and marketing. The course introduces students to the fundamentals and limitations of artificial intelligence while exploring its ethical applications in real-world settings.  

“Alli combines intellectual curiosity with a warm, approachable demeanor, fostering community and sharing her passion for coral reef protection wherever she goes,” says Affonso. “She is a changemaker who exemplifies the positive impact a student leader and peer mentor can have beginning in their first year at the College of Charleston.” 

Although Fransblow is only entering her second year at the College, she is already making significant strides within both the Jewish community and the marine biology community, taking full advantage of the opportunities available to her.