Haylie joined as a Marine Science Educator at Project Oceanology in 2023, and additionally supports the organization as our data manager. Prior to joining Project Oceanology, Haylie worked on various research projects as a researcher, data analyst, and trained rescuer of marine mammals. Haylie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, and a Master of Science degree in Marine Science, both from Hawai`i Pacific University.
Haylie grew up north of Project Oceanology in Massachusetts. She learned at a very young age the beauty of the ocean, and decided at the age of 8 that marine biology was the path for her. She spent every summer scavenging tidepools and the rivers for local animals, spending every spare moment by some body of water. After graduating high school, she embarked on a journey across the world to study in Hawai`i; where the marine ecological diversity was astounding. As an undergraduate, she worked aboard the R/V Kaholo, conducting her individual research on microplastics within convergence zones. During her time as an undergraduate, she joined Sea Education Association (SEA) on a summer semester aboard the R/V Robert C. Seamans, increasing her skills as a sailor, and rooting her passion for marine life all the more. After returning to school for her M.S., she turned her focus on pinnipeds and fishery interactions, investigating distribution and age classes of seals entangled by derelict fishing gear around the island of O`ahu. While conducting her research, she worked part time with kids, and quickly after graduating, she learned she could teach kids her passion for marine life!
When not at work, Haylie spends her time kayaking, thrifting, exploring a local coffee shop (or two) and spending time with friends/family, including her two cats, Kai and Keanu!
What do you love most about Project Oceanology?
I love being able to share what I am passionate about to a variety of audiences. Every day as an educator, I am working with different classes and different age groups. Our students come from all over, and teaching them the fundamental sciences of basic chemistry while connecting them to their waterways in a hands-on way is inspiring. Students get to engage in science, hold an animal, see its habitat, in a way that is so connecting, and by the looks on their faces, we can see we are building those connections.
What marine animal is your favorite?
The Hawaiian monk seal! They are the sole pinniped of the Hawaiian archipelago, and despite their large size, they are the clumsiest cuties, especially when galumphing!