Students

College of Science & Mathematics
Master of Science in Marine & Environmental Science

Welcome 2023 Cohort!

	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 love field work, and have volunteered with the Pontchartrain Conservancy to plant trees in the swamps and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana to restore shoreline habitat with recycled oyster shells.   I became interested in benthic ecology on a three-month trip to Southeast Asia where I earned my SCUBA certification. I returned later to the Coral Triangle and met restoration ecologists in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia. My lifelong passion for marine biology was reinvigorated, and I discovered the research opportunities at UVI. I am thrilled to pursue my dreams in the MMES program and join Dr. Edwin Cruz-Rivera’s lab to study the effects of Sargassum on beach faunal communities.
	Abigail Gretta - Hello, Abigail Gretta here! I graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston. I had the opportunity to join a two-year phenological study on the invasive red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla along the Charleston intertidal mudflat. This study allowed us to explore how each life phase contributed to its nonnative range. Previously, I interned at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute in Little Cayman, where I participated in reef surveys, tended to the Acropora cervicornis outplantings, and assisted in educational outreach and diving programs. As a PADI Instructor and USCG Captain, I've been fortunate enough to travel and work in various parts of Mexico and the USVI, providing me with exposure to different aspects of tropical coral reefs. I'm beyond excited to return to St. Thomas and join Dr. Tyler Smith's lab, where I will assist in a study to calibrate near coastal observations from RS satellites to accurately depict water quality and benthic characterization for the USVI waters.
	Sarai Hutchinson - Hey there! My name is Sarai Hutchinson and I was born and raised on the island of St. Kitts. I love staying active by going on hikes and snorkelling. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science in Spring 2022 at the University of the Virgin Islands. I have always considered myself to be an environmentally conscious individual; always wanting to find a way how I could help the environment. My interest in the marine sciences was triggered in in 2021 after I was a virtual guest student in the Amy Apprill lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) where I analyzed a time-series dataset to better understand potential SCTLD causes in Colpophylia natans corals around St. John, USVI. Post-graduation, I interned at The Nature Conservancy on St. Croix where I was a Coral Restoration Fellow in the Coral Innovation Hub. I was able to constantly learn new things, like coral spawning techniques, and garner skills in aquaculture. My interests in environmental restoration have led me to join the MMES program where I will be working with Dr. Kristin Wilson-Grimes to study whether Sargassum can be used in mangrove restoration.
	Jesse Joy - Helloooo! I'm Jesse Joy, originally from Connecticut, but I've called the Florida Keys home for the last nine years. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Environmental Anthropology from UConn, my academic journey led me to study the feeding behavior of hummingbirds in the Colombian cloud forest, resulting in publication. Now an aspiring marine biologist, I've rescued injured birds, sea turtles and manatee, surveyed fish, planted corals, and conducted independent dolphin research projects in the Florida Keys. I was selected for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and founded Unbound Joy in Nature, a nonprofit organization that utilizes my USCG Master Captain 100T endorsement for environmental education and conservation. I firmly believe that people protect what they love, and I'm determined to inspire a collective passion for our earth's beauty and preservation. I’m also eager to gain a deeper understanding of marine population declines and ultimately make waves in environmental science with the MMES program. I'm an avid sailor, free diver, and fly fisherman, and will take any opportunity available to hit the water and explore.
	Spencer Parr - Good day! My name is Spencer Parr, I was born and raised on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I have had a passion for marine organisms and their ecology ever since I was tossed in the ocean with a mask and snorkel at the age of 2! Catastrophic hurricane damage to my island home prompted me to move to the mainland to pursue my undergraduate education. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a Marine Emphasis from Western Washington University. I have always had an ambition for identifying anything and everything my eyes saw while snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean Sea. I have a keen interest in understanding the form and function of a diverse array of marine organisms. Undergraduate coursework and research experiences (strengthened) broadened my understanding of the consequences of climate change and other anthropogenic effects on the marine biome and benthic communities. This knowledge and my environmental stewardship standpoint drives me to devote myself to marine scientific discovery, especially in the genre of marine community ecology, ecosystem health monitoring, coral conservation and restoration. My graduate studies in the MMES program at UVI and research assistantship in Dr Tyler Smith’s lab will further the breadth and depth of my marine science knowledge, expand my research experience and focus my research interests on coral reef community ecology.
	Zoe Price - Zoe Price grew up in Alexandria, VA and attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA for her bachelor’s in environmental science. She developed a passion for research doing lab work at school and discovered her love for marine science during a summer research program at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs. In addition to being in the lab, Zoe loves spending time outdoors running, hiking, and enjoying nature.
	Cole Sheeley - 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.
	LeeAnn Sheets - My name is LeeAnn Sheets, I am originally from Indiana but came to St. Thomas to finish my bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Prior to UVI I got an associate degree in biology and behavioral psychology. When I was a junior in high school my parents sent me to Zanzibar, Africa on a research trip to study how dolphins interact with tourists. Another aspect of this was trying to put regulations in place in order to protect the well-being of those dolphins. This experience really opened my world up and helped set me on the path that I am on today. Animal behavior is something that really interests me, why animals do the things they do and for what reasons. I am excited to expand my knowledge while studying the behavior of sponge decorator crabs under the mentorship of Dr. Cruz-Rivera.
	Joshua Soll - I am a conservationist, shark advocate, SCUBA diver, outdoor enthusiast, and photographer. Despite spending most of my life in the state of Georgia, living in Colorado is ironically how I discovered my passion to pursue marine science. I am intensely dedicated to conservation and advocacy for all species, though marine predators are my primary interest. In previous years I have worked for two marine science non-profit organizations, conducting work in fish conservation and reintroduction, microplastics pollution monitoring, public engagement, and marine science education. My native language is English, but I am also fluent in Spanish and enjoy every opportunity to chat with others.
	Gordon Stetson - Hi, my name is Gordon Stetson and I was born and raised in Tampa, FL. I moved to island in December 2022, and it has felt like home every second since. I attended the University of Florida and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainability and the Built Environment. My undergraduate experience taught me all about how the environment can be damaged, impacted, or enriched by anthropogenic activity. Growing up in FL, I was always surrounded by water and have always felt at home. With my background in terrestrial science and sustainability, I am eager to explore the marine side of the spectrum and combine both as one entity. I am very excited to be apart of the MMES program and my goal is to gain an in-depth awareness of how the marine and terrestrial environments interact and perform when put under strain from anthropogenic activity.
	Courtney Tierney - Hey there! My name is Courtney Tierney. I am originally from coastal New Jersey. I received my B.S. in Marine Science and Environmental Studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. While there, I had the opportunity to study coral ecosystems in Honduras, the British Virgin Islands, and as a NOAA Hollings Scholar in American Samoa. After graduating, I interned for a coral restoration non-profit in Haiti and entered the workforce. I moved here to St. Thomas in 2022 to work for the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources as the Coral Disease Response and Restoration Coordinator which inspired me to further my education at UVI. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Robin Smith investigating improved coral restoration techniques.
	Veronica Williamson - My name is Veronica Williamson. I was born in Amazonas, Brazil and grew up in Louisiana and Florida. Most of my life has been surrounded by water and aquatic life. Being so close and connected to the waters that sustained my communities made me fascinated with aquatic conservation. I received my Bachelors degree at Florida State University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and Psychology. After school, I taught Ecology and Chemistry in Mozambique, Africa for a year. I returned home due to COVID, and worked as as a coral restoration intern with Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys. There, my love for the reef grew and I began to apply to graduate schools to study coral restoration and disease.  In my spare time I enjoy traveling, diving, kayaking, learning languages, and reading. In the future, I plan to get my PhD to be able to teach and research what I love!

 

Current Students - 2022 Cohort

	Darian Braddy - Good day! My name is Darian Braddy. I am from Savannah, GA, where I received my B.S. in Marine Sciences and a Data Analytics certificate at Savannah State University this year. I have done research on sea level rise and the effects on the local Savannah oyster population. I also did two research projects on small-scall vertical and horizontal migrations of the periwinkle snail related to tidal cycles and heights. I spent last summer on Ossabaw Island, GA as a sea turtle technician. I love diving and my goal at the University of the Virgin Islands is to study coral reef restoration and expand my knowledge from tidal marsh environments to tropical/mangrove environments. I also love coastal tourism and informing the public about the benefits of the ocean and the dire need to ensure marine health. I am super excited for this next step in my marine journey!
	Avery Coble, National Science Foundation Scholar  - Hi! My name is Avery Coble. I moved to St. Thomas from Tarpon Springs FL, but have lived all over. I graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Marine Biology. While attending, I volunteered on the 100-island challenge run by Dr. Stuart Sandin, where I found my passion for corals. During this time, I also interned at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium working on baseline data collection, and with Manta Trust in Micronesia studying the reef manta ray's migration patterns. After I graduated, I worked for a while at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where I primarily worked on research and education. I am very excited to continue my education and be a part of the MMES program
	Corinne Johnson - Hi I’m Corinne! I am originally from Arizona but I grew up all over the world. I developed my love for the ocean and turtles when we took a family trip to Greece and I saw sea turtle conservation efforts on the beach. I graduated in 2017 with a double major in biology and sustainability from Arizona State University. While at ASU, I studied the social behaviours of resident hawksbill turtles off the coast of Maui, Hawai’i. During this project, I discovered my passion for behavioural ecology and the conservation impact it can have. At UVI, I will be studying territoriality of juvenile hawksbill turtles and I can’t wait to get started!
	Stefanie Maxin - Hi everyone! My name is Stefanie, and I’m originally from Texas where I graduated with a degree in Marine and Freshwater Science from the University of Texas in Austin in 2021. During my time as an undergraduate, I worked on a few different projects which mainly centered on using passive acoustics to monitor populations of marine fish species, and analyzing the behavior and cognition of marine mammals. Following graduation, I worked for the Marine Mammal Center’s Monterey Bay location where I assisted in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals (mainly sea lions!), and furthered my passion for marine science and conservation efforts. I am looking forward to starting this next chapter of my academic career, and will be working with Dr. Rick Nemeth’s lab. My project will consist of using passive acoustic data to both help better understand the recovery of the local Nassau grouper population, and to quantify sounds made during the spawning activity of yellowtail parrotfish.
	Madison Miele, National Science Foundation Scholar - Hey, I’m Madison Miele! I’ve lived in Washington State my whole life. I just recently graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelors degree in marine biology in 2022. I have loved marine life ever since I was a kid, especially when I started snorkeling and scuba diving. Last summer I studied abroad in Turks and Caicos where I conducted research on sharks, turtles, and rays! I fell in love with Caribbean waters and all the animals in it. Along with that, I have interned with a pacific mammal research team in Washington State where we study harbor porpoises and seals. Everything in the ocean amazes me and I can’t wait to have more experiences in the Virgin Islands! Im very interested in shark or tropical fish research. I’m super excited to get a Masters in Marine and Environmental Science at UVI and can’t wait for the adventures that come with it!
	Natalie Monnier - Hello! My name is Natalie Monnier, and I am from Wilmington, NC. I graduated from North Carolina State University and received my B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. While attending college, I interned at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. This was where I discovered my passion for working with marine animals. The year after I graduated, I accepted a position with Bald Head Island Conservancy tagging and monitoring the island’s nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Since then I have worked with several different sea turtle species in North Carolina, St. Croix, Antigua, and Texas. After 5 years of nesting field work, I am ready to continue my education with the MMES program at UVI. I look forward to working with Dr. Paul Jobsis and starting research on the sea turtle population around St. Thomas. When I’m not hanging out with turtles, you can find me in the water trying to catch a wave.
	Gregory O'Neill, National Science Foundation Scholar - My name is Gregory O’Neill. I am from Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s in biology. I was born in Rocky Point, New York which is where I gained an interest in marine science. I am currently a Research Assistant in Dr. Richard Nemeth’s Lab. My thesis will be investigating the effects an invasive seagrass (Halophila stipulacea) has on the growth, diet, and feeding behavior juvenile Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus).
	Kianna Pattengale - Hi! My name is Kianna. I grew up in Northern California before getting my degree in Biology with an emphasis in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Nevada, Reno (Go Pack!). Sadly, this was landlocked, so during my time here I also studied abroad in Costa Rica where I was able to conduct research with the University of Costa Rica on the spatial distribution of brittle stars and sea cucumbers. This experience made me fall even more in love with marine biology and conservation.  In my free time, I can always be found outside diving, snorkeling, hiking, or sailing. I am currently working under Dr. Paul Jobsis to see how grazing by green sea turtles changes the productivity of seagrass in St. John. I am thrilled to be a part of the MMES program!
	James Powell, National Science Foundation Scholar - Hello! My name is James, and I hail from Warrenton, Virginia. My love for the ocean developed while completing my SCUBA instructor rating in Cozumel, Mexico in 2019. It was then that I decided to return home to complete my bachelor's degree in Environmental Science at the Virginia Commonwealth University. I am excited to be joining the MMES program and aim to build a career that will enable me to share my passion of the underwater world through research! During my time at UVI, I will be working with Dr. Cruz-Rivera on the degradation models of sargassum species and the effects of golden tides on Caribbean coastal sustainability.
	Kaitlin Rommelfanger - My name is Kaitlin Rommelfanger, I grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. As a kid, one of my favorite pastimes was hunting for crawdads and and frogs in and around the creek in my grandparents backyard. I graduated in 2016 from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities wIth a BS in Genetics and Microbiology. After my undergrad a job opportunity took me out to Southern California where I have been working at a plumbing certification company and spending free time volunteering with the California Wildlife Center Marine Mammal Rehab team and the Aquarium of the Pacific.   I am thrilled to be joining the MMES cohort, and turning my longtime hobby into my career. I look forward to working with Dr Edwin Cruz-Rivera in has lab studying Sargassum!
	Jordan Silva - Hey! My name is Jordan Silva and I am from Louisville, Kentucky. I graduated a few years ago with a B.S. double major in Biology and Environmental Science. Since I graduated, I have worked in environmental restoration, natural areas and land management, and in a microbiology lab. Ever since I was a kid, the ocean is where I wanted to be! I love surfing too, so if anyone ever needs a surf buddy, I am always down! Coming from Kentucky, there was not much opportunity to study marine life but, in my undergrad, I went on a trip to Belize and was studying coral diversity among the different reefs. This trip is what made me realize that I wanted to continue my education towards marine science and it was a great way to combine my love and passion for the ocean and career interests. So here I am now following that dream. I am always up to learn something new and offer a helping hand! I look forward to starting the MMES program and working in Dr. Edwin Cruz-Rivera’s lab.
	Sabrina Sorace - Hi, my name is Sabrina Sorace. I am originally from Maryland; however, I received my degree in Marine Science with a concentration in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies from Eckerd College in Florida. While I was at Eckerd College, I studied the concentration of microplastics in the Tampa Bay area and within the digestive tracts of manatees residing in Tampa. But after interning at Mote Marine Lab in their sea turtle conservation and research program, I discovered my interest in fieldwork and herpetology. After three nesting seasons with greens and loggerhead sea turtles, I decided to take the next step in my career and pursue graduate education. I will be continuing to work with sea turtles under the guidance of Dr. Paul Jobsis, studying the hawksbill sea turtle nesting populations on St. Thomas.

 

Previous Cohorts - Current Students

Adeline Shelby, National Science Foundation Scholar - My name is Adeline Shelby and I am originally from Dallas, Texas! I turned a 4-hour drive to the nearest beach to 15-minutes when I decided to go to the University of Miami. I graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Marine Science and Biology. During my time there I helped conduct research on staghorn coral in an ocean acidification laboratory, interned at the Center for Sustainable Development in Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas, and studied abroad in the Galapagos Islands. I've become particularly interested in coral conservation and restoration. So, I am happy to be interning with Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo, Florida this summer where I get to assist with reef monitoring, harvesting, and outplanting! I'm very excited to get to continue this kind of work as a research assistant for Dr. Tyler Smith.

Julia Plotkin - Hello! My name is Julia Plotkin and I am originally from Texas where I earned a Bachelor of Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2017. After graduation I dove into the field doing critical habitat restoration and trail access in Southern California with the American Conservation Experience followed by almost 2 years in the Philippines as a Coastal Resource Management volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps. My passion for community engagement, ecosystem-based management, and stakeholder driven science landed me here in St. Thomas working with the Division of Fish and Wildlife at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. I am eager to push myself as a scientist in the MMES program while exploring my research interests in blue carbon, habitat restoration, and coastal resilience. I look forward to learning how to best create a sustainable intersection of marine environment and society!

Lila Uzzell - Hey, my name is Lila Uzzell and I was born and raised on St. John, Virgin Islands. I received a B.S. in General Biology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2017, where I researched two pitcher plants (Sarracenia) and their hybrids. After completing my degree, I bicycled across the USA and then began working for the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Conservation & Research Department as their Conservation Assistant & Field Biologist. I love working with rare and native plants, but also have a rooted passion for the marine life I was surrounded by growing up. After three years at the Botanical Garden, I returned to St. John in 2020. When not working at my local dive shop, you can find me outdoors hiking, diving, freediving, surfing, or hanging at the beach with friends! I am so excited to be home and become a part of UVI's MMES program. My hopes are to pursue a thesis surrounding coral reef ecology or mangrove ecology.

Davis Strobel, National Science Foundation Scholar - Hey, I’m Davis Strobel from Charleston, South Carolina. I grew up in a Scouting family, which catalyzed my love for the natural world, and through scuba diving at a young age, I found my life goal of becoming a marine scientist. I attended Arkansas State University for my B.S. in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation while playing rugby full-time. Since graduating in 2019, I’ve been fortunate to work at some fantastic marine labs in Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. Some of my work experience to date has included topics on parasitology, fish behavior, microbial ecology, coral restoration, aquaculture, and educational outreach. My favorite part about this career path is my ability to make direct impacts in and out of the water; whether it’s outplanting coral or teaching youth about marine conservation, I’m in love! I hope to one day start an organization focusing on coral restoration, educational outreach, and eco-tourism..

Laura Palomino - Hi everyone! My name is Laura Palomino, and I am originally from Cali, Colombia. Growing up in Miami, I developed my interest in marine science by snorkeling, scuba diving and sorting through sargassum on the beach. I graduated from the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Marine Science and have been working in the marine conservation field for the past 4 years. I have enjoyed working for several non-profits, Florida Fish and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Biscayne National Park, and the University of Miami. My background in education, coastal ecosystems, and citizen science has led me to pursue a graduate degree with Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes. My research at UVI will be centered on mangrove restoration and community engagement.

Sierrah Mueller, National Science Foundation Scholar- Hi all! My name is Sierrah Mueller. I am from Asheville, North Carolina where I spent the majority of my time outdoors hiking, camping and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with degrees in Biology and Spanish. While at UNC-CH I spent a summer studying marine resource management in the Turks and Caicos Islands which solidified my desire to further study tropical marine ecosystems. After graduating from UNC-CH I moved to the FL Keys and worked in marine science education as well as with local non-profit organizations on marine conservation initiatives. Since the Keys, I have lived in the Cayman Islands working as a dive instructor. I have a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures, which led me on a backpacking trip across Southeast Asia where I got to dive some of the world's best coral reef ecosystems. I will be studying fish ecology under the guidance of Dr. Richard Nemeth looking at life history and habitat analysis of redtail parrotfish (Sparisoma chrysopterum).

Erin Hollander - Hello! My name is Erin and I am originally from Northern California. I grew up spending every spare minute outside either hiking, swimming, playing water polo, or boogie boarding in water that is much colder than USVI! Whether it’s open water swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving, once I’m in the ocean, it’s pretty hard to get me to leave. After high school, I attended UCLA where I majored in marine biology. There, my favorite research experience was spending a quarter abroad in Tahiti studying giant clams and algae! I fell in love with marine ecology (woohoo, algae!) and I am so excited to continue research with Dr. Tyler Smith’s lab. 

Taylor Hobbs - Hello! My name is Taylor Hobbs and I am originally from California. I graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Environmental Science: Conservation Biology and minored in Interdisciplinary Arts and Cultural Studies. My main interests involve animal cognition, animal behavior, and marine social science. I firmly believe that the best way to address some of the most critical threats to our planet is through collaboration. I caught the travel bug young and have spent most of my adult life traveling and working either at various marine research stations or as a scuba diving instructor. Marine biology has been a passion of mine since childhood and even though I am not from the tropics, it has always felt like home! Other than that, I love rock and roll, all animals, and scuba diving! If anyone ever needs a scuba buddy, let me know, I am always around for a dive!

Elizabeth Harris, National Science Foundation Scholar - M.S. candidate in the Marine and Environmental Studies program at UVI with interests in coral reef ecology. I graduated with a B.S. in wildlife biology from Missouri State University. During my undergrad, I spent a semester with Sea Semester sailing around the Lesser Antilles, studying coral reefs and oceanography. My thesis project focuses on coral settlement along the shelf gradient. I am the 2021 class rep.  When I am not doing research, I work at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. 

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.

Zachary Gregory,National Science Foundation Scholar  -My name is Zachary Gregory. I am from Washington State and received a bachelor’s in marine biology from Western Washington University. During my undergrad I found myself fascinated by habitat forming species such as anemones and corals. This fascination led me to many opportunities such as running independent experiments on coral bleaching in the Sea of Cortez and spent a summer aiding in propagation of corals such as Acropora Palmata and Acropora Cervicornis through MOTE Marine Laboratory’s Coral Reef Restoration Internship. I also spent my time volunteering in aiding WWU’s Surfrider Club with beach cleanups and organizing public outreach events. I have spent the past two years working with one of Washington’s native tribe where I have worked on monitoring salmon populations, restored riparian habitat, and aided in climate modeling. I am excited that my path has brought me to the MMES program at UVI, and for the experiences I’ll get during my time at St. Thomas.

Rebecca Gibbel - I am enthusiastic to be joining the MMES cohort and Dr. Brandt’s lab, in order to study coral disease- particularly the epizootic SCTLD that has so seriously damaged the Caribbean reefs.  My early years were spent on Tortola in the BVI, when the reefs were in far better condition and before coral diseases were prevalent.   I earned my bachelor’s degree from Harvard, my doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tufts, and I did a post-doc internship in surgery and medicine at Penn.  Since then I have been practicing veterinary medicine in New York City, but I have always been strongly drawn to environmental conservation.   I’ve worked at the NY Aquarium and learned about land-based coral husbandry, and in a genetics lab at the Museum of Natural History, studying deep sea black corals until the pandemic shut the lab down.   Joining me in this next life chapter, are my dive buddy husband Mark, and our paralyzed dachshund Lola.

Alex Cormack,National Science Foundation Scholar - I’m Alex Cormack, born and raised near Syracuse, New York. I graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry here with a B.S. in Environmental Biology. I’m a Sea Education Association alum, there I sailed the Lesser Antilles studying Yellow Porites and their relative abundance on unhealthy reefs where I really finalized and confirmed my direction toward marine science. I’m excited to get to diving in the Caribbean, as most of my experience has been exploring New York’s lakes and rivers for the last few years. I haven’t finalized my advisor placement or thesis project yet, but I am well versed in coral community dynamics yet open to study something completely new. I am passionate about just about anything underwater and am ready the next leg of my journey at UVI!

Shamoy Bideau - Hey, what's good? My name is Shamoy Bideau, I’m from St. Croix, but was raised in St. Lucia, where I first found my love for the ocean attending youth forums surrounding ocean resource conservation. I graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands with my B.S. in Marine Biology in 2020. I am a member of Dr. Marilyn Brandt’s lab, as a Research Assistant on the SEAS coral restoration project. Through my time at UVI, I amassed new skills which I think are beneficial to my future, but I'm not done yet - always up for learning something new. I'm excited to see what this new chapter holds for me.

Amanda Badai - Hi my name is Amanda Badai. I am originally from New Jersey, however I have resided in the Florida Keys for the past few years. I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. I completed a thesis where I determined if nematocysts from Aiptasia sp. and Cassiopea sp. could inhibit bacterial growth. After college I interned for Mote Marine Laboratory in their Reef Restoration Program where I gained experience in coral husbandry. I then had animal care experience with parrots and manatees at Miami Seaquarium and learned about their manatee rescue program. After Miami I moved back to the keys to become a Biologist at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters where I gained experience in elasmobranch and tropical fish husbandry. Other specialties there were water quality and animal training and manatee rescue. I look forward to studying and gaining more experience in coral disease and research with the MMES program. 

Kayla Budd - Hello! My name is Kayla Budd, and I am from the small town of Hymera, Indiana. Growing up, I was always fascinated by nature and especially by the ocean. I earned a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Biology from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. There the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Acnievement Program encouraged and enabled me to participate in several undergraduate research projects and to study abroad. During an internship at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos, Ecuador, I reafirmed my love for marine life, research, and marine ecology. My passion lies in finding effective solutions that work both for the environment and for the people who depend upon it. I am currently working with Dr. Richard Nemeth to address terrestrial sedimentation and inform watershed management by engaging the public through a social media app and examine the fate and behavioral changes of  coral-associated cleaner gobies following disease outbreaks. I spend my free time volunteering as part of the St. Thomas Coral Disease Strike Team or photographing the beautiful island I now call home. Contact: budd.kayla.a@gmail.com

Maksym Cohen - Hello! My name is Maksym Cohen and I graduated from the University of San Diego with degrees in Environmental and Ocean Sciences and International Relations. I spent much of my undergraduate career surveying coastal areas for microplastic density and assessing its impacts on local marine life. My background is in physical oceanography and ocean circulation which has led to my interest in the work of Dr. Sennai Habtes. My research at UVI will be centered on the impacts of wave and current action on Red Grouper larval distribution. I hope that work in this field will create opportunities for myself in fisheries in the future.

Andrew McGregor - Hello everyone, my name is Andrew! I grew up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and received a B.S. degree in biology with a minor in animal ecology from Iowa State University. My interest in marine sciences came from my undergraduate research experiences at The University of the South Pacific in Fiji and the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Lab. I developed an interest in sea turtles while assisting in a project that studied green and hawksbill turtle foraging behavior around the outer Fijian Islands and have wanted to continue studying these organisms in a graduate program ever since. For my thesis project, I will be working with Dr. Paul Jobsis to study the in-water habitat use and movements of hawksbill sea turtles in Brewers Bay, USVI. 

Naomi Scott - Hello! My name is Naomi Scott and I'm a graduate student in the MMES program at the University of the Virgin Islands. I'm originally from Chicago, IL but I earned my Bachelors degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science from the University of Tampa. I'm interested in renewable energy so my research revolves around the ways renewable energy sources can be used in aquaculture. In collaboration with Dr. Sennai Habtes I hope to  build a portable aquaculture lab that is powered by solar photo voltaic energy and can be used in the field. When I'm not in class I enjoy teaching Science 100 to undergraduate students and researching new innovations in solar energy. 

Matthew Souza - Hi, I grew up in Massachusetts with the ocean an hour drive to my east and the mountains to my north and west. My childhood was spent camping, hiking and spending time on Cape Cod.  I received my B.S. degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in marine science and minors in biology and environmental anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. While there I worked as a laboratory assistant in the Byrnes Laboratory and assisted in a study looking at the impact of rising sea levels on salt marsh zonation.  My undergraduate research project examined factors influencing crab species abundance and distribution in Nantucket seagrass beds. After graduation, I worked as a teaching assistant at Shoals Marine Laboratory in Maine. My research interests include the interaction between anthropological impacts and the coastal marine habitats. At  UVI I will be studying the impacts of the invasive seagrass (Halophila stipulaceaon) on the queen conch (Lobatus gigas) under the mentorship of Dr. Edwin Cruz-Rivera.  I enjoy teaching and am currently a teaching assistant in the undergraduate class, Natural World:The Caribbean. My hobbies include skiing, biking, hiking, and anything on the water.

Olivia Diana - Good Day! My name is Olivia Diana. I am originally from Massachusetts but finished my undergrad at Virginia Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Biology. Three months later I moved to Saint Thomas, USVI to pursue my masters and work with Dr. Cruz Rivera on comparing beaches for microplastic density depending on the sargassum density. I completed research on using death assemblages as indications of environmental recovery and presented the work at the International Crustacean Conference 9 (ICC9) in May 2018. I decided to study in the Virgin Islands after study away trips to both Belize and Costa Rica taught me about the ecological importance of protecting the tropical coasts. Contact: olivia.diana@students.uvi.edu