Pieces of the Puzzle: Meet the 2023 Knauss Finalists

Carden Barkley

 ^{Duke University; North Carolina Sea Grant} 

Ask my friends – I’m the worst person to invite out for seafood because I’ll make you rethink every menu choice!

Brandon Barlow

 ^{University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Minnesota Sea Grant} 

I’m a future-focused go-getter with a passion for the environment, serving the American people, and music.

Jeffrey Beauvais

 ^{University of Georgia; Georgia Sea Grant} 

My parents used to joke I had pluff mud in my veins, they were right.

Ashley Booth

 ^{Louisiana State University; Louisiana Sea Grant} 

A creative, kind individual devoted to restoring ecosystems and human connection to place through science communication and integrating values with actions.

Shannon Burns

 ^{University of South Florida; Florida Sea Grant} 

This chemist is great at bonding, a chameleon who can use her analytical skills to generate solutions in all situations.

Devin Burri

 ^{University of Minnesota; Minnesota Sea Grant} 

I strive to create new opportunities to address meaningful policy issues, amplify marginalized voices, and help protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

Maggie Carson

 ^{University of South Carolina; South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium} 

I am a Native American, a woman, and a scientist passionate about environmental and public health interactions and striving to balance the two.

Emily Chua

 ^{Boston University; MIT Sea Grant} 

I am an ocean scientist and amateur boxer, fighting not just inside the ring but also outside to make science more transparent and accessible to wider society.

Mary Collins

 ^{Colorado State University; Minnesota Sea Grant} 

I am a bridge, a connector, and an open-minded thinker eager to cross disciplines, sectors, and boundaries for solutions that last.

Lisa Crawford

 ^{Stony Brook University; New York Sea Grant} 

A lifelong learner, in pursuit of excellence, ready for any challenge; dedicated to applying science for good.

Jackie Culotta

 ^{University of Minnesota; Minnesota Sea Grant} 

Joy Deep Chakrabartty

 ^{University of Delaware; Delaware Sea Grant} 

I am a blue economist with hands-on interdisciplinary research experience in the United States and abroad.

Amelia-Juliette Demery

 ^{Cornell University; New York Sea Grant} 

I am a Californian biologist with a multi-faceted background, expansive toolkit, and passion for sustainability policy, conservation, and environmental justice.

Marcella Dobbertin da Costa

 ^{College of William & Mary (VIMS); Virginia Sea Grant} 

I have ambitious goals for my future with the commitment, competence, creativity, and resourcefulness of turning them into reality.

Anastasia Dulskiy

 ^{University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina Sea Grant} 

A budding ecologist and passionate environmental advocate, Ana strives to use her skills in research and communication to promote effective policy.

Jessica M. Eason

 ^{Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania Sea Grant} 

I am a leader and a teammate working to increase my understanding of and contribution to science, policy, and inclusion.

Thalia Eigen

 ^{American University; Delaware Sea Grant} 

I am a recent graduate interested in a career related to coastal and marine policy so that I can have a positive impact on society and my local environment.

Lilian Elekwachi

 ^{University of Massachusetts; MIT Sea Grant} 

I am passionately committed to the aquaculture industry, resiliently working toward sustainable development of the sector.

Krista Finlay

 ^{University of California, Santa Barbara; USC Sea Grant} 

Colette Fletcher-Hoppe

 ^{University of Southern California; USC Sea Grant} 

I am a native Californian who loves the beach, science, nature, outreach, and cheesy puns (despite being vegan!).

Karla Garibay Garcia

 ^{University of California, Santa Barbara; USC Sea Grant} 

Sunset aficionado, melophile with a soft spot for dogs, and fan club president of my abuelita’s ceviche.

Kalina Grabb

 ^{Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Woods Hole Sea Grant} 

An outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about using science to inspire, inform, and impact ocean conservation and coastal community sustainability.

Courtney (Nicole) Hammond

 ^{Louisiana State University; Louisiana Sea Grant} 

Words cannot describe who I am, it is my actions, perseverance and my passion for justice that drives my personality.

Celina Harris

 ^{University of Minnesota; Minnesota Sea Grant} 

I’m a chemist who enjoys learning new things, appreciating nature, and baking sweet treats (that sometimes I’ll share).

Paloma Henriques

 ^{University of Maine; Maine Sea Grant} 

An environmental activist, sailor, writer, and social scientist committed to transforming systems to uplift people and the planet.

Tacey Hicks

 ^{Texas A&M University; Texas Sea Grant} 

I am an oceanographer, book lover, and avid adventurer excited to inspire ocean literacy, conservation, and community through scientific storytelling.

Alia Hidayat

 ^{Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole Sea Grant} 

I am a scientist, education advocate, and Muslim-Indonesian-American, and my background drives a passion for equitable ocean policy for human health.

Matthew Hodanbosi

 ^{University of South Alabama; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium} 

I am a life-long learner with unwavering perseverance and humility who wants to conserve threatened species through scientific exploration.

Claire Huang

 ^{Duke University; North Carolina Sea Grant} 

I'm a fish ecologist who loves solving conservation problems with data, making art and music, and building a climate-resilient future for fisheries.

Brianna Jordan

 ^{Roger Williams University; Rhode Island Sea Grant} 

I am a dual J.D./ M.S. historic preservationist who is passionate about our coastal waters and the placemaking they create.

Noah Khalsa

 ^{Stony Brook University; New York Sea Grant} 

Growing up in Alaska with close ties to the land instilled a passion in me for ensuring the sustainable use of aquatic resources for those who rely on them.

Logan Kline

 ^{University of Maine; Maine Sea Grant} 

I am an enthusiastic lifelong learner with a passion for wildlife conservation, remote sensing, and science-informed policy-making!

Hannah Lohman

 ^{University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant} 

Hannah Lohman is an environmental engineer seeking to solve interdisciplinary sustainability challenges related to water, economics, and environment.

Natalie Lord

 ^{University of New Hampshire; New Hampshire Sea Grant} 

I am driven to lead and engage in the interconnected social and ecological challenges of marine resource management.

Sophia Ly

 ^{Northeastern University; Woods Hole Sea Grant} 

As a first-gen Asian American, I have developed a resilient work ethic, a mindset centered on equity and accessibility, and a desire to make meaningful change.

Willis Lyons

 ^{Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University; Florida Sea Grant} 

I am a lifelong student endeavoring to improve community resilience and quality of life through scientific understanding and humanitarian values.

Hannah MacDonald

 ^{University of Rhode Island; Rhode Island Sea Grant} 

I am an action-oriented extrovert seeking to build authentic relationships by identifying strengths in myself and others that foster empowerment.

Omisha Manglani

 ^{Cornell University; New York Sea Grant} 

Like my ancestors, I grew up by water & traversed the seas seeking freedom. I look forward to transforming policy to strengthen marginalized coastal communities

Caitlin Manley

 ^{University of California, Santa Barbara; USC Sea Grant} 

Influenced by the disadvantaged coastal community I was raised in, my interest in the equity of coastal access and resiliency is as strong as a king tide

Basia Marcks

 ^{University of Rhode Island; Rhode Island Sea Grant} 

I am curious and creative, always seeking new ways to learn about and connect with the world we live in.

Sara Marriott

 ^{University of Southern Mississippi; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant} 

A marine scientist determined to support the production of sustainable seafood through effective domestic and international fisheries management.

Juita Martinez

 ^{University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Louisiana Sea Grant} 

As a first-generation scientist and woman of color, overcoming challenges and societal biases to make a difference in the world is my superpower.

Claudia Mazur

 ^{Boston University; MIT Sea Grant} 

I am a student of the coast, a steward of our oceans and a leader dedicated to creating positive change.

Michael McCloy

 ^{Texas A&M University; Texas Sea Grant} 

I am a self-motivated team player that is dedicated to achieving positive conservation outcomes.

Kate Meyer

 ^{Yale University; Connecticut Sea Grant} 

Kate graduated from a dual-degree program between Yale’s School of the Environment and School of Management specializing in leadership in marine conservation.

Sarah Morgan

 ^{Loyola University New Orleans College of Law; Louisiana Sea Grant} 

With lifelong experience overcoming obstacles, I now work equally hard to scientifically understand and legally protect the environmental resources that I love.

Margaret Morrison

 ^{Duke University; North Carolina Sea Grant} 

I'm from Washington, D.C. and am passionate about forging community with those around me through music, surfing, and food.

W. Kody Muhic

 ^{Old Dominion University; Virginia Sea Grant} 

I am an ecologist, musician, surfer, writer, and, most importantly, an advocate for the natural world, without which none of these passions would be possible.

Alexandra Neal

 ^{Bowling Green State University; Ohio Sea Grant} 

I am a tenacious and ambitious woman who seeks to connect seemingly disparate groups together to foster change across all communities.

Michelle Platz

 ^{University of South Florida, Florida Sea Grant} 

Caroline Potter

 ^{University of Washington; Washington Sea Grant} 

Michelle Robidas

 ^{University of San Diego; California Sea Grant} 

Minus a few scales and a swim bladder, I am much like a salmon: I am no stranger to migration, going against the current or conquering adversity.

De'Marcus Robinson

 ^{University of California Los Angeles; California Sea Grant} 

I am confident and determined to succeed in everything I do, while helping the community around me.

Kelsey Rudes

 ^{University of Washington; Washington Sea Grant} 

Lifelong learner who cherishes relationships, is passionate about the environment, and wants to make a difference by helping others.

Linnea Saby

 ^{University of Virginia; Virginia Sea Grant} 

My lifelong connection to rural Virginia has inspired my love for community advocacy and environmental research.

Kendall Scarlett

 ^{Baylor University; Texas Sea Grant} 

I have a steady source of fearlessness that motivates me to be focused and dedicated in all I do.

Gina Selig

 ^{University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Hawaiʻi Sea Grant} 

I am a passionate environmentalist and love engaging with community members through art and science.

Emily Shaw

 ^{Michigan Technological University; Michigan Sea Grant} 

My research exists in a reality where knowledge is a practice that builds and maintains relationships with people and the environment.

Isabella Smith

 ^{Vermont Law School; Lake Champlain Sea Grant} 

I am a pragmatic, bold, and perceptive visionary, coalition-builder, interdisciplinary-thinker, and creative problem-solver motivated by the greater good.

Mary Solokas

 ^{University of Wisconsin-Madison; Wisconsin Sea Grant} 

I taught myself to juggle and to ride a unicycle but have yet to learn how to juggle while riding a unicycle!

Gretchen Spencer

 ^{NOVA Southeastern University; Florida Sea Grant} 

A curious learner, dedicated teacher, and confident leader, who always strives to improve herself and the world around her.

Lindsey Stadler

 ^{University of Alaska; Alaska Sea Grant} 

I am passionate about utilizing effective communication and collaboration to develop solutions for the benefit of society.

Hannah Staley

 ^{Indiana University; Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant} 

I am a determined person who is committed to improving the global environment through action, communication, and policy initiatives.

Austen Stovall

 ^{University of California, Santa Cruz; California Sea Grant} 

I am a coastal adaptation and resilience-focused marine scientist meets coffee-loving, tidepool-exploring, SCUBA diving dog-mom who grew up on a barrier island.

Alexis Sturm

 ^{Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Florida Sea Grant} 

Maryland born and raised and Florida educated, Alexis is thrilled to bring her passion for studying and conserving coral reef ecosystems back to her hometown!

Alexandra Swanson

 ^{Princeton University; New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium} 

Alex is an avid learner who is passionate about protecting the natural environment, improving human welfare, and growing as a person.

Audrey Taylor

 ^{University of Notre Dame; Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant} 

My high desert upbringing, oceanside college experience, and love for climate science have shaped me into a dedicated researcher and environmental advocate.

Kaitlyn Theberge

 ^{Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Virginia Sea Grant} 

I am an interdisciplinary scientist working to connect diverse stakeholders to address challenges in sustainable seafood.

Jewel Tomasula

 ^{Georgetown University; Delaware Sea Grant} 

Zachary Topor

 ^{University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Louisiana Sea Grant} 

Often found near or in the water, I strive to bring the best out of myself and those around me to promote coastal education and be a steward for our oceans.

Rebecca Trinh

 ^{Columbia University; New York Sea Grant} 

I am a first-generation Chinese American, a tropical marine biologist, an Antarctic oceanographer, and am all around devoted to protecting our oceans.

Sophia Troeh

 ^{Northeastern University; MIT Sea Grant} 

An interdisciplinary scientist focused on the intersection of science & outreach, driven to protect our oceans and all that rely on them for generations to come

Alex Troutman

 ^{Georgia Southern University; Georgia Sea Grant} 

I am a passionate and driven Biologist using my lived experiences to be a representation, and increase the level of inclusiveness in the conservation field, while providing science in a sound and understanding way to the general public.

Sarah Tucker

 ^{University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Hawaiʻi Sea Grant} 

Like bioluminescent bacteria living within Hawaiian bobtail squids, I work symbiotically to enlighten and protect my partners and surrounding environment.

Rebecca Van Hoeck

 ^{University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina Sea Grant} 

I am a fish-loving applied marine ecologist, science policy advocate, new mom, and tap dancer flowing with the rhythms of ocean soundscapes and life.

Chloe VanderMolen

 ^{College of Charleston; South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium} 

I am a US Coast Guard veteran semper paratus, always ready, to protect and preserve resilient coastal communities and ecosystems for my kids and the public.

Grant Voirol

 ^{University of Delaware; Delaware Sea Grant} 

Madison Willert

 ^{Georgia Institute of Technology; Georgia Sea Grant} 

I'm a scientist who loves this planet, feels a responsibility to safeguard it, and will use my scientific expertise to promote responsible stewardship.

Ellen Willis-Norton

 ^{University of California, Santa Cruz; California Sea Grant} 

I am a scientist, teacher, and writer focused on solutions-oriented climate change research and motivated by a desire to protect vulnerable coastal communities.

Erin Winslow

 ^{University of California, Santa Barbara; USC Sea Grant} 

I'm like an apple: pairs well with sweet or savory, familiar, and always a go-to, trusted choice in any scenario.

Zoe Wong

 ^{Duke University; North Carolina Sea Grant} 

I'm a sailor, sports lover, and Marvel enthusiast on a mission to make the world a better place, especially for those often overlooked.

Briana Yancy

 ^{Miami University; Ohio Sea Grant} 

I seek opportunities to advance the conservation of coastal natural resources and environmental justice for the benefit of nature and all people.

Callan Yanoff

 ^{University of Rhode Island; Rhode Island Sea Grant} 

Callan is an enthusiastic policy professional in pursuit of healthy oceans and coasts to benefit people and marine life alike.