Undergraduate University (when recieived The Next Swell scholarship): Bowdoin College

Year of Graduation: 2023

Area of Research: Biology, Education

Publications/reports/theses supported by The Next Swell funding: Host and symbiont-specific patterns of gene expression in response to cold stress in the temperate coral Astrangia poculata (https://digitalcollections.bowdoin.edu/view/4995/host-and-symbiont-specific-patterns-of-gene-expression-in-response-to-cold-stress-in-the-temperate-coral-i-astrangia-poculata-i)

Current Role: Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator (Updated: October, 2025)

Explanation of Role: I recently completed a Fulbright Post-graduate Fellowship in Australia, focusing on coral reefs and climate change. Following my move back home, I began working at a small business and farm stand as a Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator. I am their communications coordinator, working to help spread their passion for food sustainability and advertise the business through regularly managing and creating content for social media and other marketing materials, such as the company website. I also plan and coordinate community events related to food sustainability.

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? I hope to work in science communications, community outreach, and ocean policy in marine biology. My goal is to make science, especially marine biology, more accessible to the public through these different avenues. I am particularly interested in making the field more welcoming for BIPOC scientists and other environmental professionals.

Graduate University (when received The Next Swell scholarship): University of Rhode Island

Year of Graduation/Expected Graduation: 2023

Area of Research: Human dimensions of marine mammal conservation and policy

Publications/reports/theses supported by The Next Swell funding: Damato, N. (2024). Evaluating factors influencing compliance with vessel regulations to minimize disturbances to endangered killer whales (Orcinus orca). Marine Policy, 161, 106036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106036.

Current Role: PhD Candidate, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington (Updated October, 2025)

Explanation of Role: As a third-year PhD candidate in the People and Wildlife Lab, my research examines decision-making at the science-policy interface to support killer whale recovery. My dissertation focuses specifically on how research is prioritized and used in management decisions for Southern Resident killer whale conservation in the Puget Sound region.

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? In academia or a government agency continuing to focus on marine mammal conservation and policy.