College of Science & Mathematics
Master of Marine & Environmental Science
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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 in the oceans. I am beyond excited to join Dr. Tyler Smith’s lab where I will focus on coral reef ecology and the effects of invasive species.
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Samuel Gittens Jr - Hi, it's a pleasure meeting you all ! My name is Samuel Gittens Jr and I am from St. Croix, USVI. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology in December 2021 from the University of the Virgin Islands. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I sought opportunities to deepen my understanding of marine biology. I participated in various field studies, where I learned hands-on about the diverse species that inhabit our waters and the ecological challenges they face. Engaging in such research solidified my commitment to conservation and the importance of sustainable practices in Marine Research. I’ve always loved the ocean and my time at UVI has guided my interests into the world of corals. In January 2022, I started working in Dr. Marilyn Brandt lab conducting Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease treatment at St. John National Park service areas, and this year, I have started to assist in coral restoration. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education and contributing to marine conservation efforts. I believe that the Master's program at UVI will provide me with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field of marine biology.
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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 - Hi everyone! My name is Greg Pelose. I am originally from New Jersey but have been living in the Dominican Republic for the past 3 years doing coral restoration work. As a young child, exploring the aquatic ecosystems of New Jersey 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 Caribbean 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 DR to manage a land based coral restoration lab. While here, it has been very hard to see large colonies of my favorite Caribbean corals fully die from Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Utilizing our labs space, we were able to create a novel treatment that stops the progression of SCTLD from killing infected fragments of coral. I am excited to further study and learn while at UVI, especially focusing on how we can best protect and restore marine ecosystems. Outside of work and coral restoration, 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. I am excited to live near the beautiful ocean and expand my coral research and diving skills at UVI!
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Isabella Symington St. John - Hi! I’m Bella Symington St. John. I’m a proud first-generation college grad with a B.Sc. in Biology with a Psychology minor from Eastern Connecticut State University. I’ve had the chance to dive into some pretty cool research, like studying risk aversion and food preference in Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, cellular senescence in zebrafish, and cleaning stations and dune surveys in San Salvador, Bahamas. I’ve also really enjoyed working in conservation and education. During my time as an intern at Mystic Aquarium and as a Yale Conservation Scholar, I led educational programs, supported underrepresented youth initiatives, and did lots of bird surveys, which I absolutely loved!! I’ve always loved being in the ocean and exploring new places, which has taken me to England for study abroad, the Bahamas for a global field course, and the University of the Virgin Islands for a National Student Exchange. My time in the Bahamas and at UVI has strengthened my marine biology knowledge and desire to pursue this field! Coming back to UVI to continue my education feels like a dream come true, and I’m so excited to work with Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes in mangrove ecology. Please feel free to reach out and connect before orientation and classes start!
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Alexandria Tennant - Hey! My name is Alexandria Tennant, and I was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences from Savannah State University, where my love for the ocean only grew stronger. I currently work at the Georgia Aquarium, where I get to show my passion for marine life every day. Growing up near the beach, the ocean has always felt like home to me, and I’m beyond excited to now be studying at a university that has it right in its backyard, just like Savannah State. I look forward to diving into coral reef research in the U.S. Virgin Islands and expanding my skills both in and out of the water! Outside of school and work, I love roller skating, visiting amusement parks, going on long jogs, and relaxing at the pool, lakes or beaches. I’m happiest when I’m spending time with my family and friends or traveling somewhere new. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings at UVI! |
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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 - Hi everyone! My name is Nicholas C. Durgadeen and I am from the beautiful island of St. Croix, the sister island of St. Thomas. I completed my B.S degree in Marine Biology at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Immediately after graduating, I interned at the National Park Service, where I was tasked with identifying the rate of growth of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) lesions on highly susceptible coral species within the park’s borders. In addition, I spent two years working as a Coral Restoration Specialist in Dr. Brandt’s lab. I am grateful for these experiences, because I know that they will make my transition into Dr. Brandt’s lab much smoother. As someone who tends to specialize in coral restoration and coral disease, I am eager to learn novel techniques on identifying and responding to coral disease and bleaching in Dr. Brandt’s lab. Outside of academia, I love going to the beach, hiking, freediving, underwater photography, and trying new foods.
Miranda Goad - Hello Friends and Fins! I’m Miranda! I was born and raised on the Island of St. Thomas. I’ve always had a passion for science from childhood. Combine that passion with growing up in the Caribbean and of course I’m going to end up studying marine science! After high school, 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. While in my undergrad, I had the valuable opportunity to work in the Mangrove Restoration Lab under Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes and Sandy Beach Ecology Lab with Dr. Guilherme Corte at UVI. I look forward to expanding my areas of research and fostering new connections along the way. I am enthusiastic to start my next adventure in the MMES Program!
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 - Hi, I’mKeiley Gregory! I have dreamt of being a marine biologist for as long as I can remember, and I am thrilled to be joining such an amazing program! I am from a small beach town in 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 recently obtained a B.S. in Marine & Coastal Biology from the University of North Florida, where I was part of a shark field research team. I am especially interested in research on how environmental changes and stressors impact marine species’ physiology, behavior, and vulnerability to anthropogenic threats. I am passionate about field research and love being immersed in the marine environment, and I aspire to conduct research that allows me to be in the ocean often.
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 a study on sex-based differences in chromatophore use for camouflage in shrimp living on octocorals. After graduation, I moved to the Florida Keys and began an internship at Mote Marine Lab’s coral reproduction lab, focusing on Acroporids affected by the 2023 mass bleaching event. Following this, I interned at the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo to help further protect and restore the Florida Reef Tract. These experiences furthered my interest in coral reef conservation and restoration, which ultimately led me to get my master’s with Tyler Smith. Currently, my research focuses on thermal stress and coral recovery in Orbicella franksi across depth gradients. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, being on the water, and traveling.
