MMS Graduates

Graduates in the News!

2013 Summer | 2013 May

2012 December | 2012 Summer | 2012 May

2011 Summer | 2011 May

2010 December | 2010 Summer | 2010 May

2009 December | 2009 Summer | 2009 May

2008 December | 2008 May

2007 December | 2007 May | 2007 Summer

2006 December | 2006 Summer | 2006 May

2005 December | 2005 May

2004 December | 2004 Summer | 2004 May

2003 December | 2003 Summer | 2003 May

2002 December | 2002 May

2001 May

Summer 2013

	Lauren Bohrer Email: Undergraduate Institution: Coastal Carolina University Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Science; minors in environmental science and biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Michael Mallin Committee Members: Thesis: Plans upon entry into program: To get a Ph.D. Currently:
	Laura Foley Email: Undergraduate Institution: San Diego State University Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science, minor in Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. G. Brooks Avery Committee Members: Drs. Robert Keiber, Ralph Mead, Stephen Skrabal and Robert Whitehead Thesis: Occurrence and variation of ethanol in fresh surface waters in southeastern North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: I'm interested in pursuing a career in education and/or research, preferably something involving scuba diving Currently: Hope to be starting a PhD program in Fall of 2014, and in the meantime plan on teaching scuba diving and/or marine science
	Tyler Gibson Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Michael Mallin, Robert Whitehead and Thomas M. Losordo (NCSU) Thesis: Evaluation of chemical polymers applied as coagulation aids for removal of suspended solids from intensive marine recirculating aquaculture system effluent discharge Plans upon entry into program: I would like to continue learning about aquaculture, and eventually have my own facility where I can put my work to good use. Currently: Seeking employment in marine aquaculture industry
	William McBurney Email: Undergraduate Institution: NC State Undergraduate Major: Marine Science – Biological Concentration Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Frederick Bingham and Christopher Finelli Thesis: Determining benthic primary production using the Eddy Correlation method in an aquatic system Plans upon entry into program: Work as a lab technician doing research on phytoplankton and/or benthic production Currently:
	Matthew McCarthy Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida Undergraduate Major: BA in Anthropology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Joanne Halls Committee Members: Drs. Eman Ghoniem and J. Wilson White Thesis: Satellite imagery habitat mapping and change assessment of coastal environments (Masonboro Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, North Carolina, USA) Plans upon entry into program: Pursue a Ph.D. in oceanography to teach and do research at a higher education institution. Currently: Enrolled in the Marine Science Ph.D. program at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, FL. Matt's dissertation is focused on using satellite technology and long-term in situ data to assess current water quality in the coastal Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico as well as trends related to climate change, and the effects of extreme events on water quality in these areas. Honors: Matt was the Herb Stout Student Award winner for the 2011 NC GIS Conference, representing UNC Wilmington in the graduate category, February 17-18, 2011. He also received a Hydrographic Society of America 2012-2013 Scholarship Award for his research in coastal GIS; he will submit a technical paper to the US Hydro Conference in March of 2013. Matt was also the recipient of the UNCW Graduate School Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Matt has also been awarded the 2012 Walter B. Jones Memorial Award for Excellence in Coastal and Marine Graduate Study. This is an award given by NOAA to honor American people and organizations for outstanding contributions in helping the Nation maintain healthy coastal and ocean resources.
	Daniel Russo Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of South Carolina Undergraduate Major: Marine Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Stephen Kinsey and Pamela Seaton Thesis: Effects of feeding frequency of live prey on larval growth, survival, resistance to hyposaline stress, Na+/K+ ATPase activity and fatty acid profiles in black sea bass Centropristis striata Goals upon entry into program: Environmental education Currently: Working for MarineQuest over the summer as a Day Staff Instructor, and will be looking for jobs in the Environmental Education Field as well as Aquarist and Park Ranger positions throughout the Southeast Honors: Winner of the American Fisheries Society Fish Culture Section travel grant for his abstract of a paper presented at the Aquaculture America 2012 meeting in Las Vegas.
	Walker Wright-Moore Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Thesis : Plans upon entry into program: Continue research into addressing the primary biotechnical constraints of the developing mariculture industry Currently: Honors: Recipient of the "Best Student Abstract Award" from the American Fisheries Society-Fish Culture Section which included a monetary award of $250, at Aquaculture America 2011, a national aquaculture conference.

May 2013

	Deena Anderson Email: Undergraduate Institution: Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Major: BS in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Behavior Graduate Advisor: Dr. Fred Scharf Committee Members: Drs. Amanda Southwood Williard, Thomas Lankford, and Jack Hall Thesis: Size-selective patterns and mechanisms of juvenile red drum mortality as a result of variable winter severity Plans upon entry into program: To create sustainable fish stocks through research and outreach Currently: Biologist with TetraTech consulting firm in Manchester, NH starting at the end of May Honors: Recipient of the Got-Em-On-Live Bait Fisheries Graduate fellowship for the 2011-2012 Academic Year.
	Joshua Humphreys Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Arkansas Undergraduate Major: Environmental Soil and Water Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Joan Willey Committee Members: Drs. Doug Gamble, G. Brooks Avery, Robert Kieber and Ralph Mead Thesis: Effect of fossil fuel derived ligands on the stability of Fe(II) in rainwater and seawater Plans upon entry into program: I would like to get more in to the sustainability of resources and even organic/low impact growing of terrestrial and aquatic food resources Currently: Working as a field researcher with Monsanto in Peoria, IL
	Sarah Mallette Email: Undergraduate Institution: George Mason University Undergraduate Major: Integrative Studies Conservation Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. D. Ann Pabst Committee Members: Drs. Heather Koopman, Fred Scharf, Joan Willey and Dr. Randy Wells (Chicago Zoological Society, Sarasota, FL) Thesis: Ontogenetic allometry and body composition of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the US Mid-Atlantic Plans upon entry into program: My ultimate goal is to make a significant difference in marine science and conservation. My immediate goal is to build upon existing knowledge and experience to develop a comprehensive scientific understanding and skill set, thus preparing me for a future pursuing research and academia in marine science and biology. Currently:
	Emily Probst Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Ralph Mead Committee Members: Drs. G. Brooks Avery, Robert Kieber and Stephen Skrabal Thesis: Improved analysis of PbTx-2 and its sedimentary photorelease Plans upon entry into program: To obtain my masters and do chemical and/or biological research with sharks Currently:

December 2012

	Jade "Nikki" Byrd Email: Undergraduate Institution: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN Undergraduate Major: BS in Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. G. Brooks Avery Committee Members: Thesis: Plans upon entry into program: Research, working at a government institution such as NOAA, policy Currently: Working as an Inorganics Lab Analyst with MicroBac in Maryville, TN doing environmental and food testing.
	Matthew Dawson Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami Undergraduate Major: Marine Science & Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Pamela Seaton and Md. Shah Alam Thesis: Evaluation of Alternative Protein Sources to Fish Meal in Practical Diets for Juvenile Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata and Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma Plans upon entry into program: To manage a commercial aquaculture facility, continue research in marine recirculating systems, or pursue a PhD and teach. Currently: Recently hired as an Aquatic Research Associate for Walt Disney World Resort. Honors: Recipient of the 2010 CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Matt also won two awards while attending the Aquaculture 2010 conference in San Diego, CA. The first was a Student Travel Award ($250) from the American Fisheries Society Fish Culture Section, andthe other was a Best Abstract/Travel Award ($300) from the United States Aquaculture Society (USAS). Recipient of the "Best Student Abstract Award" from the American Fisheries Society-Fish Culture Section which included a monetary award of $250, at Aquaculture America 2011, a national aquaculture conference.
	Alyssa Wetterauer Email: Undergraduate Institution: Eureka College Undergraduate Major: BS in Chemistry, Environmental Science and Spanish Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephen Skrabal Committee Members: Thesis: Plans upon entry into program: To continue to work in research that targets conservation of marine ecosystems. Maybe take a year off to do some volunteering before continuing on towards a PhD. Currently: Working as a research technician on a mercury accumulation project with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, MD.

Summer 2012

Zachary Williams
Email:
Undergraduate Institution: UNCW
Undergraduate Major: Physics, mathematics minor
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Dylan McNamara
Committee Members: Drs. John Morrison and Peter Schuhmann
Thesis: Modeling Coupled Human Coastline Systems: Nourishment Suckers and the Benefits of Coordinated Management
Goals upon entry into program: Complete my masters degree, pursue a Ph.D., and contribute to science
Currently: A lecturer for the UNCW Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography.

April Zilg
Email:
Undergraduate Institution: UNCW
Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Steve Ross
Committee Members:
Thesis:
Plans upon entry into program: Take a year off to travel the world, gain more work experience, and then go back to school again.
Currently: Traveling in India.
Honors: April is the 2010-2011 winner of the UNCW Public Service Educational Fellowship.This requires 40 hours of educational outreach activities in marine science.

May 2012

	Dustin Allen Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNC Chapel Hill Undergraduate Major: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Ami Wilbur, Robert Whitehead, and Tom Losordo (NCSU) Thesis: Effluent Management in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Using the Diatom, Chaetoceros Gracilis and the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica. (pdf) Plans upon entry into program: To gain a greater understanding of recirculating aquaculture system and ideally open my own facility after graduation Currently: Dustin will be starting a marketing and development company, Allen Seafood, to provide a hassle free sales source for NC aquaculture products. Allen Seafood will target 4th quarter, 2013 as the opening date for its own aquaculture facility producing fresh water prawn, hybrid stripped bass and development of inland culture of Black Seabass. Honors: Dustin received the CMS Graduate Teaching Award in 2009. He was also the recipient of the United States Aquaculture Society (a Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society) Student Travel Award. Dustin was selected from the pool of student members of the U.S. Aquaculture Society who submitted abstracts for presentation at Aquaculture America, February 2009 in Seattle. His selection was based on a well written abstract which demonstrated high scientific merit.
	Cory Darnell Email: Undergraduate Institution: Catawba College Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science w/a chemical concentration Graduate Advisor: Dr. Eric Henry Committee Members: Drs. Larry Cahoon and Doug Gamble Thesis: Storm Event Influences on Tidal Creek Temperature Behavior, Wilmington, North Carolina (pdf) Plans upon entry into program: Obtain a PhD in a marine science-related field, conduct research and get a job focused on protecting coastal ecosystems and resources. Currently: Pursuing job in Geographic Information Systems or PhD work. Honors: Cory received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award in 2011. Cory also earned the graduate GIS certificate along with his M.S.
	W. Christopher Holland Email: Undergraduate Institution:UNC Chapel Hill Undergraduate Major: Geology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carmelo Tomas Committee Members: Drs. John Morrison and Wayne Litaker Thesis: Hemolytic Activity of Six Carribean Gambierdiscus Species Plans upon entry into program: Chris was working at the NOAA lab in Beaufort throughout his graduate program. Currently: Continuing working at the NOAA lab in Beaufort NC as a biological technician
	Jacqueline Corbett Howarth Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Maine at Machias Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Michael Durako Committee Members: Drs. Chris Finelli and Rob Whitehead Thesis: Diurnal Variation in Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Pigments of Thalassia testudinum in Response to Salinity and Light Plans upon entry into program: To pursue a Ph.D. and become a successful researcher and perhaps teach at an educational institution Currently: Honors: Jackie completed the marine science policy concentration along with her M.S. degree.
	Brennan Carter Opanasenko Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Biology; minor in chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Pamela Seaton Committee Members: Drs. Robert Kieber, Joan Willey, and Doug Gamble Thesis: Characterization of Rainwater Dissolved Organic Matter by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Plans upon entry into program: Uncertain Currently: Searching for jobs in education and outreach Honors: Brennan received the CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award in 2011.
	Lindsay Haus Rukenbrod Email: Undergraduate Institution: James Madison University and UNCW Undergraduate Major: Finance, international business; non-degree seeking in biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Craig Bailey Committee Members: Drs. Jeremy Morgan, Wilson Freshwater and Allison Taylor Thesis: Plastid-Targeted Proteins Are Absent From the Proteomes of Achyla hypogyna and Thraustotheca clavata (Oomycota, Stramenopila): Implications for the Origin of Chromalveolate Plastids and the 'Green Gene' Hypothesis Plans upon entry into program: Uncertain Currently: Remaining in the Wilmington area and find a job related to my degree!
	Elizabeth Steffy Email: Undergraduate Institution: James Madison University Undergraduate Major: BS in Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Michael Mallin Committee Members: Drs. Michael Mallin and Stephen Skrabal Thesis: Effects of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen and Phosphorus on the Survivability of Fecal Coliform Bacteria in Two Watersheds in Wilmington, NC Plans upon entry into program: To further study Marine Science Currently: Beginning another masters program at Vermont Law School in Environmental Law and Policy Honors: Liz completed the marine policy concentration along with her M.S. degree.
	Brandy Velten Email: Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University Undergraduate Major: BS in Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. D. Ann Pabst Committee Members: Drs. Stephen Kinsey, Richard Dillaman, Christoper Halkides Thesis: A Comparative Study of the Locomotor Muscle of Extreme, Deep-Diving Cetaceans Plans upon entry into program:Pursue a PhD in marine biology Currently: Pursuing a PhD at the University of Toronto working with Dr. Ken Welch Honors: Recipient of the “Best Pre-doctoral Poster Presentation Award” at the International 19th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, held the first week of December 2011 in Tampa, FL. Additionally, Brandy has been awarded the prestigious Trilliam Scholarship by the University of Toronto, which will provide full support for four years as she enters their Ph.D. program to study muscle physiology and energetics of flight in hummingbirds and bats.

Summer 2011

	Dana Friend Email: Undergraduate Institution:Cornell College, Iowa Undergraduate Major:BS in Environmental Science; minor in geology Graduate Advisor:Dr. Patricia Kelley Committee Members: Drs. J. Wilson White and Gregory P. Dietl (Paleontological Research Institution) Thesis: Foraging Strategies of Euspira heros and Testing Coevolutionary Alternation in the Modern Naticid Gastropod Predator-Prey System Plans upon entry into program: Earn my masters, possibly a Ph.D. And somewhere along the way, I’d like to design an eco-friendly aquarium exhibit that allows the organisms to live in the most realistic environment possible. Currently: Pursuing a PhD in paleontology from Cornell University. Honors: Recipient of the Robert J. Stanton & James R. Dodd Award from the Paleontological Society Student Research Grants Committee. This award honors contributions to the field of paleontology.
	Yossi Shirazi Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology, Environmental Restoration Graduate Advisor:Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Eric Henry and Michael Mallin Thesis: Removal Rates and Substrate Adhesion of Fecal Bacteria in a North Carolina Constructed Stormwater Wetland Plans upon entry into program: To earn a Ph.D. and promote more sustainable land use policies and practices Currently: Beginning a PhD program at the University of Delaware in Energy and Environmental Policy, where he plans on studying environmental decision-making.
	Kelly Jo Stull Email: Undergraduate Institution: James Cook University, Australia Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduatte Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Tom Lankford and Richard Laws Thesis: Zooplankton abundance in the surf zone of renourished beaches in Southeastern North Carolina Plans upon entry into program:Continue on to a Ph.D. program dealing with climate change and health of the oceans Currently:

May 2011

	Matthew Lettrich Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major(s): Marine Biology, Spanish Graduate Advisor: Dr. Craig Tobias Committee Members: Drs. Eric Henry and Larry Cahoon Thesis: Balancing Nitrogen Advection and Losses in Southeastern North Carolina Salt Marshes Plans upon entry into program: Consulting or Education, or making hammocks on a tropical island Currently: After graduating, Matt worked with NOAA Estuarine Reserve Division as a Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellow. He is now a Science Education Analyst at the National Science Foundation (NSF).
	Tim Metevelis Email: Undergraduate Institution: Undergraduate Major: Geography Graduate Advisor: Dr. Doug Gamble Committee Members: Drs. Frederick Bingham and John Morrison Thesis: Spatial Variation in El Nino Southern Oscillation Influence Upon Puerto Rico Precipitation (pdf) Plans upon entry into program: To develop and prove my skills as a successful researcher in environmental studies Currently:
	Andria Salas Email: Undergraduate Institution: Grand Valley State University (MI) Undergraduate Major: Biology, aquatic science emphasis Graduate Advisor: Dr. Stuart Borrett Committee Members: Drs. Michael McCartney and Dylan McNamara Thesis: Indirect Effects in Trophic and Evolutionary Networks Plans upon entry into program: Pursue a PhD and then hope to get a research position focusing on marine ecology and conservation Currently: Pursuing a PhD in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Texas at Austin Honors: Recipient of the 2009 CMS Scholastic Achievement Award
December 2010
	Jennie McClain-Counts Email: or Undergraduate Institution:UNCW Undergraduate Major: BS in Marine Biology, minor in chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Steve Ross Committee Members: Drs. Lawrence Cahoon and Joan Willey Thesis: Trophic structure of midwater fishes over cold seeps in the North central Gulf of Mexico Plans upon entry into program: I'm not entirely sure where I want to end up yet, but I hope to obtain a job involving research, particularly deep-sea. Of course, life's a journey, so I'll see where the next few years take me. Honors: Accumulated 121 days of ship time, including 4 submersible dives on the Johnson-Sea Link Currently: Jennie started working as a biologist with the US Geological Survey in Gainesville, FL beginning January 2011. Prior to this position, she was a graduate research assistant in the Ross ichthyology/fish ecology lab at CMS.
MMS Graduates Summer 2010
	Emily Gould Email: Undergraduate Institution: Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Major: Environmental Geology Faculty Advisors:Dr. Patricia Kelley Graduate Advisor: Dr. Patricia Kelley Committee Members: Drs. Gregory Dietl and Richard Laws Thesis: Unexpected rates of cannibalism under-competitive conditions by the naticid gastropod Neverita duplicata (Say) Plans upon entry into program: To work for NOAA or a state department; fusing my studies of geology (paleo) and biology for a research or conservation position. Currently: An Environmental Field Technician for Fortis Environmental Group in Tallahassee, FL.
	Matt Hirsch Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Bongkeun Song Committee Members: Drs. Craig Tobias and Larry Cahoon Thesis: ANNAMOX and Denitrification in the Cape Fear River Estuary: ANAMMOX Bacterial Diversity and Significance in Sedimentary Nitrogen Removal Plans upon entry into program: To teach and learn Currently: Pursuing Ph.D. in Biology at Portland State University studying hydrothermal vent microbial ecology. Honors: First recipient of the Public Service Educational Fellowship 2008-2009. This requires 40 hours of educational outreach activities in marine science
	Nadya Mamoozadeh Email: Undergraduate Institution: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Major: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wilson Freshwater Committee Members: Drs. Craig Bailey and Nancy Grindlay Thesis: Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Polysiphonia sensu lato in Southern Central America and the Caribbean Plans upon entry into program: Research concerning ecology of fisheries through a government organization or maybe teaching Currently: Research technician in a Cystic Fibrosis research lab at the UNC Medical School, Chapel Hill, NC Honors: Recipient of the 2009 CMS Scholastic Achievement Award
	Lauren Thompson Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology and (minor) Chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Brooks Avery Committee members: Drs. Robert Kieber, Ralph Mead, Melissa Southwell and Jennifer Culbertson Thesis: The Impact of Sea Level Rise on the Photolytic Release from Resuspended River and Estuarine Sediments Plans upon entry into program: Currently: Working with Friends of the Rappahannock and Americorps in environmental education in Virginia.
	Jan Vicente Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus Undergraduate Major: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Wright Committee Members: Drs. Bongkeun Song, D. Wilson Freshwater, and Pamela Seaton Thesis: Biodiversity of Culturable Actinomycetes Associated to Caribbean Sponges and Their Metabolic Profiles Plans upon entry into program: To earn a Ph.D. in marine biology focusing on marine invertebrate ecology, teach at a University, and travel the world in my future sail boat Currently: Enrolled in a Ph.D. program at University of Maryland Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB) Honors: First recipient of the Public Service Educational Fellowship 2008-2009. This requires 40 hours of educational outreach activities in marine science.
MMS Graduates May 2010
	Michael Taylor Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Georgia Undergraduate Major: Physics Graduate Advisor: Dr. John Morrison and Fred Bingham Committee Member: Dr. Lynn Leonard Thesis: Wind-Driven Vertical Mixing and Sediment Resuspension During Fall Transition Storms in Onslow Bay, North Carolina Plans upon entry into program:To get an exciting job involving coastal research Currently: Environmental Scientist IV working with Technical Data Processing and Hydroacoustics for the environmental consulting firm Normandeau Associates, Inc. in Bedford, New Hampshire (corporate headquarters) Honors: Recipient of the James F. Merritt Fellowship, 2006-2008; and the Ralph W. Brauer Fellowship from the UNCW Graduate School to cover travel expenses for a 2007 summer course in “Remote and In Situ Ocean Optical Measurements to Ocean Biogeochemistry” at the University of Maine, Ira Darling Marine Laboratory, in Walpole, Maine.
MMS Graduates December 2009
	Joann Kelly Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Virginia Undergraduate Major: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carmelo Tomas Committee Members: Drs. D. Wilson Freshwater, Lawrence Cahoon and Stephen Skrabal Thesis: The Effect of Nutrient Limitation on the Growth and Toxicity of the Dinoflagellate Gyrodinium instriatum Plans upon entry into program:Earn a master's degree and learn about algae and marine science! Currently: Working as an Associate Scientist in the Immunochemistry Department with PPD in Richmond VA Honors: Recipient of the 2008 CMS Summer Research Award, 2008 UNCW Graduate School Summer Research Stipend, and the 2008 CMS Academic Achievement Award for having the highest GPA of first year students in the MS Marine Science Program. Joann also received Honorable Mention for her oral presentation on her research at the Southeastern Phycological Colloquy in Valdosta, Georgia, October 2009.
	Andy Ostrowski Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology and Environmental Studies Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Thomas Shafer, Frederick Scharf, and John Burke Thesis: Effects of Salinity and Temperature on the Growth, Survival, Whole Body Osmolality, Stress Resistance, and mRNA Expression of NA+/K+ -ATPase in Red Porgy (Pagrus pagrus) Larvae Plans upon entry into program: Continue red porgy research and garner a better understanding of Statistics by completing the certificate program Currently: Marine Biologist, NOAA, Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research in Beaufort, NC Honors: Recipient of Student Travel Award from the Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society, February 2009. This award is for student travel support, and based on where the students are in their career, the likelihood of the student becoming productive members of the section, and the quality and originality of their research. Andy was also the first student to complete a post-baccalaureate certificate in applied statistics along with the MS in marine science.
	John Rose Email: Undergraduate Institution: UVA Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. William Cleary Committee Members: Drs. Michael Smith and Paul Hosier Thesis: Impact of Natural and Artificial Ebb Channel Position Realignment on Oceanfront Shoreline Change Plans upon entry into program: Work in coastline consulting Currently: Working as a Geologist with Coastal Planning and Engineering in Wilmington. He is running geophysical surveys searching for sand off of the Chandeleur Islands to be used in constructing the sand berms to contain oil in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer of 2010. He isenjoying the work and the opportunity to apply whathe learned atUNCW toward hopefully protecting critical wetland areas in the Gulf of Mexico.
	Andrew Sumerel Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Major: Physics and Math Graduate Advisor: Dr. Chris Finelli Committee Members: Drs. Lynn Leonard and Martin Posey Thesis: Flume Study Of Particle-size-dependent Filtration Rates Of A Solitary Ascidian: The Influence Of Body Size, Flow Speed And Drag Plans upon entry into program: Stay young! Expand my interest to other sciences. Currently: Instructor at Cape Fear Community College Honors: Recipient of the 2008 CMS Summer Research Award, and the 2009 CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award.
	Avery O. Tatters Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carmelo Tomas Committee Members: Drs. Joan Willey and Ryan Van Wagoner Thesis: Environmental Regulation of Cyclo-Imine Neurotoxin Production and Hemolytic Activity in the Dinoflagellate Alexandrium peruvianum (Balech et Mendiola) Balech et Tangen Plans upon entry into program: To conduct independent research at an academic institution Currently: In the Marine Environmental Biology doctoral program at the University of Southern California Honors: 2008 CMS Scholastic Achievement Award

MMS Graduates
Summer 2009

	Jennifer Dickson Brown Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science and a minor in Chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. G. Brooks Avery Committee Members: Drs. Robert Kieber, Ralph Mead and Jennifer Culbertson Thesis: Optical Properties of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Carbon as a Tracer of Plans upon entry into program: To become an efficient research scientist and to learn as much as possible Currently: Worked as an environmental educator at the natural science museum in Durham for one summer, then enrolled in the Ph.D. program in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Science at NCSU, working in marine geochemistry. Her goal is to teach at a university one day. Honors: 2008 recipient of the CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Recipient of the 2008 CMS Summer Research Award.
	Amber Morris Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisors: Dr. Fred Scharf and Dr. Mark Imperial Committee Members: Drs. Stuart Borrett and Mark Helvey (National Marine Fisheries Service) Thesis: Space and Place in Fisheries: Investigating Catch Controls in View of Marine Protected Areas and Spatial Stock Structure Plans upon entry into program: To encourage society's understanding and enjoyment of the oceans while keeping fish and fisherpeople in and on the water and omega-3 on our plates Currently: Working at the SW Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Long Beach, CA as a Fishery Policy Analyst.
	Ebenezer Nyadjro Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Ghana Undergraduate Major: Oceanography and Fisheries Graduate Advisor: Dr. John M. Morrison Committee Members: Drs. Frederick M. Bingham and Daniel Kamykowski (NCSU) Thesis: Spatial and temporal dynamics of benthic chlorophyll formation on the northwest Florida continental shelf Plans upon entry into program: To be a physical oceanographer, teach and conduct research in an academic institution. Currently: Enrolled in the Marine Science Ph.D. program at University of South Carolina Honors: First graduate recipient of Gillings Fellowship in Spring 2009 for a three month research at the National Oceanography Center, University of Southampton, UK. Recipient of Ralph W. Brauer Fellowship from the UNCW Graduate School, to cover travel expenses to California to participate in a research and training cruise on the SEA Education Association (SEA) sailing research vessel SSV Robert C. Seamans in the summer of 2008. Recipient of the 2008 CMS Summer Research Award.
	Kassy Rodriguez Email: Undergraduate Institution: Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Major: Geology Graduate Advisor: Drs.Lewis Abrams and Nancy Grindlay Committee Members: Dr. Martin Posey and Mr. Troy Alphin Thesis: Mapping oyster reefs using sidescan sonar and seismic sub-bottom profiling, Cape Fear River, southeastern North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: To continue my education to the doctoral level and teach and perform research in a university. Currently: Working at ExxonMobil as a Computing Geoscientist, Houston, TX
MMS Graduates May 2009
	Jennifer Bagwell Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. B.K. Song Committee Members: Drs. Craig Tobias, Susanna L�pez-Legentil and Alison Taylor Thesis: Transcriptional Regulation of Nitrogen Uptake and Assimilation in Marine Diatoms; Thalassiosira pseudonana and Thalassiosira weissflogii Plans upon entry into program: To obtain a graduate degree that will ultimately allow me to pursuea career in biotechnology Currently:Lab Manager at the Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC, and research technician in a zebrafish genetics and development laboratory Honors: Graduate summer stipend recipient 2008
	Sarah Katharine Braly Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Paul Hosier Committee Members: Drs. Ann Stapleton and Dargon Frierson Thesis: Environmental Variables Influencing Sexual Reproduction of Sea Oats, Uniola paniculata (Poaceae) Across a Natural Dune Field on Bear Island, North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: Coastal management/biological planning of developments Currently: Environmental consultant at CZR (Coastal Zone Resources), Wilmington. Honors: 2008 recipient of the CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
	Kim Duernberger Email: Undergraduate Institution: College of Charleston Undergraduate Major: Biology, minor in Environmental Studies Graduate Advisors: Drs. Michael Mallin & Craig Tobias Committee Members: Dr. Larry Cahoon Thesis: Tracing Nitrogen Transformations through the Food Chain in an Urbanized Tidal Creek Plans upon entry into program: Save the planet. Yes, I have high ambitions. Currently: Research scientist working with Drs. BK Song and Craig Tobias at UNCW in collaboration with UCONN - Avery Point. Subject areas include biochemistry and molecular biology exploring the nutrient dynamics within estuaries as well as geochemistry interactions in streams and rivers. Kim has interests in conservation science and sustainable development. Honors: Recipient of the 2007 CMS Summer Research Award
	Amanda Williams Email: Undergraduate Institution: James Madison University Undergraduate Major: Geographic Sciences Graduate Advisor: Dr. Joanne Halls Committee Members: Drs. Craig Tobias and Chris Dumas Thesis: Mapping Land use Change as an Indicator for Live Coral Cover at Boracay Island, Philippines Plans upon entry into program: Earn a PhD in GIS and marine sciences. Also, tocontribute to the ocean sciences through research at the global scale,provide survey data to local resource managers and assist in marine science education Currently: Marine Science GIS Analyst at the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation in Landover, MD. Tasks include graphic and web design, short film editing,coral reef transect analysis and Geographic Information System mapping Honors:2007 recipient of the Jordan Lyle Viders Memorial Award, Women Divers Hall of Fame. This award provides $5000 for field work expenses, and the recipient is recognized at the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences/NOGI awardsdinner, Orlando, Florida, November 1, 2007. Recipient of the G. Herbert Stout Student Speaker Award at the NC GIS Conference in March 2007
	Josephine Yavari Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Joan Willey Committee Members: Thesis: Temporal Variability of Iron Speciation in Rainwater and its Impact on the Biogeochemical Cycling of Iron in Seawater Plans upon entry into program: To attend medical school Currently: Enrolled in the Chemistry and Biochemistry PhD program at George Mason University andalso working at the Alexandria Sanitation Authority Honors: Recipient of the 2007 CMS Summer Research Award

MMS Graduates December 2008
	Tara Casazza E-mail: Undergraduate institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Advisors: Drs. Steven Ross, Thomas Lankford and Joan Willey Thesis: Community Structure and Diets of Fishes Associated with Pelagic Sargassum and Open-Water Habitats off North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: Continue to work in fisheries. I want to make a difference when it comes to our oceans. Currently: Coastal and deep-sea fisheries research associate, CMS
	Taylor Graham Email: Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami Undergraduate Major: Marine Science/Chemistry Advisor: Dr. Craig Tobias Committee Members: Drs. Steven Skrabal and Bongkeun Song Thesis: Nitrate Recycling versus Removal in the Cape Fear River Estuary Plans upon entry into program: Get a decent job after graduation Currently: Working for Thermo Fisher Scientific as a Noble Gas and IRMS Field Service Engineer Honors: Most days at sea to date, 143 days at sea, 6 cruises from 2002-2006. Recipient of the 2008 CMS Summer Research Award.
	Danelle Lekan Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: B.S. Marine Biology, minor in chemistry Advisor: Dr. Carmelo Tomas Committee Members: Drs. Daniel Baden and Susan Simmons (Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics) Thesis: Influence of temperature, salinity and nutrients on growth and toxin profiles of Karenia brevis clones Plans upon entry into program: Earn my Ph.D., teach and research in a field where I have the opportunity to be outside Currently: Earning her PhD in Marine Biology at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Her PhD research focuses on the design, monitoring and assessment of New Zealand marine protected areas. Honors: 2007 recipient of CMS Scholastic Achievement Award
	Sarah Manley Email: or Undergraduate Institution: Westfield State College (MA) Undergraduate Major: B.S. General Science, Minor in Chemistry, Concentration in Education (grades 5-8) Advisor: Dr. Joan Willey Committee Members: Drs. Carrie Miller, Robert Kieber and Michael Mallin Thesis: Influence of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) on Mercury Speciation and Reactivity in Rainwater Plans upon entry into program: Research mercury chemistry in rainwater Currently: Working in Northborough, MA, doing environmental chemistry research and quality control work for the company SolmeteX/Layne Christensen, a company with expertise in the geosciences and a developer of specialized chemistries and processes for the cost-effective removal of regulated toxins from both drinking water and wastewater. Honors: 2006 recipient of CMS Scholastic Achievement Award
	Mary Rena Spivey Email: Undergraduate Institution: NCSU Undergraduate Major: Biological sciences Advisor: Dr. Michael Mallin Committee Members: Drs. Bongkeun Song and Parke Rublee (Department of Biology, UNCG) Thesis: The use of PCR and T-RFLP as a Means of Identifying Sources of Fecal Bacteria Pollution in the Tidal Creeks of New Hanover County, North Carolina Plans upon entry into program:undecided Currently: Research Technician in the CMS Aquatic Ecology Laboratory Honors: Recipient of the 2007 CMS Summer Research Award.
	Katherine Sullivan Email: Undergraduate Institution: Wake Forest University Undergraduate Major: Biology Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Frederick Scharf and Pamela Seaton Thesis: Replacement of Fish Meal by Alternative Protein Sources in Diets for Juvenile Black Sea Bass Plans upon entry into program: Uncertain at this time, but I am interested in work in aquaculture, environmental consulting and environmental education. Currently: Taking care of two small sons, and also working as a high school science and math tutor Honors: 2007 recipient of CMS Scholastic Achievement Award
	Laura Truxal Email: Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University Undergraduate Major: Marine Science Advisor: Dr. Daniel Baden Committee Members: Drs. Andrea Bourdelais, Pamela Seaton and Sridhar Varadarajan Thesis: Characterization of Novel Compounds Isolated from Karenia brevis Cultures Plans upon entry into program:To continue doing research for a university or oceanographic institution Currently: Research Technician in geochemistry, School of Oceanography, University of Washington Honors: 2007 recipient of CMS Scholastic Achievement Award
	James Wilde Email: Undergraduate Institution: NC State University Undergraduate Major: B.S. Microbiology Advisors: Drs. Wade Watanabe and Chris Dumas Committee Members: Drs. Christopher Dumas (Dept. of Economics & Finance) and Thomas Losordo (Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, NCSU) Thesis: Analysis of a niche market for farm-raised black sea bass, Centropristis striata, in North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: Private mariculture industry, maximizing profits and eco-friendly techniques Currently: Conducting marketing research for farm-raised black sea bass in several large US metropolitan areas. In August 2009 willenter Ph.D. program in international marketing of farm raised organic seafood, University of Plymouth, England
MMS Graduates May 2008
	Meghan Chafee Email: Undergraduate Institution: College of Charleston Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. J. Craig Bailey Committee Members: Drs. Lawrence Cahoon, Lynn Leonard and Bongkeun Song Thesis: A Genetic Marker for Coastal Diatoms Based on psbA Plans upon entry into program: I hope to pursue a career in conservation genetics or evolution and perhaps someday obtain a PhD Currently: First a research technician at Vanderbilt Univ. in TN, currently a research technician at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Honors: Recipient of the 2007 CMS Summer Research Award.
	Ned DuRant Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: B.S. Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Michael Mallin Committee Members: Drs. Larry Cahoon and John Morrison Thesis: The Cape Fear River Plume as a Zone of Enhanced Secondary Production Plans upon entry into program: I plan to earn a Ph.D., teach and do research at a university, travel all seven continents with my wife and son, and continue to rock out! Currently: Employed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
	Barbara Jacobson Smith Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNC Pembroke Undergraduate Major: B.S. Biology & Chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Richard Satterlie Committee Members: Drs. Richard Dillaman, Julian Keith and Stephen Kinsey Thesis: A comparison of the muscular organization of the rhopalial stalk in Cubomedusae (Cnidaria) Plans upon entry into program: Obtain a Ph.D. in marine science/biology. Work at an academic institution and/or marine science laboratory. Currently: a Research Technician Supervisor at the Johns Hopkins Universityin Baltimore, MD Honors: 2006 recipient of the CMS Scholastic Achievement Award and 2007 recipient of the CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Recipient of the 2007 CMS Summer Research Award.
MMS Graduates December 2007
	Chris Canaday E-mail: Undergraduate institution: North Carolina State University Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering Graduate Advisor: Dr. Fred Bingham Committee Members: Drs. Harvey Seim (UNCCH) and Russ Herman Thesis: Barotropic M₂ Tidal Analysis of Onslow Bay Plans upon entry into program: Scientific position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or pursue a Ph.D. Currently: Working as a civil engineer at Tripp Engineering in Wilmington, NC
	Renee Harrington Email: Undergraduate Institution: Southampton College of Long Island University, NY Undergraduate Degree: Environmental Science Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Dr. Michael Mallin and Dr. Eric Henry Thesis Title: Investigation of microbial contamination of sediment and water at boat ramps Plans upon entry into program: Conduct water quality research; work in the Environmental/Natural Resources field Currently: Environmental Analyst/Consultant for TEC, Inc., Santa Barbara, California
	Jaclyn Pitt Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Robert Kieber Committee Members: Drs. Jeffrey Wright, Stephen Skrabal and Thomas Schuster Thesis title: Photochemistry of Brevetoxin Produced by the Dinoflagellate Karenia Brevis Plans upon entry into program: To pursue a career managing coastal water quality Currently: Working as an environmental lab technician at ElementOne Laboratories, Wilmington, NC
	Rob Reger Email: Undergraduate Institution: West Virginia University Undergraduate Major: Animal/Veterinary Science and Spanish Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carm Tomas Committee Members: Dr. Richard Laws and Dr. Richard Dillaman Thesis title:Biology and Seasonal Distribution of Hermesinum adriaticum in the New River of North Carolina Plans upon entry into program:marine related Ph.D. Currently: Rob Reger is a Research Fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD
	Gwen Shaughnessy Email: Undergraduate Institution: California State U Long Beach Undergraduate Major: Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. G. Brooks Avery / Dr. Stephen Skrabal Committee Member: Dr. Courtney Hackney Thesis title: Surface and small-scale processes of biogeochemical cycling of organic matter in tidal marsh sediments Plans upon entry into program: Teach about habitat conservation and restoration Currently: Working for the state of Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a Coastal Hazards Planner. Honors: 2005 recipient of CMS Scholastic Achievement Award; 2006 recipient of CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
MMS Graduates Summer 2007
	Holly Oates Email: Undergraduate Institution: Meredith College Undergraduate Major: B.S. Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. B.K. Song Committee Members: Drs. Robert Kieber and Joan Willey Thesis title: Molecular Determination of Arsenate Respiring Bacteria in Estuarine Sediments and Groundwater Aquifers Plans upon entry into program: Obtain a Ph.D. and work at a university teaching and doing research. Currently: Hollyhas accepted a position as lab manager with Dr. Jeff Miller, Chair ofthe Dept of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA and president of the American Society for Microbiology
MMS Graduates May 2007
	Sara Althof Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNC-Charlotte Undergraduate Major: B.S. in Biology with a concentration in the Environment Graduate Advisor: Dr. Lynn Leonard Committee Members: Dr. Mike Benedetti and Dr. Courtney Hackney Thesis title: Effects of Spartina alterniflora on flow hydrodynamics in a tidal marsh: An experiment in biophysical interactions Plans upon entry into program: Environmental Consulting as long as I am by the coast. Currently: Employed at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher as a special activities instructor. Honors: 2006 recipient of the CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
	Michelle Ortwine Email: Undergraduate Institution: UNCW Undergraduate Major: B.S.-Biology, Chemistry minor Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Dr. Mike Mallin and Dr. Eric Henry Thesis Title: The impacts of rainfall runoff on tidal creek algal and bacterial production Plans upon entry into program: Water quality research, teach or pursue Ph.D. Currently:Working as Health and Environmental Modeler/Environmental Scientist 2 for RTI International, starting Aug 3, 2009 Honors: Won an award for best student poster at the annual NC Water Resources Research Institute meeting held April 4-5, 2006 in Raleigh, NC.
MMS Graduates December 2006
	Joe Carrier Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina Wilmington Undergraduate Degree: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Robert Roer and Pamela Seaton Thesis Title: Growth, survival and resistance to hypersaline stress in larval black sea bass (Centropristis striata) fed varying levels of dietary arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) Plans upon entry into program: Teach Currently: Teaching at Tidewater Community College in Virginia and doing collaborative research on aquaculture with Virginia Tech and Virginia Cobia Farms in Hampton Roads, VA. Contact Information:
	Amanda Krzysiak OHH Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami Undergraduate Degree: BS-Chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Wright Committee Members: Drs. Daniel Baden and Joan Willey Thesis Title: The Isolation and Characterization of Natural Products from Marine Plants and Microorganisms Goal upon entry into program: Uncertain at present time, but will most likely pursue further graduate work. Currently: Received a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from Purdue University in 2008 Contact Information:
	Amanda Myers Undergraduate Institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate Degree: BS, Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Ami Wilbur Committee Members: Drs. Wade Watanabe and Joan Willey Thesis Title: Recirculating Aquaculture System Integration of Bivalve Culture for Effluent Nutrient Composition Reduction Plans upon entry into program: Find environmentally friendly and economic ways to improve aquaculture systems. Currently: Working as a Research Technician at the UNCW Center for Marine Science, conducting experimental research in the areas of controlled breeding, larviculture, growout, effluent management, and economic and marketing of high value marine finfish and shellfish species for commercial cultivation. Contact Information:
	Stephen Truesdale Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina State University Undergraduate Degree: BS, Zoology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Ami Wilbur, Carmelo Tomas and Thomas M. Losordo (NCSU) Thesis Title: Waste Characterization and Management of Effluent from Intensive Marine Finfish Recirculating Systems. Plans upon entry into program: Private aquaculture venture working with black sea bass, and commercial fishing. Currently: Operating a lab in Wilmington manufacturing prosthetic and orthotic devices for the handicapped. Also testing new components for the filtration process for flounder culture for the first commercial flounder production facility in NC, and conducting research on the production of biofuel from microalgae with NC Biotech. Contact Information:
MMS Graduates Summer 2006
	Stephen Gill Undergraduate Institution: University of Wales Swansea Undergraduate Degree: BSc Hons Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Patricia Kelley Committee Members: Dr. Carmelo Tomas and Dr. Lawrence Cahoon Thesis Title: Phosphorus liberation by aquatic microorganisms Plans upon entry into program: Consultancy, bringing academia to industry...and get rich. Currently: Environmental Consultant, AMEC Earth and Environmental, London, England Contact Information:
MMS Graduates May 2006
	Christopher Stewart Undergraduate institution: Eastern Carolina University< Undergraduate degree: BS � Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Fred Scharf Committee Members: John Schoolfield (NC Division of Marine Fisheries), Drs. Edward Boone and Thomas Lankford Thesis Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability in Recruitment Timing, Relative Abundance and Mortality of Juvenile Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) in Southeastern North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: Work with a state or federal agency in eastern North Carolina, preferably in the Morehead City area. Currently: Working part-time with Progress Energy as a Biologist and also part- time with Dial Cordy and Associates here in Wilmington (Environmental consultants). Maybe I'll take a surfing trip back to Costa Rica before I have to get a full time job! Contact information:
	Brooke Stuercke Undergraduate Institution: U of Hawaii - Hilo Undergraduate Major: Marine Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. D. Wilson Freshwater Committee Members: Drs. Craig Bailey, Gregory Chandler, William Cooper and Donald Kapraun Thesis Title: An Integrated Taxonomic Assessment of North Carolina Polysiphonia species Plans upon entry into program: Teaching or working with a conservation agency Currently: Research Technician II, Laboratory Culture Specialist, CMS, UNCW Honors: Shortest time to degree - 22 months; 2006 recipient of CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Contact information:
	Byron Toothman Undergraduate institution: UNC Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS � Marine Biology/Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Michael Mallin and Joan Willey Thesis Title: Phosphorus and Carbohydrate Limitation of Sediment-Bound Indicator Microbes in Bradley Creek Plans upon entry into program: To teach and conduct my own research at a university where there is no winter. Currently: Byron Toothman is a research biologist, NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, NC Coastal Reserve Honors: National Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellow in the K-12 Education Program at UNCW and recipient of a 2005 CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Contact information: 910-962-2334
	Leigh Zimmermann Undergraduate institution: UNC Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS � Environmental Studies Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carm Tomas Committee Members: Drs. Ronald Sizemore and Jeffrey Wright Thesis Title: Environmental Regulation of Toxin Production: Comparison of Hemolytic Activity of Amphidinium carterae and Amphidinium klebsii Plans upon entry into program: Work for a management agency of a coastal state within their harmful algal bloom program. Currently: Program Coordinator, National Oceanographic Partnership Program, Consortium for Ocean Leadership Honor: 2006 Dean John Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Executive Fellow, National Sea Grant Contact information:
MMS Graduates December 2005
	Jennifer Peterson Brousseau Undergraduate institution: University of Tennessee & UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS-Botany (UT), BS-Marine Biology (UNC-W) Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carm Tomas Committee Members: Drs. Jack Manock and Martin Posey Thesis Title: Growth by Natural Phytoplankton Populations of Wilson Bay: A Nutrient Bioassay Approach Plans upon entry into program: Working with an independent environmental consultant or teaching young children about the importance of marine environments. Currently: Freelance writing and taking care of her small children Contact Information:
	Erin Carey Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS � Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Lynn Leonard and Michael Mallin Thesis Title: The Effects of Beach Renourishment on Benthic Microalgae Plans upon entry into program: Completing my Ph.D. and establishing myself somewhere where the water is warm, the surf is clean, and I never have to look at another sport utility vehicle again. Currently: Environmental Technician managing the lab where fecal bacteria analyses of beach water and shellfishing waters are conducted, NC Division of Shellfish Sanitation, Wilmington Contact Information:
	J. Brooke Landry Undergraduate institution: University of Virginia Undergraduate degree: BA � Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Michael Durako Committee Members: Drs. Joanne Halls and Steven Miller Thesis Title: Changes in the Density and Distribution of Florida Bay Macrophytes Plans upon entry into program: Plan on going straight into Ph.D. work in landscape ecology field. Currently: Environmental Careers Organization Intern, NOAA National Ocean Service Program and Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research in Beaufort, NC. Honors: National Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellow in the K-12 Education Program at UNCW and recipient of a 2005 CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Recipient of 2006 Conference of Southern Graduate ETD Thesis Award. This includes a cash award of $500 plus travel expenses to attend the 2007 CSGS meeting in Chattanooga, TN where the award will be presented on February, 25, 2007. Contact information: &
	Nichole Parler Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS � Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Drs. Joan Willey Committee Member: Drs. Robert Kieber and Robert Whitehead Thesis Title: Mercury Concentration and Speciation in Wilmington Coastal Rainwater Plans upon entry into program: Work for a pharmaceutical company. Currently: Chemical Technician, Lab Corp, Raleigh Contact Information:
	Kelly Taylor Undergraduate institution: Wilmington College, OH Undergraduate degree: BS � Chemistry Graduate Advisor: Dr. Brookes Avery Committee Members: Drs. Robert Kieber and Robert Whitehead Thesis Title: Beach Sediments: A Source of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Species to the Coastal Ocean Plans upon entry into program: Environmental work. Currently: Clinical Data Associate, PPD, Wilmington Contact Information:
	Heather Young Undergraduate institution: Coastal Carolina University, SC Undergraduate degree: BS � Marine Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. William Cooper Committee Members: Drs. Larry Cahoon and Carm Tomas Thesis Title: Effects of Ozonation of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM); Implications for Ballast Water Treatment Protocol Plans upon entry into program: Get a job with good benefits. Currently: working as a research assistant surveying lobsters with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in Long Island, NY Contact Information:

MMS Graduates May 2005
	Leslie Bradshaw Undergraduate institution: UNC Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS-Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Stephen Skrabal Committee members: Drs. Larry Cahoon, Bob Kieber and Joan Willey Thesis Title: *Sources and Sinks of Nitrogen in the Cape Fear River Estuary, Southeastern North Carolina* Plans upon entry into program: I will probably/hopefully go on to get my PhD? It seems like a good idea anyway. And definitely - lots of world travel in the picture (all in the name of science of course!) Currently: Chemical technician, Sweeney Drinking Water Plant, Wilmington Contact information:
	Courtney Hanby Undergraduate institution: Louisiana State University Undergraduate degree: BS � Zoology Graduate Advisors: Drs. Joanne Halls and Laela Sayigh Committee Member: Dr. Ann Pabst Thesis title: Use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to Examine Bottlenose Dolphin Community Structure in Southeastern North Carolina Plans upon entry into program: Pursuing a Ph.D., but right now just concentrating on getting through the Master�s program! Currently: Educator, New Orleans Aquarium Honors: National Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellow in the K-12 Education Program at UNCW Contact information:
	Jenny Johnson Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS-Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Michael Mallin Committee Members: Drs. Larry Cahoon, Paul Hosier and Rob Whitehead Thesis title: Primary Productivity by Phytoplankton: Temporal, Spatial and Tidal Variability in Two North Carolina Tidal Creeks Plans upon entry into program: Water quality research and world travel. Currently: Environmental Science Consultant, Land Management Group, Wilmington, NC Contact information:
	Audra Luscher Undergraduate institution: California State University at Long Beach Undergraduate degree: BS - Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Courtney Hackney Committee Members: Drs. Larry Cahoon and Joan Willey Thesis Title: Benthic Diatoms as a Control in the Silicate Cycling in the Cape Fear Estuary. Plans upon entry into program: Would like to continue to work in marine policy and management and eventually would like to work in wetland restoration. Currently: Shore Erosion Planner, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Honors: Sea Grant Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. Contact Information:
	Lisa Thatcher Undergraduate institution: North Carolina State University Undergraduate degree: BS-Biological Engineering Graduate Advisor: Dr. Brooks Avery Committee Members: Drs. Courtney Hackney and Lynn Leonard Thesis title: Carbon Remineralization and Storage in Estuarine Wetland Sediments Plans upon entry into program: Graduate school or working with an environmental consulting company Currently: Staff engineer, MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Company, Wilmington, NC Contact information:
	Christopher Thornburg Undergraduate institution: College of Charleston Undergraduate degree: BS � Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Ron Sizemore Committee Members: Drs. Carmelo Tomas and Jeffrey Wright Thesis title: Increased Survival of Vibrios Associated with Algal Blooms of Gyrodinium instriatum Plans upon entry into program: Complete M.S. degree in order to finally land a job in the actual field of marine science/biology. Currently: Contracting Senior Research Microbiologist, Air Force Research Lab, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Honors: 2005 recipient of CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Contact information:

MMS Graduates December 2004
	Michael Murphy Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS � Geology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Lewis Abrams Committee Members: Drs. Nancy Grindlay and Fred Bingham Thesis Title: Geophysical Investigation of the Tectonic and Volcanic History of the Nauru Basin, Western Pacific Plans upon entry into program: Get a job as a geologist Currently: Working as a Marine Laboratory Specialist in the Physical Properties Laboratory aboard the research drilling ship RV JOIDES Resolution. JOIDES stands for Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling. Honors: Most days at sea of any student to date! R/V Thomas Thompson: 48 day Guam to Guam cruise investigating seafloor magnetics in the Jurassic Quiet Zone of the Western Pacific.R/V Kilo Moana: 37 day Suva, Fiji, cruise to look at hydrothermal plume activity/chemistry along the East Lau Spreading Center, Southwest Pacific Ocean. Contact information:

	Joshua J. Slater Undergraduate institution: UNC Wilmington Undergraduate degree: B.S. Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Tom Lankford Committee Members: Drs. Jeffrey A. Buckel (NCSU) and Stephen Kinsey Thesis Title:Winter Energetics of Young-of-the-Year Bluefish (Pamatomus saltatrix):Effects of Ration and Cohort of Origin on Survival Plans upon entry into program: One day at a time... Currently: Commissioned Officer, NOAA Corps, Emergency Response Division (ERD), NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration. He recently served as NOAA’s incident operations coordinator for the BP oil spill crisis, where he managed ERD’s Seattle “war room”, coordinating information between scientists and staff in the field. He is now deployed to Louisiana to help conduct overflights of the oil spill area. Honors: Carolina Beach Fishing Club Scholarship Contact information:

	Ben Speckhart Undergraduate institution: Longwood College, VA Undergraduate degree: BS � Physics, math minor Graduate Advisor: Dr. Fred Bingham Committee Members: Drs. Len Pietrafesa (NCSU) and Russell Herman Thesis Title: Observational Analysis of Shallow Water Response to Passing Hurricanes in Onslow Bay, NC in 1999 Plans upon entry into program: Get a scientific position to gain experience working on ships Currently: Marine Research Technician, Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program, UNCW Honors: First Graduate Teaching Assistant to work in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography at UNCW 2002-2004. Contact information:
	Joseph Kevin Yates Undergraduate institution: North Carolina State University Undergraduate degree: BS- Natural Resources Graduate Co-Advisors: Drs. Christopher Dumas and Wade Watanabe Committee Member: Dr. Thomas M. Losordo (NCSU) Thesis Title: Production Economics of Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) Aquaculture in a Recirculating System Plans upon entry into program: Work for the Army Corp of Engineers and hold an interest in the burgeoning Mariculture Industry. Currently: Working as a Regulatory Specialist, US Corps of Engineers, doing wetlands delineation and permitting. Contact information:
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MMS Graduates Summer 2004
	Heather Harwell Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS � Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Martin Posey Committee Members: Drs. Lynn Leonard and Scott Quackenbush, and Mr. Troy Alphin Thesis Title: Landscape Aspects of Oyster Reefs: Fragmentation and Habitat Utilization Plans upon entry into program: To enter a Ph.D. program Currently: Enrolled in Benthic Ecology Ph.D. program, Virginia Institute of Marine Science Contact Information:
	Alisha Renfro Undergraduate institution: Coastal Carolina University, SC Undergraduate degree: BS-Marine Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Lynn Leonard Committee Members: Drs. Mike Mallin, Courtney Hackney and Michael Benedetti Thesis Title: Sediment Deposition and Accumulation in a Brown and Black-Water River System Plans upon entry into program: work with a state regulatory agency to develop regulations for coastal planning, and raise public awareness of the need for coastal planning Currently: Enrolled in a Marine Science Ph.D. program at State University of New York, Stony Brook Contact information:
	Allison White Undergraduate institution: College of Charleston, SC Undergraduate degree: BS - Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Wade Watanabe Committee Members: Drs. Pam Seaton and Tom Lankford Thesis Title: Optimizing Dose and Mode of Administration of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog for Induced Spawning of Black Sea Bass, Centropristis striata Plans upon entry into program: Graduate school. Currently: Employed as a Biological Technician at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar Contact Information:
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MMS Graduates May 2004
	Robert Golembeski Undergraduate institution: East Stroudsburg University, PA Undergraduate degree: BS - Biology and BA - Education Graduate Advisor: Dr. Daniel Baden Committee Members: Drs. Eric Henry and Alina Szmant Thesis Title: Investigation of Alternative Methods of Irrigation/Fertilization to Minimize Pollution of Ground Water in the Central Valley of Chile Goals upon entry into program: Returning to teaching high school science Currently: Working as a Fertigation Engineer producing and exporting fresh cherries in Chile. Honors: Awarded a Fulbright-Hayes Department of Education Fellowship, Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar Contact information:
	Matthew Head Undergraduate institution: UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte Undergraduate degree: BS-Earth Science/Environmental Information Systems, minor in Geography with a concentration in remote sensing, air quality, GIS, and planning. Graduate Advisor: Dr. Nancy Grindlay Committee Members: Drs. Lynn Leonard and Martin Posey Thesis Title: Mapping and Monitoring Hardbottom Areas and Corresponding Change Associated with Storm Forcing at 23-Mile Reef, Onslow Bay, NC Goals upon entry into program: Graduation and then retirement with maybe a little work in between. Currently: Working as a defense contractor for PVA, Inc. in Special Projects. Contact information:
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MMS Graduates December 2003
	Michael S. Long Undergraduate institution: North Carolina State University Undergraduate degree: BS-Meteorology and Environmental Science Advisor: Drs. Joan Willey and Robert Keiber Committe Members: Dr. Douglas Gamble Thesis Title: Atmospheric Deposition of NH₄⁺and Other N Species in Southeastern North Carolina and Its Impact on the Cape Fear River Estuary Goals upon entry into program: PhD with thesis research in Italy. Currently: Enrolled in Ph.D. program in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar Contact Information:
	Socratis Loucaides Undergraduate institution: UNC-Asheville Undergraduate degree: BS-Environmental Science Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Eric Henry, Lynn Leonard and Joan Willey Thesis Title: Human Impact on the Silica Cycle: Reduction of Dissolved Silica inputs into the Ocean as a Result of the Increasing Impervious Cover Goals upon entry into program: Possibly pursuing a doctorate in the field of oceanography and/or research in the Mediterranean. Currently: Research scientist studying sediment geochemistry at the Marine Environment Laboratory in Monaco, then entry into the Earth Sciences Ph.D. program at the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands Contact Info:
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MMS Graduates Summer 2003
	Susie Holst Undergraduate institution: James Cook University of Northern Queensland, Australia Undergraduate degree: BS-Marine Biology Advisor: Dr. Tom Lankford Committee Members: Drs. Pamela Seaton, Wade Watanabe, and Eric Schultz, University of Connecticut Thesis Title: Evaluation of the Capacity for Compensatory Growth in Juvenile Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) and Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) Goals upon entry into program: Before obtaining a real job (hopefully a career that integrates fisheries management, stock enhancement and aquaculture), traveling around the world visiting friends and Southeast Asia is a main objective. Currently: Marine Debris Specialist, Coral Reef Ecosystem Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, Honolulu, Hawaii Honors: EPA STAR Fellowship Contact Information:
	Thomas Molesky Undergraduate institution: University of Toledo, OH Undergraduate degree: BS-Biology Advisor: Dr. Martin Posey Committee Members: Drs. Lynn Leonard, Larry Cahoon and Mr. Troy Alphin Thesis Title: The Effects of Oyster Reefs on Microphyto-benthos and Sediment Characteristics Goals upon entry into program: Returning to teaching high school science once degree is completed. Currently: Teaching science courses at New Hanover High School, Wilmington, NC Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Shobu Odate Undergraduate institution: University of New Hampshire, Durham Undergraduate degree: BS-Biology: Freshwater & Marine Advisor: Dr. Joseph Pawlik Committee Members: Drs. Richard Dillaman and Robert Hancock Thesis Title: The Role of Vanadium as a Chemical Defense of the Solitary Tunicate, Phallusia nigra Goals upon entry into program: To rule the world with an iron hand! Currently: Working as a medical researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School in Boston. Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Jennifer O�Reilly (OHH) Undergraduate institution: Rider University, New Jersey Undergraduate degree: BS-Marine Science Advisor: Dr. Lynn Leonard Committee Members: Drs. Courtney Hackney, Michael Benedetti, Michael Mallin Thesis Title: Assessment of Tidally Influenced Riparian Wetlands as Sinks for Fecal Coliform Bacteria Goals upon entry into program: Graduate school and hopefully obtaining a job within field. Currently: Analytical Chemist, US Geological Survey, Reston, VA Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Shauna Slingsby Undergraduate institution: University of California at Berkeley Undergraduate degree: BS-Environmental Science, Policy and Management Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. John Bruno, UNC-Chapel Hill and Robert Steneck, University of Maine Thesis Title: Patterns of Association and Interactions Between Juvenile Corals and Macroalgae in the Caribbean Goals upon entry into program: Visiting the reefsof Southeast Asia and Australia. Plans after traveling include work in applied coral reef science and management in Mexico and the Caribbean, particularly in community-scale approaches to mitigatingdevelopment impacts on reef systems. Currently: working in Washington, DC as a Dean John Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship executive fellow, awarded by the National Sea Grant office Contact Information:
	Jennifer Williams (OHH) Undergraduate institution: NC State University Undergraduate degree: BS-Science Education Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Wright Committee Members: Drs. Daniel G. Baden and Ronald Sizemore Thesis Title: Characterization of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Prorocentrum Species Goals upon entry into program: Return to high school science teaching in Brevard, NC Currently: Teaching middle and high school science and math in Brevard, NC Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
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MMS Graduates May 2003
	Dawn Carroll Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS-Biology and Environmental Studies, minor in chemistry Advisor: Dr. Courtney Hackney Committee Members: Dr. Jonathan Shaw (Biology Dept. at Duke University) and Dr. Martin Posey Thesis Title: Bryophytes as Indicators of Water Level and Salinity Change Along the Northeast Cape Fear River Goals upon entry into program: Would like to work with an independent environmental consultant with projects including rare and endangered species and wetland delineation. Currently: Employed as a Biologist I with CZR (Coastal Zone Resources) Environmental Consultants, Wilmington, NC. Contact Information:
	Gianluca Manes Undergraduate institution: Libera Universita Delgi Studi di Urbino Graduate degree: Environmental Science Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Fred Bingham and Lynn Leonard Thesis Title: The Near-bottom Chlorophyll A Maximum in Onslow Bay: Effects of Wave Events on Benthic Microalgae Resuspension Goals upon entry into program: Find a scientific position in Europe. Currently: working for a marine engineering company in Italy Contact Information:
	Christopher Brent Manning Undergraduate institution: North Carolina State University Undergraduate degree: BS-Natural Resources Advisor: Dr. Joanne Halls Committee Members: Drs. David Webster, Joe Pawlik andMr. Andy Shepard Thesis Title: Topographic Analysis of the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern Using a Multimedia Geographic Information System (GIS) Goals upon entry into program: Acquire a PhD and develop wetland restoration plans for local watersheds. Currently: wetlands delineator for the Land Management Group, Inc. in Wilmington Contact Information:
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MMS Graduates December 2002
	Michelle Gomperts (OHH) Undergraduate Institution:Cook College, Rutgers University Undergraduate Degree: BS-Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carmelo Tomas Committee Members: Drs. Daniel Baden and Joan Willey Thesis Title: Analysis of Nitrogen Substrates Utilized for Growth by the Phytoplankton, Karenia brevis. Goals upon entry into program: Federal work or state employee in marine science with a concentration in water quality and HAB management. Currently: Teaching Biology at Brunswick Community College and plans to open her own business. Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Ron Hardman (OHH) Undergraduate Institution: Adelphi University Undergraduate Degree: BS-Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Dan Baden Committee Members: Drs. Carmelo Tomas and William Cooper Thesis Title: Harmful Algal Blooms in the Gulf of Mexico: Brevetoxin Degradation and Derivative Formation via Photochemical Processes. Goals upon entry into program: PhD. work at Duke University or the Medical University of South Carolina. Currently: In PhD. program in Environmental Medicine at Duke University. Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Ashley Skeen (OHH) Undergraduate Institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate Degree: BS- Marine Biology Graduate Advisors: Drs. William Cooper (Chemistry) and Carmelo Tomas (Biology) Committee Member: Dr. Joan Willey Thesis Title:The Production of Hydrogen Peroxide by Heterosigma akashiwo Under Varying N:P Ratios Goals upon entry into program: Continue a career in scientific research for a few years and then pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Currently: Research technician in the Harmful Algal Bloom Lab at UNCW. Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Amanda Smith Undergraduate Institution: Appalachian State University Undergraduate Degree: BS-Applied Mathematics Graduate Advisor: Dr. Fred Bingham Committee Members: Drs. Leonard Pietrafesa and Lian Xie (NCSU) Thesis Title: The Physical Effects of Hurricanes in Onslow Bay, NC During 1999. Goals upon entry into program: Conducting research in Maryland or Texas. Currently: Employed by the NC Department of Transportation as an Integration Technician, with responsibilities for creating databases, conducting computer training, and web design. Contact Information:
	Paula Whitfield Undergraduate Institution: George Mason University Undergraduate Degree: BS: Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Mike Durako Committee Members: Drs. Lynn Leonard, Joanne Halls and W. Judson Kenworthy (NOAA Lab, Beaufort, NC) Thesis Title: The Recruitment, Survival and Growth of Thalassia testidinum Seedlings in Physically Disturbed Seagrass Beds Goals upon entry into program: Continuing research on seagrass disturbance and recovery dynamics at NOAA in Beaufort, NC, expanding on thesis research through spatial model development and application of empirical seagrass growth data, and continuing research on invasive species of Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans, off of the east coast of the United States. Currently: Promoted to fisheries biologist at the NOAA Lab in Beaufort, NC and local expert on lionfish. Contact Information:
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MMS Graduates May 2002
	Joni "Osku" Backstrom Undergraduate institution: Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate degree: Marine Geology Graduate Advisors: Drs. Bill Cleary and Nancy Grindlay Committee Member: Dr. Doug Gamble Graduate Thesis: Storm-driven sedimentary changes on shoreface off Kure Beach. Goals upon entry into program: Working for a government or private company in beach nourishment, geologic and/or marine habitat mapping, diving, and side scan sonar. Currently: Received a PhD in Marine Geology from the University of Ulster in 2008. Working for Coastal Planning and Engineering in Boca Raton, Florida. Contact Information:
	Shelly Miller Undergraduate institution: Mary Washington College Undergraduate degree: BS-Environmental Science Graduate Advisor: Dr. Lynn Leonard Committee Members: Drs. Steven Kinsey and Joanne Halls Thesis Title: An examination of phosphorus and sediment characteristics within anthropogenically impacted estuarine watersheds. Goals upon entry into program: Environmental management and/or community outreach. Currently: a Community Conservationist with the New Hanover County Soil and Water Conservation District Contact Information:
	Kevin Rowland Undergraduate Institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate Degree: BS-Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. G. Brooks Avery and Dave Padgett Thesis Title: Survival of Sediment-Bound Fecal Coliform Bacteria and Potential Pathogens in Relation to Phosphate Concentrations in Estuarine Sediments, S. Brunswick Co., NC Goals upon entry into program: To work in water quality. Currently: Working as an Environmental Specialist II with the North Carolina Division of Water Quality Contact Information:
	Suzanne Sexton (OHH) (First Graduate in the "Oceans and Human Health" specialty!) Undergraduate Institution: Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Undergraduate Degree: BS-Animal Industries Graduate Advisors: Drs. Brooks Avery and Courtney Hackney Committee Member: Dr. Lynn Leonard Thesis Title: Rates of Carbon Remineralization in Sulfate-amended Coastal Wetland Sediments - Implications for Sea-level Rise. Goals upon entry into program: strengthen science background and return to high school science teaching Currently: a high school science teaching at Ashley High School in Wilmington, armed with new knowledge and renewed enthusiasm! Contact Information: Honors: Glaxo-Wellcome Oceans and Human Health Scholar
	Suzanne Zvalaren (First Woman Graduate!) Undergraduate institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate degree: BS-Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Drs. Joan Willey and Bob Kieber Committee Member: Dr. Ann Pabst Thesis Title: Chromium Speciation and Cycling in Coastal Rainwater Goals upon entry into program: UNC-Chapel Hill to obtain Ph.D. Currently: Completed a Ph.D. in chemical oceanography at UNC Chapel Hill in 2009 after conducting her research at UNCW, and is currently a Senior Biologist and Chemistry Liaison at Wildlife International in Easton MD. Contact Information:
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MMS Graduates May 2001
	Jason Hales (First Graduate!) Undergraduate Institution: UNC-Wilmington Undergraduate Degree: BS-Marine Biology Graduate Advisor: Dr. Larry Cahoon Committee Members: Drs. Mike Mallin and Joan Willey Thesis Title: Tidal Exchange in Coastal Estuaries: Effects of Development, Rain and Dredging Goals upon entry into program: work on subjects related to water quality management in coastal environments. Use my interdisciplinary education to help foster collaboration among biological, chemical and physical scientists. Currently: Working as an Environmental Consultant/Biologist for CZR Consultants, Wilmington, NC Contact Information:
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