Trainees
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.
Kate Behrens, PhD Student
Originally from Michigan, I began my career as a social worker supporting people navigating challenging relationships. I later moved to Hawaiʻi where I found these skills relevant for mitigating conflicts in natural resource management. This piqued my interest about the role of interpersonal dynamics in human-wildlife conflict and how an interdisciplinary approach might be beneficial. My research explores the application of strategies grounded in social work to repair relationships between and among parties impacted by the entanglement of North Atlantic right whales in lobster fishing gear. I enjoy rowing and exploring with my dog, Bellaroo.
Johanna Birchem, PhD Student
I am originally from Baudette, Minnesota, and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of New England. My undergraduate research was focused on 1) the use of GIS to quantify dune erosion, and 2) how seaweed harvesters in Maine are affected by policy and gentrification. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, playing guitar, and spending time with the people I love.
My research at the University of Maine will focus on ecosystem-based Indigenous co-management using analyses of seaweed environments, anadromous fish, and human and non-human communities that are dependent on these ecosystems.
Holly Omura, PhD Student
Originally from North Carolina, I’ve lived in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and now, Maine. I’m the proud mother of five wonderful children. I received a BA in History, followed by three MA degrees in American History, American Studies, and English. My scholarship centered on social justice topics in Indigenous, African American, Chicano/a, Gender and Sexuality, and Environmental studies. I’m thrilled to be joining the Anthropology and Environmental Policy PhD program to work on Indigenous-led and -centered environmental restoration, resistance, justice, and land back initiatives as well as the NRT program. Let’s build healing bridges of collaboration and sustainability!
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.
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.
Tacy Guest, Masters Student
Hi! My name is Tacy and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I studied ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton, with minors in creative writing, environmental science, and climate science. I conducted my senior thesis research on harbor seals in the Gulf of Maine. At the University of Maine, I am studying Marine Sciences under Professor Kristina Cammen. I will be using stranding datasets to understand how seal populations are changing under climate change! In my free time I love sailing and writing!
Henry Hua, Masters Student
My name is Henry Hua, I’m Vietnamese/Cambodian/Chinese-American, and born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I received my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at Cornell University in 2024 and have since been working for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission in Forks, WA. There, I gained experience in fisheries management, tribal treaty rights, and habitat restoration. At UMaine, I will be studying the socio-ecological effects of future dam removals on the Kennebec River. I love hiking, tide pooling, and serving at my church and the broader community.
Brady Neale, PhD Student
Hello everyone! My name is Brady Neale and I’ll be joining the NRT program this fall semester as a PhD student studying Ecology & Environmental Sciences. I just graduated from Boston College this past spring, where I studied Environmental Geoscience and Biology, and am excited to study elements of the lobster fishery in Maine! I am originally from Acton, Massachusetts, and love spending time in nature, playing sports and video games, and hanging out with family, friends, my girlfriend, and any dogs I can find. I’m looking forward to getting to know Maine better and to meeting everyone in the program!
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.
Ava Santos-Volpe, Masters Student
Hi! My name is Ava Santos-Volpe and I’m from the Chicagoland area. I completed my undergraduate education at Pomona College in southern CA, majoring in Biology. Now, I’m an incoming MS student at UMaine School of Marine Sciences. I am excited to be doing research at the intersection of ecology and molecular biology in the marine environment!
Ainsley Vanderhyde, Masters Student
I am from Flint, Michigan, and earned a B.S. in Marine Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Barry University. During my undergraduate studies, I was a NOAA Educational Partnership Program Scholar, contributing to projects focused on community engagement in federally funded marine debris initiatives and oil spill modeling. These experiences strengthened my interest in connecting scientific research with public impact. I look forward to advancing my career at the intersection of science policy and community engagement, helping to bridge the gap between research, decision-making, and the communities most affected by environmental challenges.
NRT Alumni
Jessica Bonilla, Master in Marine Policy, 2026
Willow Grinnell, Master in Marine Policy
Chandler Sendek, Master in Marine Biology
Amir Colbert Stone, Master in Anthropology & Environmental Policy