Current Alaska Sea Grant State Fellows
2022–2023
Benjamin Americus
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, 2022
Education
- PhD, in progress, Oregon State University
- MS in microbiology, 2019, Oregon State University
- BS in microbiology, 2016, Montana State University
Fellowship plan: Americus will facilitate Marine Stewardship Council and responsible fisheries management (RFM) certification of Alaska salmon fisheries, and will summarize and contextualize findings from the Alaska Hatchery Research Project.
Juliana Cornett
NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2022
Education
- MS in marine science, 2022, California State University, Monterey Bay
- BS in biological sciences, 2018, University of California, Davis
Fellowship plan: Cornett will support a mariculture project monitoring the health of farmed oysters and the relationship between environmental conditions, oyster saxitoxin levels, and harmful algal blooms.
James Currie
NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region Aquaculture Program, 2022
Education
- MS in marine biology, 2022, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BA in biology and film, 2016, Kenyon College
Fellowship plan: Currie will help create a portfolio of suitable Alaska sites for aquaculture. His work will combine data analysis, interviews, science communication and outreach to explore the potential impact of aquaculture on Alaska's communities and marine economy.
Karen Grosskreutz
Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative, 2022
Education
- PhD in fisheries, in progress, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- MSc in sustainable resource management, 2019, Technical University of Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- BA in human studies, 1999, Warren Wilson College, North Carolina
Fellowship plan: Grosskreutz will work with coastal communities in Alaska to identify and increase awareness of sea gardens, through literature review, site visits and knowledge sharing.
Noelle Helder
Alaska Center for Energy and Power, 2022
Education
- MSc in ecology, 2021 (expected), University of Alberta, Edmonton
- BSc in biology, 2016, University of South Florida
Fellowship plan: Helder is serving a second fellowship year. She is using drones, sonar, and remote sensing tools to map Alaska’s coastal and nearshore environment in support of emerging wind, wave and tidal energy infrastructure.
Sean Kelly
Alaska Sea Grant, 2022
Education
- MS in energy and resources, 2022, University of California Berkeley
- BS in music, 2005, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fellowship plan: Kelly will review climate vulnerability and adaptation plans among coastal communities in Alaska, identifying social and cultural indicators of resilience, and will assist with a workshop on climate migration and resilience in the Pacific region.
Clay McKean
North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, 2022
Education
- MS in marine and environmental affairs, 2022, University of Washington
- BS in marine biology, 2017, University of Oregon
Fellowship plan: McKean will analyze fishery data and prepare biological, environmental, and regulatory impact analyses for use in the amendment of fishery management plans.
Robin McKnight
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, 2022
Education
- M.N.R. in coastal and marine management, 2022, University Centre of the Westfjords, Iceland
- BS in environment and society, and geography, 2019, Florida State University
Fellowship plan: McKnight will work with the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation as their mariculture development coordinator. In this role, McKnight will focus on public outreach and education projects related to mariculture in Alaska.
Jamie Musbach
National Marine Fisheries Service Protected Resources Division, 2022
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2021, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in biology with a minor in marine science, 2016, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Fellowship plan: Musbach is serving a second fellowship year. She will assist with the update and revision of the Northern Fur Seal Conservation Plan and continue work on Steller sea lion, northern fur seal, and other marine mammal conservation, outreach, and management activities for the Alaska region.
Drew Porter
NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2022
Education
- MS in marine biology, in progress, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in ecology, 2020, University of North Texas
Fellowship plan: Porter will work with NOAA’s Recruitment, Energetics, and Coastal Assessment Program to develop novel analytical methods for monitoring fish conditions and the impact of thiamine deficiency on Alaska's fisheries.
Douglas Shaftel
Alaska Mariculture Alliance, 2022
Education
- MAS, marine biodiversity and conservation, University of California, San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- JD, 2002, Northwestern University
- BA in history, 1997, University of Colorado, Boulder
Fellowship plan: Shaftel will develop grant programs and work on regulatory changes identified in the Alaska Mariculture Task Force's five-year plan.
Michelle Trifari
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Protected Resources Division, 2022
Education
- MSc in marine biology, in progress, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BSc in marine science, 2014, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Fellowship plan: Trifari will address management needs associated with the recovery of the Western Distinct Population Segment of Steller sea lions and will work with the Alaska Ocean Guardian School Program to conduct outreach, and collaborate with students on stewardship projects.
Harmony Wayner
NOAA Marine Debris Program, 2022
Education
- MS in resource management, 2022, University Centre of the Westfjords in Iceland
- BS in Biology, 2019, University of Alaska Southeast
Fellowship plan: Wayner will be contributing to an Alaska marine debris strategic plan. The plan will combine multiple stakeholder efforts for cleanup of Alaska’s extensive, mostly remote coastline.
Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow Alumni
2021
Tav Ammu
Alaska Sea Grant, 2021
Education
- MSc in marine systems and policies, 2020, University of Edinburgh
- BA in English, 2007, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fellowship plan: Ammu will conduct surveys and outreach strategies designed to increase awareness and reduce pollution from boats in harbors and fishing grounds.
Ashley Bolwerk
NOAA Fisheries Habitat Conservation Division, 2021
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2021, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in biology, 2011, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
Fellowship plan: Bolwerk will develop a plan for a Habitat Focus Area (HFA), with a focus on pinto abalone. She will also explore the potential for aquaculture cultivation of pinto abalone in Southeast Alaska.
Becca Cates
NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2021
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2021 (expected), University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in environmental science and marine ecology, 2016, Western Washington University
Fellowship plan: Cates will participate in research projects to improve understanding of mariculture farm species and production in Alaska.
Hannah-Marie Garcia
Alaska Conservation Foundation, 2021
Education
- Master's in marine science and policy, 2021 (expected), University of Delaware
- BA in environmental studies and sustainability, 2019, The University of the South, Sewanee
Fellowship plan: Garcia will develop strategies and opportunities to elevate the voices and ideas of Indigenous communities, and improve collaborative efforts among nonprofit, government, and tribal organizations to address climate change in Western Alaska.
Noelle Helder
Alaska Center for Energy and Power, 2021
Education
- MSc in ecology, 2021 (expected), University of Alberta, Edmonton
- BSc in biology, 2016, University of South Florida
Fellowship plan: Helder will conduct literature surveys and publish analyses of data sets related to emerging renewable technologies, such as wave, tidal or riverine hydrokinetic energy.
Jamie Musbach
National Marine Fisheries Service Protected Resources Division, 2021
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2021 (expected), University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in biology with a minor in marine science, 2016, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Fellowship plan: Musbach will focus on understanding the likelihood of recovery of the Western Distinct Population Segment (WDPS) of Steller sea lions, and work on education, outreach and planning to reduce pinniped entanglement in fishing gear.
Kyle Neumann
NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2021
Education
- PhD in marine science, 2021 (expected), University of California Santa Barbara
- BS in Bioresource research, 2015, Oregon State University
Fellowship plan: Neumann will contribute to the development of a submersible eDNA autosampler that can collect, filter, and preserve eDNA samples for the purpose of monitoring invasive species.
Hannah Wilson
NOAA Fisheries, 2021
Education
- MS in resource conservation, 2020, University of Montana School of Forestry and Conservation
- BA in geology and environmental studies, 2014, Whitman College
Fellowship plan: Wilson will develop guidance and tools for prospective mariculture farmers, including an online permitting application portal.
2020
Nicole LaRoche
National Park Service, 2020
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2020 (expected), University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in marine biology, 2010, University of California Santa Cruz
Fellowship plan: LaRoche will focus her time on mapping and modeling coastal erosion, as well as benthic habitat mapping.
Hannah Wilson
Alaska Sea Grant, 2020
Education
- MS in resource conservation, 2020, University of Montana School of Forestry and Conservation
- BA in Geology-Environmental Studies, 2014, Whitman College
Fellowship plan: Wilson will work to provide information for prospective shellfish and seaweed farmers and increase awareness of mariculture products among Alaskans.
Angela Moran
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 2020
Education
- MS in marine affairs, 2020, University of Washington
- BS in marine and conservation biology, 2017, Seattle University
Fellowship plan: Moran will work closely with biologists and economists to analyze fisheries management issues in Alaska.
JoMarie Alba
NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), 2020
Education
- MS in biology, 2020 (expected), Walla Walla University
- BS in marine biology, 2001, University of Alaska Southeast
Fellowship plan: Alba will conduct shellfish aquaculture research to help develop and advance the industry in Alaska.
2019
Katlyn Haven
National Park Service, 2019
Education
- MS in marine resource management, 2019 (expected), Oregon State University
- BS in zoology, 2016, Oregon State University
Fellowship plan: Haven will support several management projects including lagoon monitoring, ocean acidification monitoring, and the development of digital image libraries for zooplankton and phytoplankton monitoring.
Madison Kosma
NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Protected Resources Division, 2019
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2019 (expected), University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in marine biology, 2012, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
Fellowship plan: Kosma will focus on a Cook Inlet beluga whale citizen-scientist project, as well as beluga monitoring research. She will also develop outreach materials for sighting data of North Pacific right whales.
Meredith Pochardt
NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Habitat Conservation Division, 2019
Education
- MS in fisheries science, 2019, Oregon State University
- BS in environmental science, 2009, State University of New York
Fellowship plan: Pochardt will be assisting researchers with their habitat conservation and fisheries management needs, including the synthesis of environmental data to develop habitat variables and statistical analyses of habitat data.
Alicia Schuler
NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Protected Resources Division, 2018
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2018 (expected), University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BA in environmental science, 2012, University of Florida
Professional and Research Interests: Schuler is studying humpback whale movement and behavior in response to whale-watching vessel traffic, as well as potential conservation benefits of whale watching. Her main focus during the fellowship will be the Whale SENSE and Ocean Guardian programs. “The enthusiasm the schools and the community have shown already for this program is contagious, and I think this program has the potential to create positive change and encourage the behavioral changes needed to reduce single-use plastics in the community and ultimately marine debris in the ocean,” she said. She is also hoping to gain exposure to regulatory processes including Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
2018
Nyssa Baechler Russell
U.S. Geological Survey, 2018
Education
- MMA in marine affairs, 2018, University of Washington
- BA in environmental science and policy, 2011, Duke University
Professional and Research Interests: Nyssa is interested in research regarding the impacts of climate change on salmon habitat, range, and survival. “I want to pursue a career where I can work with people to help and educate individuals and communities dependent on fisheries to adapt to changing ocean, coastal, and environmental conditions due to climate change and the potential shifts or changes in subsistence resources,” she said.
Marguerite Tibbles
North Pacific Research Board, 2018
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2018, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BSc in freshwater sciences, 2014, University of British Columbia
Professional and Research Interests: For the last three years, Tibbles conducted research on Arctic estuarine habitat from Kotzebue in conjunction with the National Park Service and the Native Village of Kotzebue. “Throughout the course of my master’s studies, I got to learn a lot about applied fisheries techniques but took few courses in policy. Policy is an area that I am particularly interested in because it is an avenue to affect change. I am hoping that through this experience I will have the opportunity to observe how marine policy in Alaska is done, and determine if this is a course I would like to keep following for my future career,” Tibbles said.
Diana Perry
NOAA Auke Bay Lab, 2018
Education
- MMA in marine affairs, 2018, University of Washington
- BS in chemistry, 2015, Haverford College
Professional and Research Interests: Perry’s research interests include how the changing climate is affecting fisheries and how management must adapt. She is working on an aquaculture project, focusing on weathervane scallops. “This is a novel project at this facility, so I am very excited to be part of starting something new and working to get it off the ground. Working with my fellowship supervisor, we have been able to work in some of my long-term interests into the aquaculture project,” Perry said.
Kayla Schommer
Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Ocean Observing System, 2018
Education
- MMA in marine affairs, 2018, University of Washington
- BS in interdisciplinary environmental science, 2015, University of Alaska Anchorage
Professional and Research Interests: Schommer has spent her last three years working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence. “The dual appointment will allow me a chance to gain experience coordinating a diverse group of stakeholders while also deepening my science communication and social media skills,” said Schommer. “The hands-on experience I will get will undoubtedly prepare me for future marine and natural resource work within in the state of Alaska.”
2017
Sara Cleaver
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 2017
Education
- MSc in coastal environmental management, 2017, Duke University
- BA in environmental studies, 2012, University of Vermont
Professional update (2019): Cleaver currently works for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council as a fishery analyst. She started her Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship at NPFMC in 2017 and was offered a position upon completion in 2018. Cleaver’s fellowship work helped her gain valuable experience that has been useful in her current employment; she first had involvement with the Council processes during her fellowship, including working on projects involving fisheries science and policy. Now, as a fishery analyst, Cleaver recently contributed to several parts of the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (BS FEP), including putting together the majority of the maps. “My hopes for the future of the plan is to continue helping to clarify the value the FEP has for our current process, helping people understand how the FEP is going to increase application of ecosystem-based management plans in the North Pacific. That includes successfully implementing the [specific goals in the document], starting with climate change and local and traditional knowledge,” Cleaver said.
Genevieve Johnson
NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2017
Education
- BS in fisheries, 2015, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in biological sciences, 2015, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Professional update (2019): Johnson is currently furthering her education, having just completed the first year of her Ph.D. program in integrative biology. She is attending the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, where she is using transcriptomics—the study of the RNA molecules within cells—to study how organisms respond to factors in their environment. “I want to continue to build my skills in molecular ecology and lead innovative projects to further our knowledge about aquatic organisms and ecosystems,” Johnson said. “Although I am currently working in freshwater systems, I would like to shift back to working in marine systems at some point.” Johnson spent her Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center studying chum salmon genetics and Arctic ecosystem research. However, despite her switch to freshwater system research, she said that her fellowship research is what got her interested in her current project and exploring broader topics in molecular ecology. “My fellowship had a large impact on my current and future plans. During the fellowship, I decided that I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. so that I could explore more topics in molecular ecology, and my fellowship experience is part of what helped me secure my current position at the University of Guelph,” Johnson said.
Danielle Meeker
Office of the Alaska Lieutenant Governor, 2017
Education
- Master of advanced studies in climate science and policy, 2017, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- BS in marine transportation, State University of New York Maritime College
Professional update: Meeker is currently engaged in research and private consulting. At the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Meeker is pursuing several research interests that are critical to the future of Alaska. Tina Buxbaum, Program Manager at ACCAP, emphasized that Meeker’s research has made a significant contribution to their program. Meeker explained that her current research, focusing on the economic impacts of climate change in various sectors of the state, could not be done without her experience from the fellowship. Specifically, Meeker has focused on fisheries, mixed economies, and wildfire management. “I think that the fellowship was the best possible way for me to get my foot in the door in Alaska. I felt incredibly fortunate to have a front row seat to political decision-making and to be supported by people who are not just experts, but who are deeply invested in the future of the state.”
Kim Ovitz
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Regional Office, 2017
Education: BA, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2013, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Professional update (2019): Ovitz spent the year following her fellowship traveling and completing the manuscript for her graduate research. She spent time in areas around Europe and South America before returning to Anchorage this summer. During her time abroad, Ovitz was able to complete and publish a manuscript in the International Journal of the Commons (Ovitz and Johnson 2019) with her advisor, Teresa Johnson, associate professor at the University of Maine. “Kim was an outstanding graduate student at the University of Maine and brought to our program a very positive work ethic, strong leadership and communication skills, and an interdisciplinary and applied academic background.” Her marine policy research involved working closely with Maine sea urchin fishery harvesters, managers and scientists. Her applied research involved participant observation at management meetings, in-depth interviews with harvesters and other stakeholders, and a structured mail survey of all urchin harvesters. Now back in Alaska, she is contracted by the National Marine Fisheries Service via the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. There, she is continuing the work studying beluga whales that she started as a fellow. Ovitz will also continue her studies of beluga whales in the academic arena while pursuing her doctorate.
In the news
Sea Grant Fellow leading Kenai River beluga whale 'citizen science' study (KDLL Public Radio, May 3, 2108)
Kenai Conversation: Studying Cook Inlet's white whale with citizen science (KDLL Public Radio, May 2, 2108)
Researcher looks at beluga use of Kenai River (Peninsula Clarion, April 10, 2018)
2016
Sarah Apsens
National Park Service, Anchorage, 2016
Education:
- MS in fisheries, 2017, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in fisheries science, 2011, University of Washington
Professional Update: Sarah completed her fellowship with the National Park Service in 2017 and is currently working at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation as an environmental program specialist with their Water Quality Standards, Assessment and Restoration Program. She is the local non-point source pollution monitoring lead for the Kenai Peninsula and works to collect water quality information to identify stewardship, protection and/or restoration needs in the region. Sarah also manages the Alaska Clean Waters Actions grants and works with research groups and local governments in the region on addressing non-point source pollution concerns.
Jennifer Marsh
NOAA Fisheries, Habitat Conservation Division, Anchorage
Education
- MS in fisheries, 2010, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in aquatic and fishery sciences, 2005, University of Washington
- BS in ecology, evolution and conservation biology, 2005, University of Washington
Professional and Research Interests: Jennifer will soon complete her PhD in fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her research interests are marine ecology, stock assessment, and resources management. She is interested in pursuing a career with a federal or state agency as a fisheries biologist, and contributing to the science supporting fisheries management and conservation. “I look forward to increasing my knowledge of regulatory policy, process policy of implementation at different governmental levels and the potential to work with a variety of stakeholders,” Jennifer said.
Jane Sullivan
NOAA Sustainable Fisheries Division, Juneau, 2016
Education:
- MS in fisheries, 2017, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BS in wildlife biology, 2012, University of Montana
Professional Update: As a Biometrician for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Jane develops and implements stock assessment models for herring and groundfish stocks. She currently serves on the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Plan Team of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, where she reviews federal stock assessments and maintains a pulse on the vast and complex marine ecosystems of Alaska. For Jane, doing stock assessment means working on the front line of Alaskan fisheries, and she continues to benefit from the professional network and technical skills gained during her Alaska Sea Grant fellowship with the NOAA Alaska Region. While not always glamorous, she enjoys rolling up her sleeves every day to support sound, science-based fisheries management.
2015
Matt Robinson
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Anchorage, 2015
Education
- MA in northern history and global environmental policy, 2015, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- BA in history, 2012, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Professional and Research Interests: After completing his fellowship Matt was hired by the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation as a Fisheries Quota Manager. As their Quota Manager, Matt works on developing fish plans for their annual Community Development Quota allocation, attends regulatory meeting and engages in policy development through different forums. Matt currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Marine Conservation Alliance, the Bering Sea Fisheries Research Foundation and is a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s IFQ Committee. Recently, the Secretary of Commerce has appointed Matt to serve as the Fishing Industry Representative on the North Pacific Research Board.
Marysia Szymkowiak
NOAA NMFS Sustainable Fisheries Division, Juneau, 2015
Education
- PhD in marine policy and fisheries management, 2015, University of Delaware
- MA in international environmental policy, 2009, American University
- BA in criminal justice/sociology, Rutgers University
Professional and Research Interests: Marysia came from a Polish town on the Baltic Sea where deep cultural traditions around species like cod and salmon are disappearing along with these fish stocks. Similarly, she witnessed on the US East Coast how declines in cod, haddock, and flounder have eroded the cultural threads of commercial fishing in towns on Cape Cod. In Alaska, the culture of fishing is just as deep, but due to successful management practices the fisheries are still highly productive. It is the natural and cultural richness of Alaska’s fisheries that captured her fascination several years ago when she moved to Southeast Alaska. She is eager for the opportunities to apply her knowledge and skills to Alaska fisheries management. As a fellow she has reviewed the halibut and sablefish IFQ program.
In the news
- Social scientist explores gender and Alaska fisheries (Alaska Sea Grant Blog, September 13, 2017)