PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Rachel K. Gittman
Dr. Gittman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Coastal Studies Institute at East Carolina University. Her research focal areas include marine community ecology, restoration ecology, coastal management and policy, and sustainability science. She received her doctorate in Ecology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014 and was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Northeastern University from 2015-2017. Before attending graduate school, Dr. Gittman was an environmental consultant in Washington D.C. for three years after graduating from the University of Virginia in 2006 with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences with High Distinction
Dr. Gittman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Coastal Studies Institute at East Carolina University. Her research focal areas include marine community ecology, restoration ecology, coastal management and policy, and sustainability science. She received her doctorate in Ecology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014 and was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Northeastern University from 2015-2017. Before attending graduate school, Dr. Gittman was an environmental consultant in Washington D.C. for three years after graduating from the University of Virginia in 2006 with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences with High Distinction
Graduate Students
Megan Geesin
Megan is a PhD student in the ICS Program at East Carolina University. Broadly, her research interests include coastal ecology, conservation of aquatic systems, and studying the impacts of climate change on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Megan graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in 2020 with a B.S. in Biology specializing in Ecology and Evolution, and minors in Paleobiology and Spanish. Before starting at ECU, Megan worked in labs at the University of Maryland, the Coastal Studies Institute, and Horn Point laboratory at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
Megan is a PhD student in the ICS Program at East Carolina University. Broadly, her research interests include coastal ecology, conservation of aquatic systems, and studying the impacts of climate change on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Megan graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in 2020 with a B.S. in Biology specializing in Ecology and Evolution, and minors in Paleobiology and Spanish. Before starting at ECU, Megan worked in labs at the University of Maryland, the Coastal Studies Institute, and Horn Point laboratory at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
Mary-Margaret McKinney
Mary-Margaret has been involved in ecological restoration in the mid-Atlantic region since the mid-90s and believes that trust and mutual respect for the needs of various stakeholders is the key to effective natural resources restoration and management. Mary-Margaret McKinney received her Bachelor of Science in Botany (cum laude) and Master of Science in Forestry from NC State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Integrated Coastal Studies at East Carolina University in the Gittman Lab. Her research interests include submerged aquatic vegetation, water quality, and living shorelines. She is also Director of Coastal Restoration at Native Shorelines (a division of Restoration Systems, LLC).
Mary-Margaret has been involved in ecological restoration in the mid-Atlantic region since the mid-90s and believes that trust and mutual respect for the needs of various stakeholders is the key to effective natural resources restoration and management. Mary-Margaret McKinney received her Bachelor of Science in Botany (cum laude) and Master of Science in Forestry from NC State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Integrated Coastal Studies at East Carolina University in the Gittman Lab. Her research interests include submerged aquatic vegetation, water quality, and living shorelines. She is also Director of Coastal Restoration at Native Shorelines (a division of Restoration Systems, LLC).
Stacy Trackenberg
Stacy is a PhD candidate in the IDPBBC Program at East Carolina University. For her dissertation she is studying how coastal ecosystems act as habitat for finfish and crustaceans with an interest in how these ecosystems act as nursery areas for many species. Much of her work focuses on seagrass faunal communities in North Carolina and which factors influence the habitat provisioning of these seagrass meadows. She is also studying how seagrass restoration across a depth gradient influences faunal community assembly and restoration success. Stacy graduated magna cum laude with Departmental Honors from the College of William and Mary in 2016 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Marine Science.
Stacy is a PhD candidate in the IDPBBC Program at East Carolina University. For her dissertation she is studying how coastal ecosystems act as habitat for finfish and crustaceans with an interest in how these ecosystems act as nursery areas for many species. Much of her work focuses on seagrass faunal communities in North Carolina and which factors influence the habitat provisioning of these seagrass meadows. She is also studying how seagrass restoration across a depth gradient influences faunal community assembly and restoration success. Stacy graduated magna cum laude with Departmental Honors from the College of William and Mary in 2016 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Marine Science.
Georgette Tso
Georgette Tso is a Integrated Coastal Sciences PhD student at East Carolina University. Her primary research interests include green infrastructure design for coastal resilience and coastal shellfish aquaculture for restoration purposes. Prior to ECU, she studied concrete materials for "living seawall" design on the Boston Harbor Islands with Stone Living Labs, Boston Harbor Now, and the Nepf Lab. Georgette has a BS in mechanical engineering from and an MEng in environmental engineering from MIT. She is co-advised by Dr. Siddharth Narayan in the Department of Coastal Studies at ECU.
Georgette Tso is a Integrated Coastal Sciences PhD student at East Carolina University. Her primary research interests include green infrastructure design for coastal resilience and coastal shellfish aquaculture for restoration purposes. Prior to ECU, she studied concrete materials for "living seawall" design on the Boston Harbor Islands with Stone Living Labs, Boston Harbor Now, and the Nepf Lab. Georgette has a BS in mechanical engineering from and an MEng in environmental engineering from MIT. She is co-advised by Dr. Siddharth Narayan in the Department of Coastal Studies at ECU.
Undergraduate Researchers
Stephanie Bell
Stephanie Bell is majoring in Biology at ECU. She would like to go to medical school and specialize in anesthesiology to become an anesthesiologist. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her family. She plans to travel during the summer after she graduates.
Stephanie Bell is majoring in Biology at ECU. She would like to go to medical school and specialize in anesthesiology to become an anesthesiologist. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her family. She plans to travel during the summer after she graduates.
Trip Brooks
Trip Brooks it a current Sophomore at ECU. He is triple majoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. His academic endeavors including completing his undergraduate and attending medical school where he plans on specializing in Family Medicine. Following the conclusion of the Spring semester he plans on studying abroad in the Galapagos. He is looking forward to future research opportunities and the endless possibilities available through East Carolina University.
Trip Brooks it a current Sophomore at ECU. He is triple majoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. His academic endeavors including completing his undergraduate and attending medical school where he plans on specializing in Family Medicine. Following the conclusion of the Spring semester he plans on studying abroad in the Galapagos. He is looking forward to future research opportunities and the endless possibilities available through East Carolina University.
Reid Shouse
Reid Shouse is an Engineering major with a concentration in environmental. He loves the outdoors, playing sports, surfing, boating, and anything around the water. His goal is to get my PE license along with many other certifications that will help him better himself in the ever changing world.
Reid Shouse is an Engineering major with a concentration in environmental. He loves the outdoors, playing sports, surfing, boating, and anything around the water. His goal is to get my PE license along with many other certifications that will help him better himself in the ever changing world.
Dylan Whitt
Dylan Whitt is a 3rd semester senior in the Honors College majoring in Biology, with a minor in Coastal Studies. Dylan loves working out in the field at the Coastal Studies Institute in Manteo and this past summer worked as the curator for the NC Estuarium. In the future, Dylan hopes to get his Ph.D. in marine ecology and possibly work as a professor running his own research lab!
Dylan Whitt is a 3rd semester senior in the Honors College majoring in Biology, with a minor in Coastal Studies. Dylan loves working out in the field at the Coastal Studies Institute in Manteo and this past summer worked as the curator for the NC Estuarium. In the future, Dylan hopes to get his Ph.D. in marine ecology and possibly work as a professor running his own research lab!
Lab Alumni
Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr. Chris Baillie
Broadly, Chris is interested in marine community ecology and conservation. More specifically, his research has focused on complex trophic interactions, connectivity of marine ecosystems and populations, and the impacts of anthropogenic modifications to coastal habitats and the ecosystems services they provide. Chris received his doctorate in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology from Northeastern University in 2017. Since receiving his doctorate, Chris has worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Northeastern's Marine Science Center and UNC's Institute of Marine Science (UNC-IMS). Before graduate school, Chris worked for two years as a research technician at UNC-IMS after graduating from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Biology in 2010.
Broadly, Chris is interested in marine community ecology and conservation. More specifically, his research has focused on complex trophic interactions, connectivity of marine ecosystems and populations, and the impacts of anthropogenic modifications to coastal habitats and the ecosystems services they provide. Chris received his doctorate in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology from Northeastern University in 2017. Since receiving his doctorate, Chris has worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Northeastern's Marine Science Center and UNC's Institute of Marine Science (UNC-IMS). Before graduate school, Chris worked for two years as a research technician at UNC-IMS after graduating from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Biology in 2010.
Graduate Students
Anna Albright
Anna received her MS in Biology with the Gittman lab at East Carolina University in 2022. Broadly, she is interested in the intersection between natural and social sciences, examining anthropogenic impacts on marine environments as well as how to effectively communicate and engage the broader community in coastal restoration ecology. Anna graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a Biology B.A. and Anthropology B.A. Previously she interned at the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences on their Living Seawalls Project.
Anna received her MS in Biology with the Gittman lab at East Carolina University in 2022. Broadly, she is interested in the intersection between natural and social sciences, examining anthropogenic impacts on marine environments as well as how to effectively communicate and engage the broader community in coastal restoration ecology. Anna graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a Biology B.A. and Anthropology B.A. Previously she interned at the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences on their Living Seawalls Project.
Sarah Donaher
Sarah received her M.S. in Marine Sciences from UNC Chapel Hill in August 2020. Her thesis is entitled "Bivalve Facilitation Mediates Physical Disturbance on Temperate/Subtropical Seagrass Meadows". Her MS research is published in Ecosphere. She is now a Ph.D. student at Clemson University!
Sarah received her M.S. in Marine Sciences from UNC Chapel Hill in August 2020. Her thesis is entitled "Bivalve Facilitation Mediates Physical Disturbance on Temperate/Subtropical Seagrass Meadows". Her MS research is published in Ecosphere. She is now a Ph.D. student at Clemson University!
Adam Nothstein
Adam received his MS in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University with the Gittman Lab in 2022. He is broadly interested in coastal ecology and ecosystem preservation, with a more specific research focus on management of habitats that are necessary to maintain stable fish populations contending with high stress of human impacts. Adam graduated from Lock Haven University with a dual concentration B.S. in Biology and a chemistry minor, with additional field and course work being completed at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Adam received his MS in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University with the Gittman Lab in 2022. He is broadly interested in coastal ecology and ecosystem preservation, with a more specific research focus on management of habitats that are necessary to maintain stable fish populations contending with high stress of human impacts. Adam graduated from Lock Haven University with a dual concentration B.S. in Biology and a chemistry minor, with additional field and course work being completed at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Emory Wellman
Emory received her M.S. in Biology with the Gittman Lab from East Carolina University in 2021. Her research interests include ecosystem services provision by coastal habitats, restoration ecology, and coastal policy and management. Before starting at ECU, Emory spent time working for non-profit Oceana, the Georgetown Climate Center, and in laboratories at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and UNC Chapel Hill's Institute of Marine Sciences. Emory graduated magna cum laude with Honors from Georgetown University in 2015 with a B.A. in Government. Her MS research is published in Ecological Applications. She is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida!
Emory received her M.S. in Biology with the Gittman Lab from East Carolina University in 2021. Her research interests include ecosystem services provision by coastal habitats, restoration ecology, and coastal policy and management. Before starting at ECU, Emory spent time working for non-profit Oceana, the Georgetown Climate Center, and in laboratories at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and UNC Chapel Hill's Institute of Marine Sciences. Emory graduated magna cum laude with Honors from Georgetown University in 2015 with a B.A. in Government. Her MS research is published in Ecological Applications. She is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida!
Nina Woodard
Nina received her MS in the Department of Biology with the Gittman and Blakeslee labs at East Carolina University in 2022. Her research interests include coastal restoration and management in order to preserve the ecosystem services these coastal habitats provide. Before starting her studies at ECU, Nina participated in marine science opportunities at the Rosario Beach Marine Lab in Washington, the Maryland Sea Grant, and the Duke University Marine Lab. Nina graduated from Andrews University in 2020 with a B.S. in Biology. Nina is now the Habitat Resilience Specialist at PLACE SLR.
Nina received her MS in the Department of Biology with the Gittman and Blakeslee labs at East Carolina University in 2022. Her research interests include coastal restoration and management in order to preserve the ecosystem services these coastal habitats provide. Before starting her studies at ECU, Nina participated in marine science opportunities at the Rosario Beach Marine Lab in Washington, the Maryland Sea Grant, and the Duke University Marine Lab. Nina graduated from Andrews University in 2020 with a B.S. in Biology. Nina is now the Habitat Resilience Specialist at PLACE SLR.
EOSA Alumni: Destinee Sinclair
Destinee is a Master’s student in the Department of Psychology at East Carolina University studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She is interested in studying how teams and leadership impact organizational effectiveness and productivity. Destinee graduated from Roanoke College with a Psychology B.A. in May 2021.
Destinee is a Master’s student in the Department of Psychology at East Carolina University studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She is interested in studying how teams and leadership impact organizational effectiveness and productivity. Destinee graduated from Roanoke College with a Psychology B.A. in May 2021.
Undergraduates
Ellie Aronson
Seth Bartusek
Luke Boldt
Riordan (Rae) Correll-Brown
Virginia Gilliland
Aishwarya Halder
Marisa Kelly
Julie Miller
Sean Morrison
Matthew Sadlowski
Dawsyn Smith
Anna Wall
Kaitlyn Wilson
