Dr. Brittany Jellison is a marine scientist that explores how coastal organisms are responding, acclimating, and adapting to human-altered environments. Her work explores how marine ecological interactions are altered by global change, using a variety of mechanistic-laboratory and -field experiments with a focus on factors that influence and alter trophic cascades in coastal systems. Most of the work in her lab concentrates on intertidal/subtidal habitats and marine invertebrate organisms. She uses physiology, animal behavior, and community ecology tools to study these systems and stressors (seawater pH, temperature, nutrient loading) in the Gulf of Maine. Her work seeks to explore questions such as the following: How do species and populations respond physiologically and behaviorally to ocean change? How do multiple stressors in the field alter species interactions and influence community structure? Will specific populations or species be more vulnerable to ocean change?

Hannah Gossner is a PhD student studying the interaction between coastal climate change, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and toxicity in commercially valuable shellfish species in the Great Bay area in the Gulf of Maine. She hopes to explore the intersection between physiology, biogeochemistry, and applied ecology, with the eventual goal of using her research to help guide shellfish harvesting management. While her background is strongly rooted in natural science, she is especially interested in how scientists can leverage their research to push for equity in academia, the resource management, and local communities. She completed her B.A. in Marine Sciences at Boston University in 2013, and her M.S. at Oregon State University in 2018 with Dr. Francis Chan looking at the influence of ocean acidification and hypoxia on juvenile shellfish. She has most recently worked as lab manager and research assistant for Drs. Amy Maas and Leocadio Blanco-Bercial at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (Arizona State University) in the Zooplankton Ecology Lab. When not in the lab, she loves getting outside, knitting, and hiking with her dog Kitsune. 

Katherine M. Pagán Rivera graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, where she double majored in coastal marine biology and wildlife management. Her main area of interest is ecology, especially in estuarine systems and the great variety of factors that can influence and alter them. In addition to this, she has a particular interest in aquatic invertebrates. Among some of her research roles, she worked with deep sea image analysis to obtain the biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in the Pacific Ocean. Before her position at UNH, she worked with local hands-on volunteer efforts such as coast monitoring for sea turtles nesting. You can find her diving, snorkeling, or walking with her cat in her free time.

Michaela Edwards is a marine biology student studying interspecific interactions with an emphasis on behavioral responses and invasive species. Michaela’s broader focus is on coastal species, particularly those located along New England’s coast. For her master’s program, she focuses on Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) behavioral responses to various interactions with invasive European green crabs (Carcinus maenas). 

Michaela attended the University of New Hampshire for her undergraduate degree. She graduated from UNH with a B.S. in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology. In her undergraduate degree, Michaela joined Dr. Brittany Jellison’s lab as an intern in her Junior year. When she first joined the Jellison lab, Michaela looked at morphological features of blue mussels that were subjects in a previous study looking at warming, ocean acidification, and predatory factors influencing the blue mussels. This internship blossomed many interests for her—specifically morphological alterations under different conditions and interspecific interactions with a narrower focus on predator-prey relationships. 

During Michaela’s free time, she loves hiking with her dogs and being around the water, tide-pooling, or snorkeling. 

Kaitlin Van Volkom is a Ph.D. student who originally hails from southern California. She studies community wide interactions within benthic communities in the Gulf of Maine, focusing on the role that slipper limpets play in their community, and how this may change with warming temperatures. She has surveyed populations of limpets from northern Maine to Rhode Island to get an idea of their distribution and population density. Additionally, she is studying predator prey dynamics between crustaceans and slipper limpets, as the slipper limpet’s role as a prey item has not been investigated within its native range. Subsequently, she will look at differences in shell morphology between different populations, and how shell shapes affect physiological processes. She is hoping that this research will help determine how a native species is being impacted within a rapidly warming system.

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Prior to starting her Ph.D. she completed a master’s in biology at UNH, evaluating the quality of invasive ascidian species as a prey item for a native sea star. Currently, Kaitlin serves on the Department’s Graduate Student Committee, helping to advocate for graduate student needs. Outside of school, she enjoys rock climbing and spending time outdoors in New England.

Olivia is a senior at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Zoology with a minor in Marine Biology. Her areas of interest include marine ecology, benthic communities, and physiology. She is currently assisting with research on how biotoxin accumulation effects the feeding behavior and food selection of commercially important bivalves. Outside of school, Olivia enjoys doing art and being outside.

Lillian is a senior at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Marine, Freshwater, and Estuarine Biology. Her main areas of interest are marine ecology and evolutionary ecology. She is currently assisting with research regarding oxidative stress in oysters and is excited to continue developing and learning new lab techniques.

Outside of school, Lillian enjoys hiking, tide pooling, and collecting certifications/licenses. She recently got her NH boating license and is going to work on getting a PADI certification next!

Branaly is a senior at the University of New Hampshire pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine, Estuarine, & Freshwater Biology with a minor in Recreation Management. She is interested in marine ecosystems, wildlife rehabilitation, and sustainable resource management. She has hands-on experience maintaining oyster systems, including daily tank upkeep, monitoring water quality, and ensuring optimal conditions for marine organisms. Outside of academics, Branaly is active in campus leadership and enjoys contributing to diversity and cultural organizations.