Sara Lacourciere

Sara Lacourciere joined the Aquaculture Research Institute as a Seaweed Technician in early 2024, where she focuses on advancing nursery processes for seaweed aquaculture, particularly through seed banking and optimizing the culture of sugar kelp gametophytes. She collaborates closely with the fourth-ever macroalgae photobioreactor developed by Industrial Plankton at the Darling Marine Center, working with her team to explore machine learning applications for improving commercial seaweed nurseries.  

 

Sara’s journey into marine science began at the University of Rhode Island, where she earned dual B.S. degrees in Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology and Marine Affairs. She later pursued her passion for sustainable seafood internationally, completing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society. The program included courses at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, University of Crete, and University of Nantes. Her final semester in Scotland solidified her interest in seaweed, culminating in a thesis exploring the carbon capture potential of seaweed farms.  

 

Originally from Connecticut, Sara grew up along Long Island Sound, where her love for the ocean took root. Now based in Bath, Maine, she spends her free time boating (or fixing her boat), cooking, and exploring the natural beauty of her new home with her partner.