Professional Experience & Education

Marine Scientist, Educator, and USCG-licensed Captain with 10+ years of experience advancing ocean conservation, research, and community engagement. Expertise in developing innovative underwater technologies, leading international field expeditions, and conducting ecological research on fish, coral, and marine ecosystems. Recognized for building partnerships with NGOs, universities, and government agencies to scale conservation solutions and inspire stewardship. Experienced science communicator and educator skilled in translating complex research into impactful stories and hands-on learning experiences that connect people with the ocean.

Education

2016-2022

M.S., Biological Sciences
California State University

Chico, CA

Completed master's thesis: Long-term influence of thermal stress during incubation on the aerobic scope and thermal tolerance of juvenile pacific salmonids
Directed daily operations of the Banet Lab’s Aquatic Ecology and Organismal Biology center
Gained advanced training in fish physiology, ecology, behavior, ecomorphology, and evolution while conducting both laboratory and field research in California and Washington State. My work bridged science and stakeholder engagement by integrating the environmental and anthropogenic history of the region and addressing stakeholder concerns through interdisciplinary collaboration and multi-agency partnerships.

2007-2011

B.A. Biology

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

Concentration : Biological Oceanography, completed with Sea Education Association.
Major in Biology, Minor in Chemistry.
Extensive community service record on campus and in the community of >1440 hours across science education, community engagement and Biological Honor Society

2010

Semester at Sea

Class: S-232

Sea Education Association

Falmouth, MA

Served as Junior Lab and Deck Officer aboard a 134-ft research vessel, assisting in a 2,200-nautical-mile transit from Hawaii to French Polynesia over six weeks
Collected and analyzed oceanographic data in support of ongoing WHOI and SEA research initiatives during the expedition
Completed intensive coursework in Biological Oceanography, Marine Policy, and Oceanographic Research Techniques through four weeks onshore and six weeks at sea
Conducted an independent research project on the combined effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and climate change on primary productivity in the South Pacific

EXPERIENCE

Professional Experience

Aug. 2024 – Jun. 2025

Associate Director of Operations

Marine Imaging Technologies (MiTech), LLC Cataumet, MA

Captained offshore survey projects for offshore wind and fiber optic studies
Integrated MiTech’s photogrammetry systems into coral conservation initiatives
Managed partnerships with BBC, Ørsted, WHOI, RMS Titanic, NPS, NOAA, and Inspire Environmental
Authored funding proposals and advanced company expansion into conservation research

May 2022 – Aug. 2024

Expedition Specialist, Captain

Marine Imaging Technologies (MiTech), LLC

Cataumet, MA

Directed multi-day offshore biological surveys of wind turbine arrays
Developed methodologies and ROV systems for wind farm and fiber optic cable monitoring
Secured funding for coral restoration project in the British Virgin Islands
Implemented company-wide asset management for critical resources
Maintained and operated imaging systems, AUVs, and ROVs

Nov. 2020 – May 2022

Business Dev. Consultant, Captain, Diver

Marine Imaging Technologies (MiTech), LLC

Cataumet, MA

Built strategic partnerships for underwater photogrammetry applications
Captained vessels for ROV and imaging surveys
Provided underwater photography and videography services

Nov. 2019 – Jun. 2022

Captain, Open Water Dive Instructor

Finz Dive Center

Key West, FL

Led SCUBA dives across the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Dry Tortugas National Park
Trained staff in advanced diving and spearfishing operations
Organized custom charters for film crews and government contractors

Jun. 2019 – Aug. 2019

Captain

Sunset Watersports

Key West, FL

Captained 40-ft catamaran for snorkeling and dolphin tours
Maintained shipboard systems and coordinated emergency drills

Aug. 2018 – May 2019

Captain, Open Water Dive Instructor

Adventure Watersport Charters

Key West, FL

Aug. 2016 – Jul 2018

Graduate Student Researcher & Lab Manager

California State University, Chico

Chico, CA

Led multi-day dive tours in the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park
Piloted and maintained 43-ft liveaboard charter vessel
Oversaw dive equipment maintenance and repair

Mentored undergraduates and supervised a 13-member research assistant team
Completed thesis on long-term influence of thermal stress on salmonid physiology
Directed daily operations of the Banet Lab’s Aquatic Ecology and Organismal Biology Center

Aug. 2016 – Jul. 2018

Research Assistant

California State University, Chico

Chico, CA

Surveyed and restored Pacific salmon side channel habitat on the Sacramento River
Helped develop a multi-agency monitoring plan with federal and state agencies
Conducted bi-weekly juvenile salmonid abundance surveys

Jan. 2015 – Jul. 2015

Research Assistant

Cape Eleuthera Institute

Eleuthera, The Bahamas

Co-led lab and field operations for the Flats Ecology and Conservation Program
Promoted within six months to Research Assistant for exceeding performance expectations in research and field operations.
Discovered and co-authored the description of a new genus of marine cave isopod, published in Subterranean Biology
Conducted research on bonefish ecology, invasive lionfish, and microplastics in pelagic fish

Aug. 2014 – Jan. 2015

Research Technician

Cape Eleuthera Institute

Eleuthera, The Bahamas

Assisted with field operations on nearshore fish physiology and ecology
Co-instructed semester-long research seminars on fish physiology and ecology
Engaged students in research and service opportunities

Oct. 2013 – Aug. 2014

High School Math Teacher

Maine Academy of Natural Sciences

Hinckley, ME

Designed individualized, project-based math curriculum
Collaborated with faculty across Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture
Supported students with post-graduation planning and internships

Feb. 2013 – Oct. 2013

Marine Science Instructor

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

Wallops Island, VA

Led immersive courses in marine science and coastal ecology
Taught oceanographic field methods and species identification onboard R/V Monitor
Developed lesson plans exceeding curriculum standards for visiting schools

Jan. 2012 – Sep. 2012

Marine Science Educator & Unit Leader

Newfound Harbor Marine Institute / Seacamp Big Pine Key, FL

Designed and led SCUBA-based field courses in environmental science and reef ecology
Promoted to Unit Leader after consistently strong evaluations
Served as Captain and Lead Instructor for educational field trips

Dec. 2010 - Jan. 2011

Deckhand

Sea Education Association

Falmouth, MA

Selected for additional 4-week goodwill voyages from Moorea to Huahine-Iti, Raiatea, and Tahiti
Promoted to crew as deckhand after demonstrating outstanding reliability during initial student voyage
Performed essential maintenance on vessel, equipment, and assisted with re-supply

Current and Previous Partners

BBC
US Bureau of Reclamation
California Dept of Fish and Wildlife
The Cape Eleuthera Institute
The Island School
Queensland Museum
Senckenberg Research Institute
California State University, Chico
SeaWorld
Coonamessett Farm Foundation
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Eastern Search and Survey
Inspire Environmental
MSG Sphere
NASA
NOAA
Oceaneering
Orpheus Ocean
Ørsted
Pelagian
RMS Titanic, Inc
U.S Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution