Student Grant Program

Anthony D’Auria is a rising sophomore at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. He is always grateful for having been able to grow up in the Pine Barrens and spend much of his summers on Long Beach Island. What would it be like without the bird songs, the salty smell of the ocean, the shade of the trees, a visit from a turtle in the yard or a crab in the bay? Anthony loves nature and wants to help it thrive, so is super-excited to be working with the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone (SIMCZ) team this summer, where he knows he will gain a better understanding of the Barnegat Bay and help contribute to the important research being done to make positive changes in our coastal waters. When he’s not working on theSIMCZ team, you can find Anthony interning with the Terrapin Nesting Project on LBI this summer.

From an early age, Anthony gained an affinity for marine ecosystems and biology as a whole; he enjoyed the outdoors and learning about various plants and animals. After a marine biology class in high school solidified his passion, he decided to major in Marine Biology & Coastal Sciences at Montclair State University, where he currently interns for Dr. Paul A. Bologna in order to assist him with culturing jellyfish. During the summer of 2021, he will be enthusiastically joining the Save Barnegat Bay Student Grant program under Dr. Bologna to study sea nettle and sea grasses in the Barnegat Bay area, as well as gain first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a marine biologist. Aside from marine biology, Anthony enjoys studying ornithology and photographing local bird species in his free time.

Bella is a graduate of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. She has always had a special interest in Barnegat Bay after growing up on and around it. Bella has conducted water quality research on the Bay during her time at MATES, and she has participated in several other field-based projects. This summer, Bella will be part of the Save Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program, where she will be working on the Water Quality Study.

Bethany Mariel Suliguin is a recent graduate of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) and is an incoming freshman at Princeton University majoring in Molecular Biology. She has conducted several research projects in varying disciplines, studying topics from probiotic effects on human health to using phytoremediation as a water quality improvement method. Growing up on the Jersey Shore, Bethany has learned to connect her passions for human health and environmental science both in the classroom and in the field, aspiring to become a pathologist in the future. Outside of research and academics, Bethany is an avid music lover, playing classical piano in front of diverse audiences, all while finding joy in creating (and sharing) her many Spotify playlists.

Brady recently graduated from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science and will be part of the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone Biodiversity Study. Come fall, he will be studying at Bowdoin College in Maine majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and marine biology and minoring in math with the goal of eventually becoming an ornithologist and ecologist while applying math to help us better understand the natural world. Outside of school, Brady is an avid birder, bird photographer, and lover of nature overall.

Brianna Melanie Suliguin is a recent graduate from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES). She is also an incoming freshman at Princeton University, majoring in Chemistry. Throughout high school, she pursued her interests in independent research, conducting several research projects in disciplines such as the relationship between alcohols and skin dryness and biofuel using invasive species. As a Toms River resident her whole life, she realized the importance of protecting the nature around her for generations to come, thus creating a passion for environmental science. Brianna plans on becoming a dermatologist in the future; outside academics, she loves cosmetics, music, and lengthy debates about both of those topics.

Caroline Liebmann is a freshman at King’s College studying environmental engineering. She has always been passionate about taking part in environmental research and conservation efforts.Caroline graduated from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) in 2024. While at MATES, she conducted four years of independent research focused on various environmental issues relating to microplastics. Caroline has refined methods for quantifying microplastics in both sediment and atmospheric samples. She has also examined microplastics from Barnegat Bay for biofilm accumulation.

Caroline was the Conservation Division Coordinator for Project Terrapin for three years. Project Terrapin is a volunteer initiative that supports the Northern Diamondback Terrapin through conservation, education, and outreach efforts. In this role, she organized nest site enhancement volunteer trips, spoke at community outreach events, and advocated for the use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs). Caroline is excited to be working with Save Barnegat Bay as part of their Student Grant Research program. In college, she plans to pursue research in environmental science/engineering and continue to partake in environmental activism. She is dedicated to giving back to her community and further developing her passion for the environment.

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Christina graduated from Ocean County College in 2021 and has since pursued her education at Kean Ocean. She is majoring in Environmental Science and will further pursue a career in that field. Christina has previously tested water quality for research projects at Kean Ocean, but she has never worked with the Sea Nettle population. She is very excited to spend her summer working on The Water Quality Team!

Claudia is a 2019 graduate of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. She is a member of the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone team that is working on a Biological Survey. In the fall, Claudia will be attending the University of Delaware, where she plans to pursue a Chemical Engineering major with a concentration in the environment.

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Diya Jariwala is a rising junior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. Throughout her high school and college career, she has been able to conduct various research projects in the fields of biochemistry and biomedical engineering. Some of her most notable work includes studying the bioluminescence of Pyrocystis lunula (marine dinoflagellates) to shed light on the potential applications of this natural phenomenon and conducting an analysis on blood-lipid panels of Malaclemys terrapins, aiming to determine the most effective diet for their overall health and growth rate. Diya's aspirations within the medical field extend beyond her academic pursuits. She aims to leverage the knowledge and skills she acquires to drive new discoveries and innovations that will improve our society for future generations.

Emily is a rising junior at Villanova University where she is pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science. She is a member of Save Barnegat Bay's 2020 Student Grant Program working on the Water Quality Team. She grew up taking boat rides with her grandfather on the bay and is excited to work with Save Barnegat Bay because of her appreciation for the organization's mission. Other than working this summer with Save Barnegat Bay, Emily will be in Bay Head spending a lot of time on the beach.

Erin Geoghegan is a recent graduate of MATES, a specialized high school focused on marine biology and scientific research. With a strong foundation in marine research, Erin has cultivated a deep interest in exploring the natural world and the interplay between human activity and environmental health. As an incoming freshman at Rutgers University, she aims to study economics and chemistry in hopes to integrate her environmental interests with analytical problem-solving. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking, working out, reading, and traveling to learn about diverse ecosystems and cultures.

Forrest Jennings is a senior at Stockton University pursuing degrees in Environmental and Marine Science. Growing up in the Boy Scouts and making Eagle Scout, he has always been interested in nature and when not at school likes to be outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking, and just exploring new places. He hopes to use his passion for the environment to show people its importance and inspire them to protect it. He has taught youth about science and nature as Ecology Director at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation, and is currently a tour guide at the Tuckerton Seaport where he teaches guests about local history, folkart, and wildlife. He believes deeply in conservation and is very excited to learn more and help educate others with Save Barnegat Bay.

Hayley is a rising freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where she is majoring in biomedical engineering. She acquired an interest in animals and wildlife from and early age and continued to expand upon her knowledge while attending the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. There, she interned for Project Terrapin keeping track of terrapin populations around Barnegat Bay. This summer she looks forward to broadening her involvement and becoming a member of the SIMCZ team.

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Jillian is a rising freshman at Rowan University, where she will be studying Civil and Environmental Engineering. Jillian lives in Barnegat, New Jersey and attended the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. Her experiences at MATES expanded her love for the environment and animals, and has further developed her passion for the conservation of species. Similarly, Jillian has decided to pursue a degree that will allow her to work towards this passion. This summer she looks forward to participating as a member of the SIMCZ team.

John is from Middletown, NJ. He is a rising freshman at the University of Rhode Island where he is studying Wildlife Conservation Biology. He has had an interest in fishing, the outdoors, and animals since he was a child. He continued his love for these subjects by going to the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook. This summer he looks forward to helping Save Barnegat Bay in protecting his local marine environments and advance his learning into more scientific research as a member of the SIMCZ research team.

Julia is a recent graduate of Lehigh University where she studied Earth and Environmental Science and Engineering.  As a Student Grant recipient she will be working on the Rally for the Bay project, focussing on the water quality of the Toms River.  Through this project she hopes to identify the issues at hand and create achievable solutions to make a positive change for the area she was born and raised.

Kate Doherty is a 2016 MATES graduate and recently graduated from Stockton University with the class of 2019. She studied Sustainability with an Energy concentration at Stockton and plans to incorporate alternative energy into her research project conducted with the Save Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program. Kate looks forward to the possibility of running Reclam the Bay upweller operations on alternative energy and encouraging outreach programs to include discussion on alternative energy.

Kate is a rising sophomore at Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, New Jersey, where she is studying Naval Engineering with a minor in Coastal Engineering. Kate lives in Seaside Park, New Jersey, where she grew up developing a love for coastal areas like the Barnegat Bay. Her love for the environment was further developed through her experiences at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, where she learned about the problems her hometown and the rest of the Jersey Shore are facing. Kate is very passionate about sustainability and protecting the environment, so she has decided to pursue a career where she can help coastal areas just like the one she grew up in. During her freshman year at Stevens Institute of Technology, Kate worked in the Davidson Naval Laboratory, often working with the 320 foot long high-speed towing tank that is used to test boat models and features a programmable wave maker. This summer, she is looking forward to being a member of the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone (SIMCZ) team.

Katelyn Seay is a graduating senior at Stockton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science. As a 2024 Student Grant Awardee for the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone (SIMCZ), she gained invaluable hands-on experience, including overcoming a fear of handling crabs, improving her writing and public speaking skills, and enhancing her proficiency in boat operation. Her experience working with Save Barnegat Bay has helped her appreciate coastal ecosystem conservation and has given her the tools she needs to prosper in this field once she graduates. Katelyn is deeply passionate about coastal wetland ecology and aspires one day to restore wetlands to ensure they continue providing critical ecosystem services for wildlife, while preserving their natural beauty and resilience. Her research experience at Stockton University includes conducting acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) surveys to measure current speed and direction in bays and inlets, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) surveys to assess vegetation cover and seed processing, and using side scan sonar to identify and retrieve derelict crab pots from coastal bays in NJ. These opportunities have strengthened her commitment to conservation and deepened her appreciation for the essential role wetlands and estuaries play in supporting life and inspiring others.

 

Read Katelyn's Student Grant Group Final Paper

Kayla Sullivan is a senior at Stockton University pursuing her bachelor's degree in Marine Science. She’s an accomplished student-athlete with a passion for the environment, and more specifically marine life. Kayla’s passion stemmed from a life-long love for animals. This interest translated smoothly into an associate's degree in Environment Science from Raritan Valley Community College. Kayla is now focusing on a water quality project for Save Barnegat Bay and is excited to continue learning about everything the field of marine science has to offer.

Kyle Cousens is an alumnus of the Marine Academy of Technology of Environmental Science (MATES) and an incoming freshman at Case Western Reserve University majoring in biomedical engineering. He has been a proud member of the Rally team since 2021. He is passionate about marine biology and New Jersey’s unique ecology; last summer he completed an apprenticeship in shellfish aquaculture with the NJ Sea Grant Consortium and Rutgers University. Outside of science, Kyle spends his time creating and enjoying music. He has sung and played guitar at several venues including the Stone Pony and his personal vinyl collection has grown to include over 300 records.

Lakshmi Yannam is a member of the Rally Team for Save Barnegat Bay. She will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute next fall under the 7-year medical program through RPI/AMC with a major in biology. In her spare time, she enjoys working with kids and animals, working on puzzles, and she hopes to become a future cardiologist.

Lauren is 18 years old and just finished her first year at The University of Tampa to become a Marine Biologist. She has been interested in the environment for as long as she can remember. Lauren went to many science camps as a kid, and worked her way up to the Sedge Island experiences, and then became an intern through NewLogic science camps. Lauren is a part of the SIMCZ grant program this year and is excited to see where it goes. Lauren loves the beach, running, kayaking and swimming, and is in the process of training for the advanced SCUBA certification. Lauren has completed research through school assignments and for the internship that coincides with plants and wildlife in the Barnegat Bay area. She has also done research that focuses on water quality and sea-level-rise.

Lauren Halloran is from Brick, NJ and a junior at Berry College in Rome, GA. Lauren is studying animal science, biology and chemistry. She has done water quality work for research projects through her work in college. Lauren presented the research at the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual 2020 meeting. She plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in marine mammal research. This summer, Lauren is excited to be on the Water Quality Team to assist in the efforts to ensure a healthy Barnegat Bay.

Lydia is a 2019 graduate from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, and will be attending the University of Delaware as a Chemical Engineering major in the fall. Over the summer, she will be a member of the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone team and working on the species biodiversity study.

Mary McKenna is a Junior at the University of Rhode Island studying Marine Biology and Wildlife Conservation Biology. She is an intern at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center and is passionate about research and science communication. Mary completed an independent project through Save Barnegat Bay, investigating the dietary composition of Diamondback Terrapin in the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone, focusing on macro and microplastic presence. She hopes to continue a career in marine ecology and outdoor education.

Megan DeMatteo is proudly from Middletown NJ, and is currently an undergraduate at Stockton University studying environmental science with a minor in marine science. Growing up on the shore inspired her passions for conservation and are what drove Megan to this field of study! 

Michael Hudak is a rising Sophomore at Washington College, where he studies Environmental Science. At school, he is the Vice President of the Compost Club, a member of the Environmental Committee, and an avid participant in intramural sports. Michael enjoys reading, hiking, exercising, and listening to music in his free time.

Mikayla is a rising junior at Drexel University pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science and minor in Geoscience. She is a member of Save Barnegat Bay’s 2021 Student Grant Program this summer. She will be working on an independent project focused on carbon sequestration and successional patterns of biofouling organisms in Barnegat Bay. Her interest in the environment began in elementary school when an Earth Day Celebration peaked her interest in marine ecosystems. This interest was solidified in college when she joined Dr. Dane Ward’s Lab and was introduced to the world of biofouling organisms at Barnegat Bay. In her career, Mikayla hopes to become an environmental and conservation educator in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area and hopes that her research experience here will help guide her career path. In her free time, Mikayla likes to go hiking, camping and kayaking with her friends and partner. On hikes, she enjoys searching for unique looking mushrooms at both Wissahickon Park and Nolde Forest State Park, PA.

Nicole is a 2022 graduate of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science and a member of the Rally team. In the fall, Nicole will be attending Georgia Institute of Technology, where she plans to pursue an Aerospace Engineering major. Outside of research, Nicole loves to work on digital drawing and animation as well as traditional drawing. She also loves working with kids as well as animals!

Rachel has always loved being outside.  She enjoys hiking and gardening, and adventuring with my dogs.  Over the years, this love for the outdoors turned into something more.  Rachel decided to go back to school and study environmental biology, to hone her interests and find her place in the ecological community.  Now, Rachel is about to graduate with honors, and has found her interest in preserving coastal habitats and improving water quality may become an exciting career path.  Her goal for this summer is to continue learning from experienced researchers and to be an asset to SBB's water quality team. Rachel looks forward to gaining more knowledge and skills in the field that will better prepare her as she moves forward towards a career in education and/or conservation.

Riley grew up in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, and is a graduate of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. She is currently attending the University of California, Berkeley studying Public Health and Economics hoping to work on national and global health issues from an economic lens. Her love for the Barnegat Bay began on her high school freshman year trip to Sedge Island and she has been working on the bay ever since. This summer she hopes to put her MATES education to work on the Water Quality Team.

Rory Hogan is currently attending Stockton University getting a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science. He is an employee at Jenkinson’s Aquarium focusing on water quality. Rory previously participated in the student grant program working in the  Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Rory looks forward to being a member of the Toms River water quality project this summer.

Samantha Arbeit completed an internship with the New Logic Marine Science Camps and has managed beach cleanups through the Monmouth County parks system. Additionally, she has assisted Monmouth University with water quality testing for their CLOnet program. This fall, Samantha will begin attending the University of Tampa as an Environmental Policy and Pre-Law major. It is her dream to be an environmental lawyer and to positively impact the environment.

Read Samantha's Student Grant Team Final Report

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Sarah is a second year student at Berry College studying Biomchemistry in Rome, Georgia. This summer, she is excited to be a part of the The Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone (SIMCZ) team. Her interest in the environment began when she was young and constantly around the Barnegat Bay, and that passion was cultivated during her time at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. While in college, the environmental spark was further kindled when she joined a research team focusing on plant genetics. Working on the SIMCZ team will be a great way for Sarah to continue to engage with the Barnegat Bay!

Thea Rosenzweig is a rising sophomore student-athlete at Middlebury College pursuing degrees in both Environmental Policy and Classics. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, she has spent summers on Long Beach Island and has a deep love for Barnegat Bay and the ecosystems it supports. Thea grew up sailing, surfing, and exploring nature on Long Beach Island. She is very passionate about marine biodiversity and has been a part of various projects related to Diamondback Terrapins, coral reefs, and the health of the Atlantic Ocean. Thea is serving as a Bay Nettle intern this summer, and she is excited to be a part of working to preserve the biodiversity in Barnegat Bay.

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Tim is a student at Rutgers University studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Critical Intelligence Studies. A Coast Guard reservist at the largest and busiest small boat station in the United States, Tim is also a first mate on the Lady Grace yacht out of Long Beach Island. Tim is proud to be a recipient of the Save Barnegat Bay Student Grant where he contributed to research on the first and only marine conservation zone in the state of New Jersey. Going on his fourth year working at Island Beach State Park, he frequently applies the knowledge he learned in the program by educating others in the park.

Victoria is a sophomore at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, studying Biomedical Engineering and Professional Writing. Passionate about both science and environmental care, Victoria contributed to the Save Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program and helped conduct the 2024 Sedge Island Biological Survey. She enjoys giving back to a place that has taught her so much and is inspired by how small choices can make a big impact on the environment. Victoria aspires to work in cell and tissue engineering research, bringing her environmental perspective to tackle sustainability challenges in the world of medicine.

 

Read Victoria's Student Grant Group Final Paper

Amy is currently working on her B.S. degree in Environmental Science at Kean University - Ocean. She aims to use her passion, perspective, and knowledge to become an environmental photojournalist. Amy began her venture with Save Barnegat Bay in the summer of 2022 where she worked on the Bay Nettle Water Quality Team for SBBs Student Grant Program. As a summer social media intern she wants to inspire others to love and care about our ecosystems specifically in the Barnegat Bay watershed through the lens of a camera.

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Viviana Pineda is a Mathematics major at Montclair State University and a 2022 graduate of Sussex County Community College, where she earned an Associate of Science in Biology. Spending her childhood in Ocean County, she developed a love for environmental awareness and sustainability. Drawn to SBB’s student grant program, Viviana saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her while also gaining valuable research experience. Through the program, she deepened her understanding of environmental research and discovered what it’s like to contribute to meaningful, hands-on projects in the field.

Maggie’s passion for environmental science started young, in exploring the many Pine Barrens trails which are around her house, and growing up by the shore. She graduated from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science where her love for research and helping the environment grew. She now attends Stockton University going into her second year and is pursuing future goals consisting of participating in remediation projects which both help the environment she loves and the people who depend on them. Save Barnegat Bay is an important step in that process and she is excited to be a part of the water quality team to help the environment and those who love it.

Alicia is finishing up her term of service with NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, having served in her home county this past year. Alicia recently graduated this past May with her M.S. in Sustainability focused in Watershed Management at Lipscomb University, where she also received her B.S. in Sustainability, concentrated in conservation and ecology. Alicia is looking forward to this opportunity for research and field sampling in the Barnegat Bay to support our very important estuary ecosystems, the amazing ecosystem services they provide, and protecting human health. Alicia is passionate about learning and protecting biodiversity in our natural systems, habitat restoration and removing invasive, non-native species in key habitats like Cape May Point State Park, and being outside as much as possible, enjoying the beach, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. She hopes through these experiences and her college education to gain a full time position related to these fields in Cape May County or Southern New Jersey.

 

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at
Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life,
which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch
conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with
Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern
partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica
River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and
teaching herself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also
volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the
process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.

Abigail is a recent graduate of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. This summer, she will be working with Save Barnegat Bay on the water quality monitoring team. She will be attending Northeastern University in the fall and plans on majoring in chemical engineering.

Nicholas Guerriero is a freshman at Stockton University pursuing a PSM in Environmental Science and is conducting the second year of an independent study with ReClam the Bay focusing on shellfish growth and seasonal water factors, this year, focusing on dissolved calcium carbonate and its direct relationship to shellfish growth. Nicholas spends his free time surfing, fishing, diving and enjoying the outdoors. Nicholas also works for commercial aquaculture and ecological operations outside of the student grant program and intends to further pursue the commercial side of aquaculture and ecology for future careers.