In 2022, REEF launched the Marine Conservation Fellow Program. The program replaces the Leadership Intern Program.

Current Marine Conservation Fellows

 

Kuba Naum - Marine Conservation Fellow -- January - December 2025

Kuba previously served as a REEF Intern in the Fall 2024 and joined the REEF Fellowship Program in 2025 to focus on communications and media development. He graduated UCSB with a double major in film and environmental studies. His love for the ocean was sparked at a young age during a snorkeling trip in Bermuda. Since then he’s dived around the world, worked on coral farms in Saba and in the Florida Keys, and he’s a certified rescue diver. He aspires to make a difference through his storytelling skills, combining film and environmental topics to produce media that can promote change and better our relationship with the natural world. He’s worked on award-winning documentaries, created videos for nonprofit organizations, and loves to bring his camera underwater. Some of his hobbies include scuba diving, photography, sports, watching movies, and traveling. He’s very excited to learn more about how nonprofits operate and to work with the REEF team!

 

John Bychok - Marine Conservation Fellow -- January - August 2025 

John previously served as a REEF Intern in the Fall 2024 and joined the REEF Fellowship Program in 2025 to focus on conservation science and nonprofit development. John is from York, Maine, and graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a B.S. in biology and a minor in biotechnology. He studied abroad during his junior year in Costa Rica, where he backpacked through the OSA Peninsula for six weeks, studying environmental conservation and policy. John also worked closely with sustainable tourism and conducted field research on coral restoration. He is interested in ecology and understanding how environmental change can impact animals and natural processes, and green solutions to prioritize sustainability in communities.

 

Past Marine Conservation Fellows

Diana Phillips - Marine Conservation Fellow -- August 2024 - May 2025

Diana previously served as REEF's 2024 Our World Underwater Scholarship Society intern before joining the Fellowship program in Fall 2024. Diana grew up spending all her spare time in the ocean nursing a love for jellyfish. As a teenager she was a part of SCUBAnauts International participating in scientific research and conservation diving across the country and internationally. In May 2024, she graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a B.S. in marine biology, minoring in research, pre-health, and GIS. During her undergraduate years she researched deep sea jellyfish utilizing underwater robots. She won 2nd place forher research at the Life Sciences South Florida (LSSF) symposium and presented about the applications of GIS in deep sea research at 2024 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Geospatial Workshop. She has a passion for engaging the public in citizen science and conservation. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, SCUBA diving, photography, hiking, spelunking, camping, and playing ice hockey.

 

Noa Parks - Marine Conservation Fellow -- January - December 2024

Noa Parks graduated from Mississippi College in May 2023 with a B.S. in biology. She grew up around Memphis, TN, and has always loved the outdoors and science. She developed an infatuation with the ocean early in her life, and knew from a young age she wanted to pursue a career researching, exploring, and conserving it and its inhabitants. Noa has been a member of the Memphis Archaeological Geological Society since she was a little girl, and had numerous opportunities to participate in geological field trips. She and her family also went camping, hiking, and traveled to the coast whenever possible. These experiences shaped her into the aspiring marine scientist she is today. Her passion grew during college when she took marine biology and zoology courses, which granted her lots of field and lab experiences, including participating in a marine research cruise off of the Mississippi coast. During her senior year, Noa was a part of Dr. Frank Hensley’s ecology research team, which focused on the social behaviors of reptiles. Noa loves to be challenged, and sports have always played a large role in her life. She played volleyball throughout high school and continued her athletic career at the collegiate level. After she retired her jersey, she took up running and completed her first full marathon in January 2023. Noa loves to travel, hike, read, draw, and watch Friends. She also volunteers at a local food pantry and has a passion for serving others, which is one of the many reasons why REEF stood out to her. She recently completed her SCUBA diving coursework and looks forward to advancing her dive skills in Key Largo. Noa is excited to start working at REEF where she hopes to improve her skill set, share her passion with others, and make lifelong friendships.

Carolyn Corley - Education and Outreach Fellow -- August 2023 - June 2024

Carolyn Corley graduated in May 2023 from the University of San Diego with a B.S. in environmental and ocean sciences on the marine ecology pathway, and minors in biology and environmental studies and policy. She grew up in Simi Valley, CA, and has always loved being around the ocean. As a scuba diver, competitive swimmer, lifeguard, swim instructor, and marine biology student, Carolyn's life has always revolved around being in the water. In July 2021, she traveled to Utila, Honduras to intern for the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center where she gained experience working for an NGO, learned to ID and monitor 250+ species of tropical fish and coral reefs, and helped with invasive lionfish removal and data collection. The following summer she returned to Utila to earn her PADI Divemaster certification at the Bay Islands College of Diving. Over the past two years, she completed and defended her Capstone and Honors Thesis Research on invasive lionfish populations in Utila and the community’s involvement in lionfish containment efforts. As the Outreach Coordinator and Co-President for the Surfrider Foundation USD Club, she has planned beach cleanups and education events to raise awareness of coastal preservation and efforts to reduce single-use plastics. Carolyn is passionate about marine conservation, community outreach, and education, and she is excited to continue to pursue these passions with REEF during her Fellowship.

Dylan Heppell - Conservation Science Fellow -- January - December 2023

Dylan graduated from Oregon State University in the spring of 2022 with an Honors B.S. in environmental sciences with a specialization in aquatic biology. He loves everything related to the ocean, and being in, on, or near the water. Dylan grew up with two marine biologists for parents so his love for the ocean was engrained at an early age. He is returning to Key Largo after having spent a month at REEF in 2019 working with Dr. Alli Candelmo on the Invasive Species Program. Dylan is thrilled to be able to now spend an entire year in the Keys as a Fellow at REEF. He became a certified diver during a family vacation in Hawaii in 2017, and since then he has completed his advanced open water, rescue diver, and nitrox certifications through OSU. In the summer of 2021, Dylan worked as an intern at Pacific Seafood Group on freshwater conservation projects in their shrimp processing operations. His ideas, presented to the heads of the company, have the potential to save 35 million gallons of water each year at the Pacific Shrimp processor in Newport, Oregon. In 2022, Dylan had the opportunity to join the REEF Grouper Moon team in the Cayman Islands, where he assisted with logistics like camera and equipment management, and data collection on the aggregation site. In his free time, Dylan enjoys hiking, sports (especially soccer), diving, and fishing. He is very excited to start his Fellowship at REEF and help to advance their conservation science work!

 

Katie Barnes - Communications and Engagement Fellow -- September 2022 - August 2023

Katie graduated from North Carolina State University in 2022 with a B.S. in Plant Biology and minors in Marine Science and Animal Science. She grew up in New Bern, North Carolina only 45 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, and loves being out on the water, either swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on a boat. She attended a service-learning trip in Key West, FL in high school, where she aided the Reef Relief organization in coral restoration. This experience first ignited her passion for marine conservation. Following this, she attended a semester-long program at NCSU’s Center for Marine Science and Technology in her junior year of college. This program fully immersed her in coastal and marine ecosystems through classes and research. Here, she received funding until she graduated to conduct an independent project on the Crystal Skipper, an endangered species in NC. As a creative outlet, Katie owns an Etsy shop where she sells digital and physical artwork. Combining her skills in science and art, she created club logos at NCSU and created visual research posters. These experiences proved vital to her career development as they gave her affirmation that marine conservation needed to be in her future career. Katie is excited to share her creative skills and passion for science to help make a difference at REEF!

 

Alexis Kuh
re Haag - Education and Outreach Fellow -- January - August 2023

Alexis graduated from Ohio University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in specialized studies, combining environmental studies and sociology, and a geography minor. She was raised in a family of avid environmental activists, and has carried that instilled love of the environment to marine conservation. She was a counselor for a summer camp serving kids ages 6-11, where she planned activities and field trips to help them learn about environmental issues facing Appalachia, such as acid mine drainage. She became more focused on marine conservation while visiting Forfar Field Station on Andros Island in The Bahamas on two occasions - a weeklong program in with her university, and the second a six-week program the following summer, where she earned certifications like Wilderness First Aid, Sea Kayaking, PADI Advanced Open Water, and Leave No Trace. In college, she served as the Ohio University Student Director for the Sugar Bush Foundation, an organization that helps the local community and Ohio University by funding projects to promote sustainable development in Southeastern Ohio and Appalachia. She has also worked with Zero Waste Event Productions, helping to divert waste at large festivals and events in the region. She also worked with Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability, where she shared information about how students can become involved with the Sustainability Ambassadors, a campus student organization. She was a Marine Conservation Intern at REEF during the Fall 2022 semester, and is so excited to continue her journey at REEF in 2023!

 

Summer Huber - Conservation Science Fellow -- May 2021-September 2022

Summer graduated from Purdue University in December 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While in college, she conducted research on the effects of microplastics on several zooplankton and fish species in the Hook Fish Ecology Lab. She attended a study abroad trip in Belize where she learned the principles of lionfish collection and dissection, explored ancient Mayan ruins, and conducted marine conservation projects. Summer started with REEF in January 2021 as a Marine Conservation Intern. During her internship she planned an ocean-themed paint and sip event, coordinated lionfish derby registration, and completed her PADI Rescue Diver certification. Summer has many roles as the Conservation Science Lead Intern: she works with other program leads to support to Invasive Species Program projects and events; she participates in conservation science research efforts; and she acts as an internship leader for current Marine Conservation Interns. In the future, Summer plans to attend graduate school and study marine biology and ecology. She is thankful for the opportunity to be a Fellow with REEF, and is ready to continue advocating for marine life, participating in outreach events, and coordinating the Lionfish Derby Series.

 

Maddie Brownfield - Education and Outreach Fellow -- September 2021 - August 2022

Maddie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in May 2021 from the University of Missouri. In college, she developed a love for marine conservation and diving, even in the murky lakes of the midwest. After spending a few weeks in Thailand her junior year, assisting with the restoration of coral reefs and learning about marine ecology, she knew this was the field for her. Maddie joined the REEF intern team in May 2021. As a Marine Conservation Intern, Maddie mixed her love of videography with educational outreach and worked on developing a series of promotional videos for REEF. As the Education and Outreach Lead Intern, Maddie will be assisting in coordinating and teaching educational programs and workshops at the REEF campus, offsite, and virtually. She will also be working to promote REEF through outreach events such as Into The Blue Book Club and on various social media platforms. Maddie is thrilled to be stepping into this role and is excited to continue exploring her creative skills, love of working with people, and passion for marine conservation.

Leadership Interns 2015-2022

Sierra Barkdoll - Conservation Science Lead Intern -- May 2021 – May 2022

Sierra graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the spring of 2020 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Geography, a Biology minor, and a GIS certificate. During college, Sierra got involved in sailing and SCUBA diving clubs, from which she became enamored with the open ocean. Joining an undergraduate research lab, she spent a summer in North Andros, Bahamas, studying threats to the critically endangered Bahama Oriole. Through this experience, she gained a desire to pursue a career in marine science research.  As the Citizen Science Lead Intern, Sierra organizes fish ID webinars, engages with REEF members involved in the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, and assists with event planning for major programs and events. Through her time with REEF, she is really looking forward to developing professional skills and connections in the marine science field.

 

Lauryn Magno - Conservation Science Lead Intern  -- January 2022 - April 2022

Lauryn graduated from Oakland University in April 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. After eight months spent interning remotely for the U.S. Embassy’s Pacific ESTH Hub in Suva, Fiji, she fell in love with marine conservation and marine policy. Lauryn joined REEF in August 2021 as a Marine Conservation Intern, in which she helped plan the Quiz Out of Water Trivia Night and completed her PADI Open Water Certification! As a Conservation Science Fellow, Lauryn supports the Invasive Species Program including helping coordinate the Lionfish Derby Series, assisting with conservation science research, and facilitating outreach events. Lauryn is really looking forward to continue working with REEF and exploring her interests in community outreach and marine conservation!

 

Riley Zoldi - Education and Outreach Lead Intern -- September 2020 - August 2021

Riley attended North Carolina State University and graduated in the spring of 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a concentration in Biological Oceanography. Riley first came to REEF in the spring of 2020 as a Marine Conservation Intern. During her internship, Riley helped implement Fishy Hours by creating multiple Fish Jeopardy games for REEF members to play while staying safe at home. Prior to her lead internship, Riley worked for New Logic Marine Science Camp, where she taught outdoor environmental education to children on the coast of New Jersey. She loves encouraging people to appreciate their local marine environments in hopes that they will try to protect the biodiversity found there. As the Education and Outreach Programs Fellow, Riley will be assisting with the Explorers Program by scheduling, prepping, promoting and teaching educational programs at the REEF campus and offsite. Riley cannot wait to engage with the local Key Largo community, visitors at the REEF Campus, and REEF members, both locally and worldwide, through education and outreach to spread marine conservation awareness.

 

Maddi Piascik- Events and Communications Lead Intern (June 2020 - April 2021)

Maddi graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Her love for the ocean uniquely blends with her passion for design. While in college, she conducted an independent research study focused on phytoplankton and served as the Design Director for USC’s Dance Marathon. Maddi merged her two passions by administering a week of sustainability engaging those on campus and throughout the community with interactive exhibits highlighting various environmental issues. In May 2019, she spent a month scuba diving as a Marine Conservation WTSA Volunteer in Sodwana Bay, South Africa where she contributed to local citizen science projects. She then continued to explore the world’s oceans by spending a study abroad semester in Australia at James Cook University. Maddi’s travels instilled a passion in her to spread awareness about the many threats facing our oceans. In January of 2020, Maddi joined REEF as a Marine Conservation Intern to effectively combat environmental threats and advocate for healthy oceans. She implemented her creative communication skills and underwater experience to design marketing materials such as social media graphics, educational displays, and promotional products for REEF events. REEF’s Fellowship position allows Maddi to apply her visual communication skills to inspire the public and preserve marine environments worldwide.

 

Maya Ganapathy - Education and Outreach Program Lead Intern (January 2020-April 2020)

Maya moved a lot as a child but attended high school and college in Michigan. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Anthropology. While in college Maya interned at a zoo, did Ecology research for a biology professor, and took a semester off to intern at the South African Shark Conservancy which solidified her desire to become a Marine Biologist. During her internship she participated in White Shark surveys, learned how to measure and tag a shark, and assisted in an experiment that dealt with the behavioral and physiological responses of catsharks. Along with working in the lab she was also able to observe a White Shark necropsy, dive with Blue Sharks (diving in the ocean is way different than the pea-soup like lakes of the Midwest!) and snorkel at Seal Island. After graduating in the spring Maya interned in the Fishes Department at Shedd Aquarium, which she says allowed her to learn about a wide variety of fish and the different diseases that occur in marine environments. Maya is extremely grateful for the opportunity to intern at REEF and is excited to dive, learn about non-profit management, and create/ participate in community outreach and education events.

 

Stacey Henderson - Volunteer Fish Survey Project Lead Intern (August 2019-April 2020)

Stacey grew up in a small town in Vermont but has always had an interest in the ocean. He graduated Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 2015 earning a BA in Biology and minoring in Animal Behavior. He became a certified diver in 2016 completing a divemaster internship on the island of Roatan in Honduras. During his internship he had the opportunity to create coral nurseries and become a certified Lionfish hunter. Having a passion for the ocean, and a love for diving, he soon became a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor. He began traveling and working as a Dive instructor teaching in Honduras, Malaysia, and Thailand. When he’s not teaching, Stacey enjoys underwater photography and diving in new places. On land, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and hanging out with his dogs. Stacey believes REEF’s mission to protect biodiversity and all ocean life by engaging and inspiring the public are important parts of the future of coral reefs.Stacey is currently REEF's Program Services Coordinator.

 

Madalyn "Moose" Mussey - Invasive Species Program Lead Intern (April 2019-October 2019)

Madalyn Mussey more commonly known as "Moose" is originally from Wisconsin, but attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. She recently graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and an emphasis area in Natural Resource Management. Moose considers herself as very adventurous and outgoing. Her hobbies include snowboarding, bird watching, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even playing rugby. She has always been passionate when it comes to conservation, but her love for the water grew when she participated in a semester-long SCUBA Theory course through her university where she attained her Advanced OW and soon after, her Advanced Rescue Certification. After thoroughly enjoying a 3-week study abroad to Thailand, where she spent a large portion of her time restoring coral reefs and recording fish species, she knew she had picked the right career field. She has had many opportunities to share her passion of marine conservation with others at places like SeaWorld Orlando and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, reaching out and educating kids about the natural world around us. Moose is currently REEF's Education and Outreach Program Manager.

 

Kate Dremluk - Operations and Development Lead Intern (September 2019-October 2019)

Kate Dremluk grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and she has spent most of her summers on the Jersey shore swimming, fishing, and exploring the beach and nearby marshes. She graduated early from the University of Miami in December 2018 with dual majors in Marine Science and Biology and a minor in Chemistry. While in school, Kate conducted research in the Ocean Acidification Lab and developed her senior thesis on the effects of acidification on staghorn coral. She also spent a semester in the Galapagos Islands doing field research, in addition to hiking volcanoes, swimming with sea lions, and even snorkeling alongside a whale shark. Outside of school, Kate has had the opportunity to share her knowledge and admiration for the environment with others through her involvement in teaching, community outreach programs, and volunteer positions. Her research projects have greatly contributed to her fascination of the complex effects of human activity on the environment, and Kate plans to attend law school with the ultimate goal of protecting the integrity of marine and freshwater environments. In the meantime, she’s excited to become involved in REEF’s conservation programs and take an active role in protecting Florida’s marine environment, while sharing her love of conservation, research, and education with others. 

 

David Ehlert - Education and Outreach Lead Intern (May 2019-August 2019)

David Ehlert was raised in Lexington Kentucky. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Natural Resources/Environmental Science with a Wildlife Biology minor from the University of Kentucky. His passion for marine science began in his youth on the beaches of North Carolina, where he played with moon jellyfish. David learned to dive at UK in Kentucky's largest ocean (the pool). During his sophomore year at UK, David took a study abroad trip to Mexico where he fell in love with reefs and the need to protect them. During his time in Mexico, David studied lionfish effects on reef fish populations, as well as assisted in coastal clean-up efforts. Because of this experience, David became passionate about lionfish and the threat they pose to marine environments. This passion led him to REEF where he hopes to learn how to protect coral reefs as well as the wildlife they support. David is thrilled to have the opportunity to join the REEF team and hopes to become fully immersed in the local community. David is currently REEF's Campus Coordinator.

 

Sophie Costa - Education Leadership Intern (August 2018-April 2019)

Sophie Costa grew up in in beautiful Texas Hill Country. Originally from Austin, she spent her summer days enjoying the beauty of the lakes and river systems in central Texas. Her passion for aquatic sciences grew when she began diving at the young age of 11. After graduating from Rhodes College with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Spanish, she moved to Belize in order to pursue a career in marine conservation biology. During that time, she interacted with the community fishermen, and began discussing numerous problems occuring within the Meso-American Barrier Reef - one of the largest being the invasive lionfish species. After witnessing some of these issues first hand, Sophie was inspired to raise awareness and work towards remediation efforts in the Caribbean Sea. She greatly looks foward to working with REEF, and continuing her dedication to marine life through scientific research and outreach. 

 

Laura Palomino - Education Leadership Intern (May 2018-August 2018)

Laura Palomino is from Cali, Colombia and grew up in Miami, FL. Her love for the ocean began after her first visit to an aquarium when she was 9. She became interested in Marine Conservation after a Marine Biology camp in Key Biscayne, where she learned about sea turtle nesting and witnessed a hatching event! At the age of 15, she became a PADI open water diver. Ever since, she’s been diving all over the world from the Rosario Island in Cartagena, Colombia to caverns in North Florida. Laura is a recent graduate of the University of Florida, with a B.S in Interdisciplinary Marine Science (GO GATORS!). During her time at UF she became involved with the scientific diver development program and became an AAUS science diver and NAUI Dive Master. As a science diver she’s had the opportunity to work on various projects including gag grouper abundance surveys, a rhodamine dye release in Silver Springs and coral health assessments in the keys. Laura has become passionate about citizen science programs and aims to peruse a graduate degree involving local communities in conservation and policy decisions. She is very grateful for the opportunity to be an intern for REEF and is very excited to conduct Volunteer Fish Surveys, learn about conservation outreach and enjoying island life in the keys.

 

Gabby Magalski - Education Leadership Intern (May 2018-August 2018)

Gabby Magalski grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. During her freshman year at the University of British Columbia she became deeply interested in the ocean and the threats it currently faces. She graduated in May 2017 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Anthropology. Having already acquired some SCUBA experience throughout her college career, after graduation she moved down to Honduras to acquire her PADI Divemaster certification. During her time in Honduras she witnessed bleaching events as well as the catastrophic effects of invasive lionfish firsthand. Gabby volunteered with various conservation associations to help preserve the Bay Island’s ecosystems and applied to work with REEF in hopes of doing more for these crucial environments. Throughout her undergraduate career, she conducted research in the microbiology and immunology department at the University of North Carolina Medical School. She hopes to integrate her past experience in microbiology with marine science research.

 

Kathy Ilcken - Education Leadership Intern (January 2017-December 2017)

Katherine Ilcken is a recent graduate from the University of Florida. During her time there, she studied wildlife ecology and conservation while also pursuing SCUBA diving for the first time. What she thought would be a fun elective grew quickly into a strong passion for the underwater world. In 4 years, she went from an occasional snorkeler to a NAUI dive master, trying to see it all by diving the Great Barrier Reef and in between tectonic plates in Iceland. But even in just a short amount of time, Katherine has been able to see the damaging effects of humans, invasive species, and climate change on our coral reefs and local Florida springs. This has driven her to pursue a career in making a difference for our waters, leading to an internship here with REEF! She could not be more excited to see what the future holds and to connect wih people fighting for the oceans we love. 

 

Ellie Place - Education Leadership Intern (January 2017-April 2017)

Ellie Place grew up in Bellevue, Washington. She spent her first 18 years climbing and hiking the Cascade Mountains and exploring the Puget Sound before moving to Providence, Rhode Island where she studied Geological Sciences and Hispanic Studies at Brown University. While in school she worked in an oceanography lab which sparked her interest in exploring oceans. She also spent one summer as a kayak instructor in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, teaching campers about their marine environment, where she began to realize the importance of sharing her love for the outdoors with others. Throughout her time in college she continuously explored the world by spending 9 weeks at a geology field camp in Montana and Wyoming and studying abroad in Costa Rica, all while competing as a Division 1 student athlete in rowing. Ellie plans on pursuing a career in outdoor and environmental education, so she is eager to work with others in the Key Largo community to learn, explore, and conserve the ocean and our unique beautiful world.

 

Ashley Yarbrough - Education Leadership Intern (August 2017-October 2019)

Ashley Yarbrough is a native Texan, but she was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. It was here, through several summer camps at the Shedd Aquarium, that she discovered her passion for marine science. After two years of junior college, Ashley transferred to Oregon State University to pursue a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Science with specialization in Marine Ecology and Fisheries Science. OSU and its Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon provided many opportunities for scientific research through independent projects and volunteering.  Some of the major projects Ashley was able to work on include the reproductive capacity of Black Rockfish in response to El Nino events and methods for aging Giant Pacific Octopus using their beaks and stylets.  During her junior year, Ashley spent a term in Chile with a study abroad program that allowed her to work at a field station studying intertidal recruitment with other international students. Ashley has served as a board member for the AFS and TWS Oregon State student chapters where she assisted underclassmen in connecting with professionals to learn about working in the field of fisheries and wildlife. During her time at OSU she also acquired multiple SCUBA certifications and is very excited about developing her scientific diving skills with REEF. In the fall, Ashley plans to pursue graduate studies in fisheries science and continue involvement with conservation of the ocean and its resources. 

 

Marie Diaz - Education Leadership Intern (June 2017-August 2017)

Marie Diaz was born and raised in Oakland, California, where she grew up running and playing, both in the ocean and in the mountains.  Her love for nature and the outdoors was evident early on—she wanted to be outside and dirty as much as possible.  While in high school, she was fortunate enough to travel to Baja, Mexico on a Marine Ecology research trip, where she was inspired to pursue Marine Science.  Marie is now a recent graduate of UC San Diego, where she earned her B.S. in Marine Biology.  While at UCSD, Marie had the opportunity to work in a Coral Reef Ecology Lab at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.  During her time in the lab, her love for corals grew, inspiring her to work on two projects looking at coral-algal relationships and underwater research techniques. Marie also volunteered with the education department at Birch Aquarium, where she enjoyed working with and inspiring the public to engage with the world around them.  Her love for both hard science and education and outreach is what led her to REEF.  She is so excited to not only get to dive and experience a whole new area, but to also learn about non-profit work and education.  In the future Marie hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Marine Biology or Conservation, but for now she is more than excited to join the REEF team!

 

Anna Simmons - Leadership Intern (January 2015-May 2015)

Anna Simmons was born and raised in land-locked Indiana.  Having possessed a passion for nature and wildlife, fostered by visits to Lake Michigan and school field trips to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Anna knew her future lay in working with animals.  It wasn’t until her visit to San Francisco, California and her first view of tidal pools and marine life that she decided to become a marine biologist. In 2010, she attended Ball State University, earning a major in Biology and a minor in SCUBA diving.  Anna spent her time as an undergraduate actively involved in the Ball State Chapter of The Wildlife Society, volunteering at local rehabilitation centers, aiding fellow students with data collection, and even providing husbandry for big brown bats.  She even conducted her own research on Atlantic mud fiddler crabs in Sapelo Island, Georgia and worked on other research projects.  As an intern at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, she had the chance to expand her knowledge of the natural history and husbandry of both marine and freshwater fish species.  Anna had the opportunity to utilize this knowledge as a volunteer diver for the Shedd Aquarium’s annual Bahamas fish collection trip, where she spent a week and a half upon a research vessel conducting dives to collect fish for aquarium display in an environmentally safe and friendly manner.  Anna plans on attending graduate school to gain a Masters in marine biology and conservation and is looking forward to gaining experience in marine research, educational outreach, and sharing her passion of marine life with others. 

 

Amy Lee - Leadership Intern (January 2015-March 2015)

Amy Lee is REEF’s Engagement and Communications Manager. She oversees REEF’s Field Survey Trips Program and leads communication and outreach efforts. Her role serves as a link between REEF programs, surveyors, donors, members, and the general public. She works closely with REEF’s staff team and Directors to develop strategies for continued growth while creating content to facilitate engagement. An avid fish surveyor, Amy also teaches Fishinars and leads REEF Field Survey Trips. She is a proud alumna of the University of South Carolina, where she earned two degrees, a B.A. in Public Relations and a B.S. in Marine Science. She got her start with REEF as a Marine Conservation Intern during the fall of 2014, and joined the staff in April 2015. In 2019 she received the Wave Makers Award from the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). Outside of REEF, Amy is a contributing writer for Alert Diver magazine, published by Divers Alert Network. In her spare time she enjoys diving, reading, and being with her dog, Pinecone.