Andrew developed his interest in the marine environment while studying Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island in the early 1990’s. He spent a semester during this period at Sea Education Association, sailing and conducting research on oil pollution aboard the S.S.V. Westward in the Caribbean Sea. This experience led him to pursue a career in the United States Coast Guard. After 28 years of service focused on search and rescue, environmental protection, and interagency operations Andrew joined the Project Oceanology team in January of 2022. He brings leadership, program management, and education experience to the team. Andrew received his M.S. from the National Graduate School in Quality Systems Management, M.A. from the Naval War College in National Security and Strategic Studies, M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Connecticut, and B.A. in History and Social Science from Thomas Edison State University.  

In his spare time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, sailing, camping, and volunteering in the community. 

Callie grew up spending her summers lobstering, clamming and exploring the coast of Long Island Sound. She has always loved marine biology and is passionate about teaching. She is a full-time instructor and has been working at Project O as an educator for over 9 years. Callie received her B.S. from Roger Williams University in Marine Biology and Elementary Education. During this time she spent a semester at SEA sailing from Tahiti to Hawaii aboard the S.S.V. Robert C. Seamans. She received her M.S. from Southern Connecticut State University in Biology where her research focused on the effects of temperature on lipofuscin concentrations in juvenile lobsters. She is currently a CT certified teacher in grades K-12 and holds her USCG 100-ton Master of Inland Waters captain’s license along with her American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.

When Callie isn’t at Project O you can find her spending time with her family, hiking, kayaking, and fishing!

Debbie has always had a love of all things related to the ocean and is passionate about inspiring others to care about the planet. She received her BS in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island and worked as a naturalist and environmental educator for 8 years. Debbie has fond memories of her time as a camper and after-school student at Project Oceanology and is thrilled to be back here as an educator.

When she isn't at work, Debbie enjoys spending time with family, lawn bowling, and playing fife with the Westbrook Drum Corps.

Marissa graduated from UCONN Avery Point in 2013 where she worked as a two-time summer intern in the Marine Science Building under Jamie Vaudrey. As a previous Project Oceanology camper, she now teaches as a full-time educator at the same facility that helped develop her love for marine science. She has previously spent time working tagging sharks and stingrays in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Clearwater, FL through a program called CMERA.

When she's not working Marissa loves to take walks with her dogs and scavenge the beach for sea life and treasures. 

A native to Connecticut, Amy is no stranger to Long Island Sound. She graduated with a B.S in Environmental Science from Colby-Sawyer College during which time she served 2 summers as a Project Oceanology intern and confirmed her love for both marine science and education. Amy also holds teaching certifications in science grades 5-12.

When not at work, Amy enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with family (especially around a campfire!)

Kat graduated from McDaniel College in 2019 with a major in Biology and Environmental Science. She has studied abroad at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Galapagos and has volunteered in a sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Kat was born and raised in Ecuador and was always surrounded by nature which allowed her to understand the importance of nature. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree in Environmental Ecology at the University of New Haven. She has been part of Project Oceanology since the summer of 2019. 

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Kat loves the outdoors. In her free time, she likes to go hiking, travel, and try new foods. 

Amanda grew up in Connecticut where school trips to Project O and Mystic Aquarium inspired her love of the ocean and all of its creatures. She received her BS in Marine Biology in 2017 and MS in Marine Policy in 2020 from the University of Maine. During her undergraduate career she spent a semester abroad in Townsville, Australia at James Cook University studying the coral reefs. Her graduate work at UMaine focused on the economic impacts of policies on fishermen in the scallop and groundfish fisheries. Coming from a family passionate about education, Amanda has always wanted to be a teacher. She has been a Project O educator since the fall of 2021, has enjoyed every minute of it, and is looking forward to many more years teaching with this awesome Project O team!

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While not at work, Amanda enjoys hiking with her family and dog, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and disc golfing.

Kimberly is a young professional from Southern Maine where she graduated from the University of New England. Her degree is in marine science, with a focus in biology, and double minor in chemistry and biophysics. Though she appreciates all things science, her main interest now is experiential marine education. She has taught marine science in Maine and New Hampshire, made her way down the coast to teach in Georgia, and in 2021 moved back to New England to continue her career in Connecticut.

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Kim has been passionate about the ocean her entire life, and even outside of work she loves to kayak, swim, snorkel, and pretty much anything that allows her to get in, on or around the water. When she's not being a waterbug, her other one calling in life is being an aunt. She loves spending time with her nieces and nephews (and turning them into waterbugs too).

Growing up in Massachusetts, Haylie quickly fell in love with all marine things. She has spent the last 5 years on O`ahu, Hawai`i where she earned her B.S. in Marine Biology and M.S. in Marine Science, both from Hawai`i Pacific University. In her undergrad years, she researched microplastics within Kaneohe Bay, HI and expanded this research as a student aboard the SSV Robert C Seamans with SEA. More recently, she spent her time as a graduate student researching the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the sole pinniped within the Hawaiian Archipelago. Before relocating from Hawaii, she found a new love of teaching when substitute teaching a local marine science program. Since then, she has found a home here at Project O! 

When not at work, Haylie can often be found en route to her next travel destination, exploring a local coffee shop, taking care of her two cats, Kai and Keanu, or spending time with friends and family. 

Kelsey graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2022 where she received a BS in Marine Biology. She began her professional career at Save the Bay in Newport, RI where she worked as both an educator and an aquarist. After Save the Bay she joined the Mystic Aquarium in the Education and Conservation Department. She is so excited to further her passion for education and caring for animals with Project O!

When she isn’t at work, Kelsey loves to go to the gym, paint, and read. She loves spending time with her family and her two dogs Murphy and Marlee!

Brian has had a passion for the ocean and the life within since his early childhood, spending his summers on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He received his B.S. in Environmental Science from Keene State College in New Hampshire. He has worked as an environmental educator and as an elementary school teacher. This work has taken him all over the country. Brian received his M.A. in Teaching and elementary teacher certification from Oakland University in Michigan. Brian is in his 4th year as an educator with Project Oceanology. 
 

In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, skiing, hiking, birdwatching, camping and standup paddle boarding. 

I grew up in Connecticut and have always loved the ocean. I spent summers as a camper at Project O and now work as a part-time educator here! I received my B.S. in Marine Biology at the University of New England in 2023 with minors in Marine law and Education. I have studied abroad in Belize learning about their coral reefs and chaperoned school trips to Bermuda. I have experience as an educator at Mystic Aquarium and have worked in both clown fish and Seahorse labs while at school. 

When I am not at work I love to go to the gym, read, swim or hang out with my dog Tug or my cats Mew, Block and Darwin.

Ian has been on the water most of his life. He graduated from UCONN with a B.A. in Coastal Studies, and has served in both the U.S. Army (1990-1994) and the CT Army National Guard (1994-1997). He holds a USCG 100GRT Master's License, and began working at Project Oceanology in 2003. He also worked for Interport Pilots as Captain/Mate on vessel Connecticut Pilot from 2004 - 2009.

In his free time, he is a member of the Co. I 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery Civil War Re-Enactment Group, and enjoys fishing and playing guitar. 

Brae has always been interested in environmental work and completed his undergraduate studies at William Penn College, where he majored in biology. His interest in marine science led him to obtain an M.S. degree in marine studies from the University of Connecticut. He joined Project Oceanology’s faculty as the second full-time instructor 7 years after the program began. For over 35 years, he was a Project Oceanology Marine Science Educator. Brae also holds a USCG 100 ton Master of Coastal Waters license, and certifications as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid. 

While not at work Brae’s commitment to the environment continues. He has served for over 30 years as the Chair of the Town of Groton’s Conservation Commissioner. He also is past chair of the New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation and continues to serve on the board as well as the boards of the Avalonia Land Conservancy and Pequot Woods.

Lesley is the Administrative Manager at Project Oceanology. She is our scheduling coordinator, HR rep, and manager of our facility and main office. 

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A CT native, and local resident of Fisher’s Island Sound, Lesley joined Project Oceanology in 2018. Her career experience also includes an Educator in violence prevention for SECT public schools and the USCG Academy Admissions office.

Lesley enjoys hiking, sailing, snowshoeing and all activities centered around the ocean.

Lisa Colón came to Project Oceanology in April 2018 as the Accounts Manager. She has an A.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Education. Lisa has over 20 years experience in bookkeeping, taxes and accounting. In addition, she is a certified QuickBooks user and QuickBooks Pro advisor. She has about 9 years of experience as an instructor for adult learning. Lisa grew up in Westerly, RI, and in the 1980s made a move to New London, Conn., where she currently resides with her husband.

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Lisa has always loved the serenity of the water and enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren.​

Emily grew up in North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in marketing. She lived in Burlington, Vermont and San Diego California before coming to Connecticut 5 years ago. ​Emily's career experience includes marketing for both large and small companies ranging from tech companies, retail, news stations, and nonprofits. 

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When not a Project O, Emily can be found teaching and practicing yoga around the Mystic area as well as taking hikes with her husband, dog and daughter. 

With over 20 years experience in public building maintenance, an Associates degree in Business & Finance, and a Bachelor's degree in Community Development from UCONN, Raymond joined the Project Oceanology team over a decade ago.

In his free time, Raymond enjoys furniture design and fine woodworking, and antique automobile design and preservation.