College of Science & Mathematics
Master of Marine & Environmental Science
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Neve Andre - Hello! My name is Neve Andre, I’m from Pulaski, Wisconsin. I graduated last fall from the University of Wisconsin- Superior with Bachelor degrees in both Biology and Environmental Science, and minors in both GIS and Chemistry. I’ve had the opportunities in the past to intern in avian rehabilitation as well as event sustainability. Despite my past terrestrial endeavours, I have turned my eyes to marine systems. While I’m most familiar with freshwater systems, having had methods classes and independent water quality research revolving around Lake Superior, Marine Science has always been what I was working towards. I’m excited to be able to study the diverse and extensive marine systems surrounding the VI after years of oligotrophic limonology. Outside of school I’m an avid runner and artist of most mediums, from paint to fabric. I'm currently working my way through an extensive and ever growing reading list. When not reading or crafting I’m always down for a good hike or just generally spending time outside. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of my cohort and getting the chance to really dig into marine science like I can only with MMES. I’m sure that the knowledge and experiences I gain over the next couple of years will not only better me as a biologist but as a person. I can’t wait to get started! |
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Olivia Bailey - Hi all! My name is Olivia Bailey, I am from a couple places along the east coast, including South Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire. I graduated this spring from Plymouth State University, which is a fairly small school in the mountains of New Hampshire, with a B.S. in Environmental Biology and Chemistry! At Plymouth State I have had the pleasure of conducting research mainly on the toxic effects of PFAS compounds on horseshoe crab development and activity, but have also been able to research climate change effects on migratory bird populations, the Chytrid fungus disease prevalence in salamander, newts, and frogs, and how pH alterations may affect on coral. My passion lies in conservation, and I appreciate backing conservation with hard science. My life goal is “to save coral”, which yes, I know is quite ambitious, but if you shoot for the moon… So I will be in Dr. Brandt's Coral Health Lab. I am a super motivated, down to earth, excitable person. When I am not in the lab, I love swimming, snorkeling, going for walks, attempting to cook yummy and nutritious foods, crafting, and working out. I am super excited to meet you all and be a contributing member to this great community. |
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Saia Bennett - Hello everyone! My name is Saia Bennett, I come from Atlanta, GA and have graduated with a degree in Biology from a small school called Agnes Scott College. I have a long standing passion for conservation however, the marine life aspect of that interest peaked after visiting my paternal grandmother’s hometown in San Juan. Since then I have had opportunities to engage in and develop experience in marine science, biodiversity monitoring, and animal behavior research through both academic and field-based opportunities. My marine experience includes participating in conservation and ecological monitoring projects in Belize, Sapelo Island, and Roatán, where I conducted coral restoration support, fish population counts, salinity measurements, biodiversity assessments, and marine organism identification. In 2025, I completed an internship with the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, where I supported dolphin care, husbandry, and training alongside marine mammal professionals while collecting behavioral data and learning how field research is conducted with wild populations. Here at UVI I hope to contribute to a wider community, with unique perspectives and ensure environmental research benefits the communities most connected to these ecosystems. Ultimately, I aim to build a career in marine and environmental research focused on protecting coastal ecosystems through collaborative, community-centered conservation and management efforts. Okay, that was probably the longest “tell us about yourself” answer ever — I promise I do have hobbies outside of fish counts and coral surveys. Outside of academics, I love to dance. I think it helps folks grow in confidence and self-expression. I also love to travel, hear about people’s experiences, and dive into conversations about books, movies, or anything really. I’m always up for learning something new and so excited to meet everyone at UVI! |
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Destiny Coleman - Hello everyone! I’m Destiny Coleman, born and raised in Georgia. I've wanted to be a marine biologist since I first heard of the career in 4th grade. Volunteering at the Georgia Aquarium as a teenager is what inspired me to pursue research and conservation of marine life and environments. I graduated from Florida A&M University Spring 24’ with a B.S in Environmental Science. During undergrad, I researched metagenomics of oyster tissue in FAMU’s Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology lab. During three summer internships, I studied water quality of the Savannah River, Acadian Redfish presence in the Gulf of Maine, and shellfish population in Oregon as part of Oregon Sea Grant. I’m very excited to become an island girl and pursue a marine-focused degree at my new waterfront HBCU! I'll be joining the Brandt lab to study Acropora coral monitoring and restoration. I've enjoyed traveling and various short-term professional development opportunities in my gap years. I participated in a reef restoration residency with Reef Renewal USA, received my Advanced Open Water scuba cert, and had the opportunity to assist in coral monitoring surveys around the Hawaiian islands under my role as admissions counselor with the Sea Education Association. Even though I eat, sleep, and breathe this marine biology life, I genuinely enjoy nature and find solace in the outdoors. I’m a plant mom and have a very large puppy, KeeBuh who entertains most of my days. Otherwise, I try to hang with my friends and try new experiences in my city! |
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John Czerwinski - Hi, my name is John
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Robert Hoekendorf - Hello Everyone, My name is Robert Hoekendorf. I am from Seattle, Washington. I graduated from the University of Washington with BS in Biology & Ecology Evolution & Conservation. I’ve never been anywhere East of Texas so I’m very excited to dip my toes into the Atlantic & the Caribbean. I’m definitely the outdoorsy type with some highlights of hiking in Hokkaido, diving with Whale Sharks in Mexico & Monk Seals in Hawaii. I’m not yet certified but I have many dives and basically live in the water when it’s swimmable. I also am a frequent rock climber, I hope to be able to make it out to St. Croix for some bouldering! Professionally I’ve been all over the place in my career post grad working in Genomics, Microbiology, Property Management & Bartending on the side. During my undergrad I was able to work in Washington’s San Juan Island doing research with remote sensing on eelgrass meadows. This also involved some free diving which was my favorite academic endeavor. Through my time there I was able to meet Dr. Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria who is an adjunct professor at UVI and my contact to hearing about this wonderful program. I’m very excited to start school again. I haven’t taken any classes since 2022. |
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Sommer Laettner - Hi guys! My name is Sommer Laettner. I am from Jacksonville Florida. I was originally born in Minnesota. I am graduating from university of North Florida with my bachelors in coastal and environmental science and a minor in chemistry. Currently struggling to get through Genetics. I graduate July 31 of 2026 and I move to St. Thomas nine days later! I have loved St. Thomas ever since the first time that I went there in 2013, I went there to do a camp called Sail Caribbean and I just absolutely fell in love with it. I got my open water scuba diving certification, and it was then that I decided I wanted to be a marine biologist. So when I wrote my purpose statement to apply for this program, I just told them it would mean the most to me to give back to the very place that first inspired me to be a marine biologist. UVI was my number one choice, and I am so excited to be part of this cohort! Last summer, I flew to the Maldives even though it was mighty expensive and I did the Maldives whale shark research program so I’ve included that photo because it was definitely the best trip of my life! |
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Lauryn Moore - Hello my name is Lauryn Moore. I was born in Hawaii and from Colorado, and I live in the cities of Denver/Aurora. I just graduated this May just like many of us, congrats to us! I graduated from Hampton University that was located in Hampton, Virginia. I used to call that school my home by the sea as it was known for its close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. I graduated with a bachelors of science and my major was marine and environmental science. I have completed many internships in my time (3), gaining experience in many fields, but my main goal is to become a marine epidemiologist. Yall im so excited to be on this journey because as you all may know undergrad was hard work. I am so grateful I get to see and meet many new faces on the wonderful campus of the university of the virgin islands. Although I am incredibly excited to share all of my knowledge about my field of study, I am also a model, photographer, designer, stylist, dancer, and mermaid. If you want to know more please don't hesitate to reach out, I can't wait to meet you all in person, everyone seems wonderful. |
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Emma Nani - Hello, my name is Emma Nani! I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended UNC Wilmington 15 minutes away from the beach! I graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Concentration in Conservation. After growing up loving the ocean and science, at the age of 12 I knew I wanted to go into the field of marine science. During my time at UNCW, I studied abroad in Costa Rica taking marine biology courses, worked as an undergraduate research ambassador helping integrate students into research, and studied marine fish ecology. I have had the opportunity to research coral reef fisheries in Micronesia, take part in seasonal trawling surveys off the coast of North Carolina, and travel to Florida for my departmental thesis studying cryptobenthic fish abundances and structural complexity in the Florida Reef Tract using underwater photogrammetry and 3D modeling. In my free time I love to read, travel, study in coffee shops, and dive whenever I can. I have been on the executive board for UNCW’s Scuba Club helping dive certifications and charters become accessible to students and have been fortunate to receive my AAUS scientific diver certification through UNCW. I’m so excited to take my passion for socio-ecology, conservation, and marine technology to UVI this fall as I join Dr. Olinger’s lab continuing to utilize underwater photogrammetry and 3D modeling to characterize reefs using AUV’s! |
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Tia Rabsatt - My name is Tia Rabsatt and I was born and raised in the US Virgin Islands, specifically on the island of St. Thomas. I graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands with Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology, where I had the opportunity to gain experience in coral ecology and microbiology. After graduating I started working with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, where I currently work as a Fisheries Biologist conducting fisheries-independent research projects. My love for the ocean began at a very young age and grew into my main motivator for wanting to conserve marine ecosystems in the USVI. I am very grateful that I have been able to build a career in a field that aligns with my values and I am excited to take this next step in my professional development. I hope that I can give back to my community in ensuring that our natural resources remain productive for future generations. |
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Helen Ratchford -Hello everyone! My name is Helen Ratchford and I was born and raised here on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. I graduated summa cum laude in May 2026 with my B.S. in Biology and Political Science from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. My research looked at how frog communities change throughout the spring in the restored wetlands of central Illinois. Further I completed and presented research in which I characterized the communities of complex snail parasites, known as trematodes, in these same wetlands. I have also helped my lab with SNAPS (chytrid fungus swabbing on frogs) as well as outreach and science communication aimed at all ages. Here, in the USVI, I have worked with many different organisms throughout my scientific journey from corals, mangroves, sea turtles, and sea grasses, at the Marine Science Center, to bats, frogs and snails, with other scientists in the field. I am very passionate about ecology and how parasites/diseases move through ecosystems. For my master’s I will be working with Dr. Marianne Moore doing the first disease mapping for bats here on St. Thomas. I am definitely an outdoorsy person as I was practically born in the ocean. I love to hike with my family and dog, Widget, as well as go to the beach with my friends. I also have a passion for creative endeavors like bead-art, bracelet making, baking, and mosaics. I also absolutely adore any Studio Ghibli movies and their soundtracks. I cannot wait to meet other people who love biology and I would love to help those who are not from the USVI fall in love with my beautiful home. |
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Kadejsha Tonge - Growing up on St. Thomas, I was lucky to have the ocean as my backyard. Spending so much of my life surrounded by coral reefs and marine life naturally sparked my curiosity about the underwater world and eventually inspired me to pursue a career in marine science. I graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands with a Bachelor of Marine Science with high honors after beginning my research journey in 2021 as a high school student in Dr. Marilyn Brandt's Coral Disease and Restoration Lab. Since then, I have continued working in the lab, where I have gained experience in research diving, coral husbandry, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication. Along the way, I have contributed to numerous coral disease, restoration, and conservation projects while also leading two independent research projects that I have had the privilege of presenting at national conferences. My current research focuses on exploring whether heat exposure can increase coral resilience to warming oceans. Outside of research, I have worked closely with Howard Forbes Jr. to support outreach and education within UVI's Marine Science Department through field trips, summer programs, and community events. Over the past year, I discovered that outreach has become just as meaningful to me as research itself. I love seeing people become excited about marine science, whether it's a young child experiencing a coral reef for the first time or an adult discovering something new about the marine environment. As someone born and raised in the Virgin Islands, sharing the importance of our marine ecosystems with my community feels incredibly rewarding. As I begin the MMES program, I hope to continue growing as both a researcher and an educator. My goal is to help bridge the gap between science and the community by making marine research more accessible while contributing to the conservation of the ecosystems that have given me so much. I'm excited to continue learning, asking questions, and giving back to the island that first inspired my love for the ocean. |
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Miles Tuckey - Hello everyone, my name is Miles Tuckey! I was born in Florida and have lived here my entire life. Always being in proximity to the ocean led me to develop a love for marine life and eventually caused me to go to college to get a bachelor’s degree in Coastal and Marine Biology at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. During these academic endeavors I started participating in wetland ecology research and quickly gained an interest in plants as well. The main project I worked on explored the ecological distribution and resilience of red and black mangroves in response to freeze events at their northern range limit. This project sparked a desire to further my studies in ecological/marine sciences and now I have the wonderful opportunity to continue researching mangroves in the GRROE Lab under Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes at the University of the Virgin Islands! Besides academics, I spend most of my free time reading, playing the bass guitar and piano, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, snorkeling, diving, or playing video games. I’m quite introverted and take a while to warm up to people, but I always enjoy learning or trying new things. I hope everyone has a fantastic summer and I look forward to meeting you all! |
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Branalysa Varela - Hey, my name is Branalysa. I was born in Florida but I grew up in Massachusetts. I graduated from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, double majoring in Marine Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in mathematics. During my time in undergrad I completed an independent research on the growth and survival of bay scallops in various nursery gear systems. I worked as a Summer resident assistant for RWU marine biology camp where I helped high school students ignite their passion for marine science. I studied abroad in Australia and learned about Indo-Pacific ecosystems and the environmental challenges they are facing. While abroad I became Open Water and Advance Dive Certified. Following graduation, this summer I am working as an intern at the Gulf Shellfish Institute where I will help with the bivalve and seagrass co-benefits research. I am excited to join the UVI MMES 2026 cohort where I will be in Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes’ lab. I am looking forward to conducting research with mangroves and working with the St. Thomas community. |
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Margo Boucetta - I am from Louisiana, where I earned a BS in biological sciences and worked on various research projects in coastal science at the University of New Orleans. I assisted in assessing primary production and fouling communities at artificial reefs in the Coastal Benthic Ecology Laboratory, and I joined the Conservation and Molecular Genetics Laboratory to study seagrass epibiota diversity with a metabarcoding approach. I was also awarded a NSF REU internship at Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium to examine benthic infaunal community dynamics. I currently enjoy a position as a technician in the Environmental Analysis Laboratory here at UVI. I love field work and have volunteered with the Pontchartrain Conservancy reforesting swampland and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana restoring shoreline habitat with recycled oyster shells. I am excited to contribute my passion for environmental restoration and study mangrove ecology with Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes. |
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Adina Browne - Hello! My name is Adina Browne, and I serve as an Animal Welfare Specialist II – Avian & Aquatics at Coral World Ocean Park. Originally from the beautiful island of Antigua, I relocated to St. Thomas in 2017, just prior to hurricanes Irma and Maria. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2022. My lifelong passion lies in understanding animal behavior and fostering meaningful human-animal relationships—especially with sharks, one of the species I’m most drawn to. As an animal trainer, I am committed to expanding my knowledge in wildlife care and conservation. I am particularly interested in the role and effectiveness of head start programs in animal rehabilitation and education, beginning with initiatives here at Coral World. Pursuing a master’s degree is the next step in my journey, equipping me with the tools and insight needed to make a greater impact in wildlife conservation and to further advocate for the preservation of marine species. |
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Mädchen Gebhard - Hello everyone! My name is Mädchen (May) Gebhard, and I was born and raised in northern California. I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2022 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Earth Science. I knew that I was interested in pursuing a career that focused on ecology and conservation, but I didn’t discover my passion for the ocean until the end of high school when I became a certified scuba diver. In college, I became a divemaster and assisted teaching AAUS training, I interned as a scientific diver in the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research Laboratory, and I volunteered as a California Reef Check diver, conducting biodiversity surveys and monitoring kelp forest ecosystems. After graduating, I became a PADI instructor and I am also working towards earning my USCG captain’s license! I’ve since been working in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey as a scuba instructor, deckhand, and a volunteer for the Organic Geochemistry Sediment Analysis laboratory, where I’ve sorted sediment cores, identifying planktonic species to understand our climatic history. I am now working as a research assistant in the Coral Reef Resilience Laboratory under Dr. Tyler Smith and the Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research under Dr. Lauren Olinger, where I use marine technology to understand the future of our coral reefs in the face of ongoing thermal stress.
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Samuel Gittens Jr - Hi! My name is Samuel Gittens Jr., and I am from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in December 2021 and am currently pursuing my Master of Marine and Environmental Science degree. Throughout my time at UVI, I developed a passion for coral reef conservation through field research and hands-on experience studying the marine ecosystems of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In January 2022, I joined Dr. Marilyn Brandt's laboratory, where I have contributed to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease treatment, coral restoration, nursery maintenance, reef monitoring, and spawning efforts. During the first year of graduate school, I also assisted with research on the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, expanding my experience in marine field research and conservation. My current Professional Science Master's project explores how artificial intelligence can be applied to improve coral health monitoring, reef assessment, and restoration efforts. My long-term goal is to combine marine science with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to develop innovative tools that support coral reef conservation throughout the Caribbean.
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Adam Krogmann - Hello, my name is Adam Krogmann. I was born in Florida, and then moved to Tennessee, and then to Georgia, and then back to Florida for college. I graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s in Science with a concentration in Coastal and Marine Biology. I also minored in Fine Arts. I love participating in research, and have worked in salt marshes with plants, fish, and oysters, on the beach with epibionts, and in freshwater swales with plants. I currently work on studying greenhouse gas fluxes in red and black mangroves. I am also currently working on a project where I illustrate different species of turtles for a sculptor so that she can use my illustrations as references to create scientifically accurate statues of these turtles. Outside of research and school I like to paint and go to the beach. Here in North Florida the mangroves are very small, so I am excited to work with fully grown trees down in UVI! |
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Gregory Pelose - My name is Greg Pelose. I am originally from New Jersey, but have been doing coral restoration work in the Caribbean since 2021. As a child, exploring New Jersey's aquatic ecosystems sparked my love for nature and the ocean. At 11 years old, I established my first coral reef tank in my room and have never looked back. The enjoyment and curiosity that came from growing corals in captivity drove me to study marine biology at Boston University. While at BU, I was a cross country and track and field athlete and completed an honors thesis analyzing coral polyp volume. After BU, I moved to the Bahamas to do coral restoration work for a company called Coral Vita. I learned a lot during my time there before moving to the Dominican Republic to manage a land-based coral restoration lab for Iberostar, an eco-tourism resort. While in the DR, witnessing large colonies of my favorite Caribbean corals die from Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease led me to test novel treatment methods to try to save disease-affected coral fragments. I was able to develop a treatment approach that worked, and have since published the protocol and results from experimental trials in Frontiers in Marine Science. I am now a proud member of the Reef Response team as a research assistant and am further exploring disease treatments for my master's thesis. Outside of the lab, I love to surf, drink coffee, and explore nature.
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Romina Ramos - Hello, I’m Romina! I was born and raised in Rhode Island. My passion for the marine environment blossomed during family vacations in Cabo Verde. During my undergraduate studies, I interned as a wildlife ranger for a loggerhead project on the island of Sal. This experience made me fall in love with sea turtle conservation, and I decided to pursue this path wholeheartedly. After college, I explored other loggerhead conservation projects on the island of Boa Vista and Maio. These experiences taught me about community-driven conservation and resilience in areas where resources are scarce. I then traveled to St. Croix to work with a different species: endangered leatherback turtles at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. It's hard not to fall in love with these beautiful creatures! I returned for another season and made St. Croix my home. I can’t imagine my life without tropical fruits, breathtaking sunsets, the ocean, and sea turtles! I assist wildlife biologists with lizard surveys, bird surveys, bird banding, sea turtle monitoring, and restoration efforts. In my free time, I enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and playing board games and cards.
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Natalie Ritter - Hi everyone! My name is Natalie Ritter, and I currently live in Tacoma, Washington. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean and was raised in a family of nature enthusiasts, which deeply influenced my passion for studying marine life. In high school, I began volunteering with organizations like The Marine Mammal Center, as well as smaller, local wildlife rehabilitation clinics in my area. I graduated from Whitman College in 2023 with a degree in Biology. Most recently, I worked as a Waterfront and Program Assistant at the School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resources in Turks and Caicos. There, I had the opportunity to teach classes, lead dives, and assist with hands-on research projects focused on the local marine life. I’m now excited to pursue a graduate degree in Marine Biology to deepen my expertise and eventually combine my love for the ocean and animal care by pursuing veterinary school, with a specialized focus on marine organisms. Outside of academics and work, I love diving, hiking, and getting lost in a good book.
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Savanna Saunders - Hi! I am Savanna Saunders and I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I completed my undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with minors in Marine Science, Spanish, and Biochemistry in May of 2025 at the University of Arizona. I have always been drawn to water despite growing up in a desert. Everytime I visited lakes in Michigan and the ocean in California, I was always interested in what was beneath the water. I got involved in the Marine Awareness and Conservation Society at UA where I learned about the vast opportunities in Marine Science and got to teach kids about the ocean. My research at UA involved studying coral response to supplemental light treatment at the Biosphere 2 as well as looking at the kinematics of Cassiopea. Outside of school, I love scuba diving, hiking, watching sunsets, and photography. At UVI I am a research assistant in the Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research under Dr. Lauren Olinger and I study fish abundance on Caribbean coral reefs using SCUBA and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) survey methods. I hope to improve our understanding of how these tools affect USVI coral reef systems while supporting long-term reef monitoring and restoration.
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Isabella Symington St. John - Hi! My name is Bella Symington St. John. In 2025 I received my BS in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University where I had the opportunity to study risk aversion and food preference in Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, cellular senescence in Zebrafish, and through a Tropical Biology field course, got to collect data on cleaning stations and sand dunes in San Salvador, Bahamas. I’m currently pursuing a Professional Science Master’s in Marine and Environmental Science at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), where I combine scientific research with outreach and education. My internship focuses on mapping the distribution, abundance, and population structure of the Blue Land Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) across St. Thomas to better understand its ecology and inform conservation efforts, while also engaging with the community through science communication and environmental education initiatives. My growing passion for outreach and education helped guide my path toward pursuing a Professional Science Master’s degree. As an intern at Mystic Aquarium and a Yale Conservation Scholar, I led educational programs, supported initiatives for underrepresented youth, and conducted bird surveys. My love for the ocean and exploration has also taken me to England for study abroad, the Bahamas for a global field course, and the University of the Virgin Islands through the National Student Exchange Program. Together, these experiences strengthened my knowledge of marine biology and inspired me to return to UVI, where I work as a Research Assistant and Intern with Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes in the GRROE USVI Mangroves lab. Outside of academics I like to go thrifting, grab matcha at different coffee shops, snorkel, and sew or crochet my own clothes. |
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Alexandria Tennant - Hola everyone! I am Alexandria Tennant, born in Daytona Beach, FL, and raised in Atlanta, GA. Growing up with the ocean practically in my backyard and a deep love of animals, marine biology felt like a natural fit. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences at Savannah State University, and my passion for the ocean has only grown since. My research interests lie at the intersection of coral reef ecology and emerging technology. At the University of the Virgin Islands, I am a research assistant under Dr. Lauren Olinger in the Virgin Islands Center of Autonomous Research (VICAR) Lab, where my thesis focuses on the history of coral reef health in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I have the exciting opportunity to train AI models to classify corals using data from the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program (TCRMP), examining coral health demographics and morphological change. I hope this work contributes to a stronger, longer-term understanding of how USVI reef systems are changing and helps inform reef monitoring and restoration efforts across the region. Outside of research, I love to travel, roller skate, play volleyball, cook new foods, and of course, dive. I recently got into hiking too! |
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Natalie Wride, National Science Foundation Scholar - Hello Everyone! My name is Natalie Wride. I am originally from Ohio, but have spent some time living in Florida. I graduated spring of 2023 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology with minors in Environmental Science and World Dance from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. My undergrad research project was looking at the coral coverage and abundance of the southern reef of Moloka’i, Hawaii. I also got to work with a non-profit organization, Nurturing Nations, in Ghana helping children and families live a more healthy sustainable life through the creation and education of aquaponic systems. Since graduating from BYU, I have been working as a Biological Field Station Assistant at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory on Lake Erie. I was able to work with Ohio Sea Grant, NOAA, and Ohio Division of Wildlife on a variety of research projects including HABs, invasive species, fish and snake populations, plastic pollution, bird migration tagging, etc. I also gained lots of experience teaching biology classes and working at outreach events. My time on the Great Lakes has allowed me to work on a variety of research vessels and I am currently working towards my Master Mariner Captain’s License. In my free time, I love hiking, exploring new foods, painting, and reading good books. I am super excited to start this new adventure at UVI and look forward to meeting everyone! |
Current Students - Previous Cohorts
Gillian Coleman - Hi! I’m Gillian and I was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I grew up around the water and have always had a passion for the outdoors. I lived in Baton Rouge, LA, for four years and earned my B.S. in Coastal and Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from Louisiana State University. During my time there, I worked in the Seascape Ecology Lab studying coral reproduction and disease. I was able to apply histopathology and light microscopy laboratory techniques in multiple federal, state, and privately funded research projects. In my final year, I conducted an independent study of the effects of stony coral tissue loss disease on the reproduction of the coral Montastraea cavernosa. Currently, my research is focusing on the influence of thermal stress and symbiont strain variation on coral reproduction and larval development. Outside of marine science, I enjoy making sourdough, hiking, and college baseball (Geaux Tigers!).
Nicholas Durgadeen - Hey, good morning, good afternoon or goodnight! I hope you’re doing well. My name is Nicholas C. Durgadeen, and I am from the beautiful island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. I earned my B.S. degree in Marine Biology from the UVI, where I was able to deepen my love and understanding of our marine ecosystems. As an undergraduate, I participated in research focused on coral reef phase shifts from invasive algae, sea turtle conservation and mangrove restoration.
After graduation, I worked with the National Park Service studying coral disease lesion growth rates, before joining Dr. Marilyn Brandt’s Coral Restoration and Disease lab. In Dr. Brandt’s lab I supported coral disease treatment, restoration and monitoring projects, and coordinated community outreach events throughout the territory. These experiences inspired my thesis, which investigates how light exposure and water flow influence coral bleaching susceptibility, to better understand the differences in coral bleaching and survival after mass bleaching events. Outside of graduate school, I serve as the St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER) Coordinator for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, where one of my main projects is the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs). In my free time, I enjoy snorkeling, hiking, long walks, attending social events, and underwater photography.
Miranda Goad - Hello Friends and Fins! I’m Miranda! I was born and raised on the Island of St. Thomas, USVI. I lived on the coast of Maine for a few years where I got my Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies but came back home to finish my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at the University of the Virgin Islands. My background includes research in sandy beach ecology, fish biology, and mangrove ecology which has led me to joining Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes and her mangrove restoration lab, GRROE USVI Mangroves. I’m working towards completing my Professional Science Masters in Marine and Environmental Science focused on merging art with science communication and creating tools to be utilized in formal and informal educational settings. I hope to spark in others the same passion for nature that I have.
Cheyenne Goodman - Hi, my name is Cheyenne, but I go by Lila! I was born in southern Virginia and moved to Norfolk, Virgina for my undergraduate. At Old Dominion University, I worked in a phytoplankton analysis laboratory and studied chemical and biological oceanography through the lens of harmful algal blooms and estuarine research. I became open water certified in SCUBA diving after I graduated at Old Dominion University and became AAUS certified during my masters at UVI. I work in Tyler Smith’s Coral Reef Resilience lab which monitors coral health across the Virgin Islands. My thesis research is investigating ecological factors, specifically damselfish predation and algal farms, affect coral health by monitoring coral plots at Brewers Bay. I enjoy snorkeling, beach combing, crocheting, watching movies, and crafts in my spare time.
Keiley Gregory - I am a student in the UVI Ocean Glider Laboratory, where I am conducting my thesis research on the relationship between cetacean distributions and oceanographic conditions in the US Caribbean using PAM-equipped ocean gliders. I work alongside the other members of this lab to deploy, recover, pilot, repair, ballast, and conduct pre-deployment checkout procedures for two Teledyne Webb Research (TWR) G3 Slocum gliders. I am from the shark bite capital of the world (New Smyrna Beach, Florida), and I am grateful to have spent my entire life in and around the ocean, swimming before I could walk, surfing since I was three years old, and SCUBA diving since I was 10. I hold a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology, with a concentration in Marine and Coastal Biology, and a minor in Chemistry from the University of North Florida, and I hope to build a career dedicated to understanding and protecting the marine environment and its inhabitants.
Kayla Halliday, National Science Foundation Scholar - Hello all, my name is Kayla Halliday and I was raised here on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. I have recently graduated with my B.S. in Marine Biology in May of 2020 here at the University of the Virgin Islands and I am very excited to be starting the MMES program. From the time I first learned to snorkel, around the age of 3, I have always been curious and mystified by the ocean and all the creatures that reside there. Over my adolescent and adult years, my passion to protect my home and the waters that surround it grew, which is one of the reasons why I am choosing to further my education. My career goal is to be an ecological consultant here in the Virgin Islands. I am very interested in land/sea interactions and human/sea life interactions. During my time in the MMES program I will be working with Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes on advancing mangrove restoration. My thesis will focus on the bettering out planting for mangrove propagules.
Maya Hodder - Hey everyone! I’m Maya, and I’m originally from the West Coast of the U.S. I grew up in a small waterfront town called Gig Harbor in Washington and earned my degree in Environmental and Ocean Sciences from the University of San Diego in 2022. While in San Diego, I worked at an ocean engineering firm focused on beach geomorphology and coastal engineering. That experience sparked my interest in wave dynamics and coastal geology, which ultimately led me to pursue my master’s with Dr. Greg Guannel at the Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC).
My research focuses on the interannual variability of beach profiles across the three U.S. Virgin Islands. I’m specifically examining how patterns of erosion and accretion—and the formation and migration of sandbars—relate to underlying benthic habitats such as seagrass beds and bare sand. By combining field observations with modeling approaches, I hope to better understand how natural coastal features influence sediment dynamics over time and under changing environmental conditions.
Outside of research, I enjoy being out on the water, going to concerts/festivals, traveling, and vibing with friends. I’m excited to be a part of the MMES program!
Ranelagh Yzabelle Lauguico - Hi, my name is Ranelagh Yzabelle Lauguico, but I go by Abby, derived from the "ab" in Yzabelle. I was introduced to the underwater world by my dad, as scuba diving is one of his hobbies. Our entire family is scuba certified, but I have taken it to a deeper level—literally and figuratively.
I was born in the Philippines but spent most of my life by the beautiful Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at Silliman University in the Philippines. My research interests lie in marine parasites, with a specific focus on gnathiid isopods. Additionally, I am passionate about marine conservation and have immersed myself in various aspects of marine life, from working as an aquarist to handling inventory of ray and shark specimens to volunteering in a humpback whale research and interning for a coral recruits study. Beyond the sea, I find joy in hiking, photography and traveling 💙
Cole Sheeley, National Science Foundation Scholar - Good day everyone, my name is Cole Sheeley. I am from Rockland County New York, which is near New York City along the Hudson River. From a very early age I have been fascinated with the ocean and sea life. Following my passion, I graduated from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. During my time at the University, I was fortunate to study under Dr. Koty Sharp in her coral lab. After graduation I was accepted at MOTE Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys as an intern. At MOTE I worked under Dr. Jason Spadaro in the crab lab. I was introduced to the ecology field and studied the connections between grazers along the reef. My experiences at Mote inspired my interest to pursue a career in coral reef conservation and restoration. I am beyond excited to be joining the MMEES cohort and look forward to working with Dr. Tyler Smith and Professor Doug Wilson on a joint underwater glider project.
Ally Swan, National Science Foundation Scholar - Hi! My name is Ally Swan, and I’m from Clearwater, Florida. In 2023, I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. As an undergraduate, I conducted research on sex-based differences in chromatophore use for camouflage in shrimp living on octocorals. After graduation, I moved to the Florida Keys, where I interned in Mote Marine Lab’s Coral Reproduction Lab, focusing on Acroporid species affected by the 2023 mass bleaching event. I then joined the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo, where I contributed to coral restoration efforts along the Florida Reef Tract. These experiences deepened my interest in coral reef research and conservation, ultimately leading me to pursue my master’s with Dr. Tyler Smith. Currently, my thesis focuses on the thermal tolerance of shallow and mesophotic populations of Orbicella franksi and their recovery following bleaching. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, working out, being on the water, and traveling.
