Background

With over 20 years of experience in the marine trades and sciences, I have developed a deep appreciation for the marine environment and remain curious about our ever-evolving marine ecosystems.

My career on the waterfront began in high school when I took a job in the kitchen of a seafood restaurant in Barnstable, Massachusetts. From there, I worked at a marina in East Dennis, Massachusetts, where I gained hands-on experience repairing docks and boats.

I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. During my time there, I also worked for the Division of Marine Operations as a deckhand, where I was responsible for passenger safety, deploying scientific research equipment, and educating the public about the natural and cultural history of Boston Harbor. After graduating, I returned to Cape Cod, where I sampled beach water for the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment and continued working at the marina in East Dennis.

My career then took me to an oyster farm and hatchery on the Damariscotta River in Maine. There, I fertilized oyster eggs to grow juvenile oysters for distribution to farms from Maine to Virginia. I also harvested market-ready oysters year-round, in all weather conditions.

After a few years, I pursued a Master's degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island to complement my science-based undergraduate education and expand my knowledge in marine resource management and outreach. I was accepted into the one-year graduate program based on my extensive practical experience in the marine trades. Upon earning my Master of Marine Affairs degree, I worked on luxury yachts and a commercial fishing vessel, all based out of Rhode Island.

In 2015, I joined NOAA Fisheries as a research assistant for the Social Sciences Branch at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Narragansett Laboratory, which marked the beginning of my career with NOAA. After my contract ended, I accepted a position as a fisheries management specialist with the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where I developed science-based fisheries management policies and outreach initiatives for constituents from Maine to North Carolina for six years.

In 2022, I transitioned to my current role at the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center as a Strategic Advisor. In this position, I work closely with staff and leadership to align our approximately $121 million budget with our strategic priorities, ensuring we effectively achieve our mission.

As I continue to grow in my career, I remain deeply engaged with both science and marine policy, always seeking opportunities to forge new partnerships and foster growth within the scientific community and beyond to benefit our society as a whole.