An Environmental Science major at the University of South Carolina, Kayla joined the Baruch Ecological Engineering Lab (BEEL) in the Summer of 2024, as an undergraduate research assistant. She aided research into feasibility of non-plastic alternatives in marine environments to restore vital habitats, foster sustainable oyster aquaculture, and protect water quality. She did such a great job, that she was welcomed back for a second summer stint with us in the Summer of 2025! Kayla is interested in a wide range of interdisciplinary research topics, including environmental policy, environmental justice, and wetland and coastal conservation ecology. 

As an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program, Jhoan worked with the BEEL and community leaders to support local green spaces. Jhoan (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology) partnered with Tim Chatman at the Eddie Ellis Community Garden and Zenobia Harper at The Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden. This collaboration is key to maintaining healthy and vibrant community spaces. Furthermore, Jhoan contributed to the improvement of the Historic Myrtle "Muckle" Grove Memorial Park, helping with aesthetic improvements to honor its historical significance. 

Erin Barr (Conservation Biology major at Clemson University), joined us as an undergraduate intern in the Summer of 2025. Erin worked under PhD student Levi McKercher as well as Drs. Bill Strosnider and Sarah White (Clemson University) to create fully biodegradable floating treatment wetlands as alternative solutions for eutrophic pond management. Floating treatment wetlands typically use plastic mats, but microplastic pollution poses threats to our aquatic ecosystems. These fully biodegradable floating treatment wetlands can provide a sustainable method to support aquatic ecosystems and reduce microplastic pollution! 

James (Mechanical Engineering Technology major at the University of Dayton) joined us as an undergraduate ETHOS intern in the Summer of 2025. James worked with Baruch's Ecological Engineers Laboratory team and collaborated with community leaders to support local green spaces. At BMFL, he experienced field research and learned more about coastal ecosystems. With a perspective informed by his engineering education, he loved exploring different environments and seeing how technology and nature intersect. 

Alex (Computer Engineering and Sustainability major and Mathematics minor at Johnson C. Smith University), joined us as a summer undergraduate intern in 2025. During his time at BMFL, he helped create biodegradable oyster shell bags for oyster reef restoration efforts to minimize use of plastics. Additionally, he supported research into the habitat usage of restored oyster reef habitats as well as the durability of various natural fastening materials as weathered in the harsh coastal environment.

Just after completing her undergraduate Biology degree at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), Rashawna joined the BEEL team in the summer of 2024 as a research technician supporting various projects aimed at mitigating plastic pollution in coastal communities. Rashawna also joined us in the summer of 2025 as a senior research technician just before moving into a graduate program at the University of North Carolina Charlotte pursuing an M.S. in Earth Science, where she continues to work with JCSU and Dr. Mark Dugo on establishing a collegiate water monitoring program. Since undergrad she has had an interest in surface water quality, and she hopes to expand her understanding of urban stream characteristics and explore different methods for detecting E.coli in surface water. From experimenting with geotextiles to creating protocols for making biodegradable oyster shell bags, there was never a dull moment! She has a puppy named Winston so, if you're ever in need of dog photos feel free to reach out to her at: Rhuntley@jcsu.edu. 

Louisa (B.S. in Environmental Science, University of South Carolina - Carolina Honors College) first came to BMFL as a resident student in the inaugural Semester@TheCoast program in 2022. Through connections made with the Semester@TheCoast program, Louisa became an Archeological Assistant with Dr. Jodi Barnes and then Sea Turtle Technician with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before returning to BMFL in the summer of 2024 as an undergraduate research assistant. Co-advised by Drs. Stefanie Whitmire (Clemson University - Baruch Institute for Coastal Ecology and Forest Science) and Strosnider, Louisa researched the release of microplastics by common stormwater control materials in simulated estuarine mesocosms. She proved a substantial pollution risk from these materials before moving on to her next stop monitoring sea turtle populations at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Gabby (B.S. in Environmental Studies, University of South Carolina), joined us as an undergraduate intern for the summer of 2023 and then returned again as a research technician in the spring of 2025. Gabby focused primarily on research concerning the use of constructed floating wetlands by common denizens of brackish waters in the SE USA (Fundulus heteroclitus - mummichog) in support of PhD student Levi McKercher. Gabby also provided general research support at BMFL, including the monitoring of fauna and flora in the North Inlet estuary before heading off to a position with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

LaBria (B.S. in History, Coastal Carolina University) joined the BEEL as a SC Sea Grant Community Engaged intern during the Summer of 2024. Utilizing her certificate training in Cultural Heritage Studies, LaBria's research focused on interviews with Gullah Geechee individuals to identify non-plastic alternatives that can be used in marine environments to benefit oyster aquaculture, coastal restoration, and water quality management. During her research, LaBria also focused on the cultural aspects of Gullah Geechee relationships with marine and estuarine environments, considering how the Carolina Lowcountry has changed over time. 

Owen (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton), joined us as a University of Dayton ETHOS intern. Owen came to us with a wealth of manufacturing and design experience. Because the ETHOS program has a focus on community service, Owen worked with the BEEL team and other partners on community improvement projects. Owen appled his industrial experience to play a critical role with us in the summer of 2024 leading the construction team for experimental infrastructure to determine the mechanical properties of natural alternatives to plastic geotextiles in estuarine environments. 

Savannah (B.A. in History and Anthropology, University of South Carolina - Carolina Honors College) joined the BEEL as a summer intern (2024) to help us better understand the fraught history of the former plantations where we work. Under mentorship from Drs. Lynn Hanson (emeritus - Francis Marion University) and Jodi Barnes (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), Savannah uncovered the heartwrenching stories of escaped slaves from the land that later became Hobcaw Barony. This information is helping us give visitors to Baruch Marine Field Lab a fuller picture of our site's history.

Shane (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton), joined us as a University of Dayton ETHOS intern in the summer of 2024. Via the ETHOS program, Shane worked with the BEEL team and other partners on community service projects (i.e., community gardens and historic black cemetery improvement). Shane was a key contributor to the construction team for experimental infrastructure used to determine the mechanical properties of natural alternatives to plastic geotextiles. 

Maddie, an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program, was with us for the summer of 2023. Maddie (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering) supported the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. Maddie provided key walking path design and construction support on the latter project. Additionally, Maddie applied her formidable technical abilities in a science support role, designing, building, and troubleshooting a custom deployable camera unit for documenting insect and spider populations that make use of constructed floating wetlands.

Elliott (left, shown with his ETHOS partner Maddie Blincoe) was with us in the summer of 2023 as an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program. Sai (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering) supported the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. He also assisted with constructed floating wetland research and biological monitoring in the North Inlet estuary while he was with us. Additionally, Elliott was a regular star at our local beach volleyball games!

Liz, an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program, was with us for the fall of 2022. JaiViana (B.S. in Civil Engineering) supported the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. Most notably, Liz forayed into Landscape Architecture under the mentorship of Kristina Strosnider to design the Myrtle Grove Memorial Park in consultation with the surrounding communities. Liz was also a science-support dynamo while she was with us, from flora to fauna to water quality, Liz was up for it and a great contributor, which led directly to her next stop as a graduate student at North Carolina State University!

Sai (left, shown with Clemson PhD student Clare Escamilla) was with us in the spring of 2023 as an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program. Sai (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology) supported the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. He also assisted with constructed floating wetland research (depicted above).

CJ (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering), joined us as a University of Dayton ETHOS intern in the summer of 2022. His work focused on supporting two community gardens, a new organic farm, and the Myrtle "Muckle" Grove Historic Black Cemetery. A highly skilled engineer, CJ led on the design and implementation of automated drip irrigation systems for both community gardens. 

Camryn (B.S. in Electronic and Computer Technology), joined us as a University of Dayton ETHOS intern in the summer of 2022. Her work focused on supporting two community gardens, a new organic farm, and the Myrtle "Muckle" Grove Historic Black Cemetery.  Camryn was instrumental in establishing connections with a new partner (Kidogo Farms) and scoping potential future projects. 

Daniel (B.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of Dayton), joined us as a University of Dayton ETHOS intern in the summer of 2022. His work focused on supporting two community gardens, a new organic farm, and the Myrtle "Muckle" Grove Historic Black Cemetery.  A multitalented man, Daniel also helped our local partners with education and outreach media production. A wonderful member of our little research community, we were happy to see Daniel return to Hobcaw at our sister Clemson Institute, just a year after his time with us!

After completing his Masters (Marine Science) from the University of South Carolina researching the dynamics of dissolved organic matter oxidation, CJ joined us as a Higher Education Coordinator in the winter of 2022. CJ (center, with two of our star students, Julian and Lillian, contributing at an active dig site of a former Gullah fishing village) was integral to the success of BMFL's inaugural Semester@TheCoast residential undergraduate program, helping to blend deep experiential learning into our regional "outdoor classroom." An excellent scientist, he also supported estuarine ecology research in the Lowcountry while he was with us.

Tyler (B.S. in Environmental Engineering, Saint Francis University) joined us as a Summer 2021 intern. He focused on developing non-plastic prototypes for next-generation constructed floating wetlands with Dr. Strosnider. In doing so he built and deployed four variants, one of which advanced to final pilots in subsequent years. 

Cailee (B.S. Natural Resources and Conservation, Clemson University), joined us as an intern in the summer of 2022. She assisted with the quantification of ecosystem services provided by constructed wetlands (e.g., support of fish populations, increases in water quality), focusing on brackish coastal stormwater ponds with PhD student Levi McKercher, advised by Drs. Sarah White and Bill Strosnider. 

Brianna (left, shown cruising with BMFL stalwart Baker Stevens), an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program, was with us for the fall of 2021. Brianna (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology) supported the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. Most notably, Brianna led on finalizing the design and installing signage for the Myrtle Grove Memorial Park. 

Jordan was a Summer 2021 undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program. Jordan (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering) maintained momentum for ETHOS@BMFL, continuing projects supporting the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. In addition, Jordan opened up new options in service of the Carolina Human Reinvestment Community Garden. Much of her work focused on optimization of water usage and conveyance for both gardens.

JaiViana, an undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program, was with us for the summer of 2021. JaiViana (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology) supported the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. Most notably, JaiViana led on the design of the large granite memorial which is now the centerpiece of the Myrtle Grove Memorial Park. 

Ancy (left, depicted with her ETHOS partner Ashley Kush), a Master's student on an service fellowship with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program, was with us for the spring of 2021. Ancy (M.S. in Aerospace Engineering) and Ashley trailblazed for ETHOS@BMFL, initiating lasting projects supporting the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. In addition, Ancy led on the redesign and reconstruction of BMFL's oyster shell repository. 

Andrea was with us 2021-2022 as a Masters student studying the impact of brackish waters on constructed floating wetland communities. Advised by Drs. Sarah White (Clemson University) and Bill Strosnider, Andrea used the seawater system at BMFL in a unique outdoor experiment that revealed Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens held promise for inclusion in constructed floating wetland designs for brackish waters.

Ashley (right, depicted with Rev. Jerry Harper who is giving a power-tool primer) joined us as a Spring 2021 undergraduate intern with the University of Dayton's Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) program. Ashley (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering) trailblazed for ETHOS@BMFL with her teammate Ancy Johnson, initiating projects supporting the Gullah Preservation Society Community Garden and Myrtle "Muckle" Grove historic Black cemetery in Georgetown, SC. 

Kendra (B.S. in Environmental Engineering, Saint Francis University) joined us as a Summer 2019 intern. She focused on developing non-plastic prototypes for next-generation constructed floating wetlands with Dr. Strosnider. Kendra built and deployed the first two fully biodegradable constructed floating wetland prototypes ever attempted. They were a success and led directly to subsequent mature designs.

Lily (right, B.S. in Environmental Engineering, Saint Francis University) joined us as a Summer 2019 intern. She focused on developing non-plastic prototypes for next-generation constructed floating wetlands with Dr. Strosnider. Along with Kendra Zaruba, Lily built and deployed the first two fully biodegradable constructed floating wetland prototypes ever attempted. They were a success and led directly to subsequent mature designs.