About Us

The Professors

Dr. Shannon Gowans, Professor of Marine Science and Biology

Dr. Shannon Gowans earned her bachelor’s degree and her Ph.D. from Dalhousie University. She focuses mainly on the evolution of social organization in cetaceans. 



Dr. Amy Siuda, Assistant Professor of Marine Science

Dr. Amy Siuda earned her Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Connecticut. She specializes in a variety of aspects within the marine plankton ecology field.



Student Researchers 

(Summer 2024)

John Hilliard

John (2023 - present) is a senior at Eckerd college majoring in Marine Science (Biology track) and minoring in ______. As an intern for this project, John focuses on management, data imaging, and high frequency sampling.
His favorite sea animal is the _____.

Emma Sorace

Emma (2023 - present) is a junior at Eckerd college majoring in Marine Science (Biology track) and in Spanish. As an intern for this project, Emma focuses on cleaning up data sheets, methodology, and keeping the rest of the team on track with their tasks.
Her favorite sea animal is a Green Sea Turtle.

Hans Johnson

Hans (2023 - present) is a senior at Eckerd college majoring in Marine Science (Biology track) and minoring in Creative Writing. As an intern for this project, Hans focuses on the integration of the WHOI/Triple Ring Tech Ocean Microplastics Monitor into the program.
His favorite sea animal is the Red Sea Fan.

Nilo Khoury

Nilo (2024 - present) is a junior at Eckerd college majoring in Marine Science (Biology track) and he is minoring in Spanish and Environmental Studies. As an intern for this project, Nilo focuses on imaging and maintaining/updating old data sheets.
His favorite sea animal is the Oceanic Whitetip Shark.

Rae Miller

Rae (2024 - present) is a senior at Eckerd college majoring in Marine Science (Biology track) and minoring in Environmental Studies. As an intern for this project, Rae focuses on assisting the team and filling into any role required to keep the project running.
Her favorite sea animal is the Blue Whale.

Jaci Mason-Yates

Jaci (2024 - present) is a sophmore at Eckerd college majoring in Marine Science (Biology track) and minoring in _____. As a new intern for this project, Jaci focuses on learning the methodology to continue teaching new interns and volunteers in the coming years.
His favorite sea animal is the ________.