Meet the team behind THE
Ocean Identity INITIATIVE.

  • Miriah M. Russo Kelly, Ph.D.

    Principal Investigator
    Associate Professor - Southern Connecticut State University
    About

    Dr. Kelly’s teaching and research focuses on the human dimensions of ocean and coastal climate change issues. Dr. Kelly works in the area of environmental management and decision-making and studies collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex environmental problems. Dr. Kelly is also dedicated to translational environmental sciences, including environmental communication, environmental education, and environmental engagement.

  • Jo-Marie Kasinak, M.S.

    Co-Investigator
    Instructor- Sacred Heart University, P.hD. candidate- University of Connecticut
    About

    As a marine biologist and coastal science expert, Jo-Marie teaches classes and manages labs at Sacred Heart University. She is also the Director of Project Limulus. This research initaitve is part of Jo-Marie’s PhD in Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut.

  • Emma McKinley, Ph.D.

    Co-Investigator
    Research Fellow- Cardiff University
    About

    As the Founder and Chair of the Marine Social Network, Emma’s research interests include marine/coastal ecosystem and social sciences along with ocean governance. She is an expert in stakeholder engagement and effective involved at all geographic scales.

  • Jamie Vaudrey, Ph.D.

    Outreach Consultant
    Associate Investigator- University of Connecticut & CT NERR
    About

    Working as an associate professor in the Marine Sciences department at UConn has given Jamie a unique perspective into the anthropogenic effects on marine and coastal zones. Additionally, her experience as Research Coordinator for the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CTNERR) and on several Connecticut-based workgroups has been critical in understanding the linkage between coastlines and developments.

In RemembraNCE.

Jennifer H. Mattei, Ph.D.

Associate Investigator
Professor - Sacred Heart University

Boundless appreciation goes to Jennifer Mattei as being a true inspiration and heart of this project. Her enthusiasm for marine social science was felt by all those who knew her and she will be remembered in the work this project continues to do going forward.

Donate

Honor Dr. Mattei’s memory by donating to an undergraduate research scholarship at Sacred Heart in her honor.