Graduate Students
Zoe Alexander, Masters Student
I am from Marietta, Georgia, and received a B.A. in both Ecology and International Affairs at the University of Georgia. After completing my degree, I worked in Washington, DC, at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the Ocean Studies Board. During my time at the Academies, I assisted on projects covering topics such as ocean acoustics, the development of renewable energy on the West Coast, and a decadal survey of ocean sciences. I am excited to continue my education at UMaine, where I am interested in researching the sustainability of fisheries in relation to seafood consumption.
Contact information: zoe.alexander@maine.edu
Kate Behrens, PhD Student
Inspired by my curiosity about human wellbeing and deep respect for the natural environment, I’m interested in studying relationships between people in conflict about nature, particularly in marine environments. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. My diverse experience includes supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders, implementing a new foster care model in child welfare, and managing response operations for protected species in Hawai’i. I’m curious about how social work practices can be utilized in natural resource management. In my free time, I like to explore new places with my dog, Bellaroo.
Contact information: kate.behrens@maine.edu
Jessica Bonilla, Masters Student
Howdy! I recently graduated from the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, majoring in human ecology. I am also a fisherman. My relationships that include an aspect of fishing, whether it be the harvest or sharing the catch over a meal are my most cherished. My recent work involves contributing to the CAFA NOAA-funded study Gendered dimensions of climate change impacts, adaptive capacity, and resilience in Maine’s coastal fisheries. I’m stoked for the opportunity to continue sharing my passion for marine studies over the next couple of years as I pursue my masters in marine policy as a part of the NRT. Let’s fish!
Contact information: jessica.bonilla@maine.edu
Katherine Daza, PhD Student
I’m Katherine, born in California and raised in Baja. I am an Oceanologist and diver, my research focuses on the relationship between physical processes in the ocean (coastal systems) and marine species. I am continually seeking new adventures and opportunities to expand my knowledge.
During my bachelor’s, I worked in the Yucatán Peninsula with coastal hydrodynamics (surface current fields) and macroalgal drift. Now, as I begin my PhD, I’m studying links between hydrodynamics and abundance of whales and birds through an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UMaine.
Contact information: katherine.daza@maine.edu
Emma Francoeur, Masters Student
My name is Emma and I’m from a small coastal community called Manchester in Massachusetts. I’ve just recently graduated from Boston University with a BA in Biology and Environmental Science. My research during my undergrad focused on observing coral symbionts in response to heat stress. My senior thesis focused on incorporating art based methods in order to have conversations about climate change with the elderly community of my hometown. I’m really excited to continue having conversations with the people of Maine about a topic that I’m passionate about.
Contact information: emma.francoeur@maine.edu
Willow Grinnell, Masters Student
Willow was raised along the coast of Maine where she developed a passion to protect her sacred outdoor spaces. After graduating with a BA from Colby College in Environmental Policy (concentration in Marine Policy) in May 2020, Willow moved to Bozeman, MT where she worked as a research analyst for JGRE doing work in agricultural food systems and public health. Willow is passionate about the integration of science, policy and communication in rural spaces and loves learning and thinking about how food systems can be more viable. She is excited to continue her education at UMaine and work alongside other like-minded individuals in the NRT program.
Contact information: willow.grinnell@maine.edu
Gabriel Poulin, Masters Student
Hello! My name is Gabriel, and I’m from Stockton Springs, Maine. I’ve lived in Maine my whole life, and have no plans to leave. I graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 2024 with my B.S. in Computer science, and currently work in IT for Hamilton Marine. I am currently pursuing my masters degree in Computer Science. I am very excited to help the NRT team with researching ecosystem sciences.
Contact information: gabriel.poulin@maine.edu
Chandler Sendek, PhD Student
I completed my undergrad in environmental science from Slippery Rock University. Over the last 5 years I have worked seasonal jobs in everything from kayak guiding to ecology, in multiple states. Though I have worked in many different states and ecosystems, I have always been particularly fascinated by estuaries and glacial geomorphology; making the gulf of Maine a very exciting place to study. I enjoy outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, paddling, climbing, and am always excited to try new things.
Contact information: chandler.sendek@maine.edu
Amir Colbert Stone, Masters Student
Hello! My name is Amir (he/him/his). I’m from Cleveland, Ohio! I graduated from Denison University in 2022 with a B.A. in Black Studies. Both my academic and professional career have been based in culturally sensitive and responsible interdisciplinary research. I have a passion for storytelling, and an avid appreciation for fungi.
Contact information: amir.colbert@maine.edu