Owen Porterfield is an islander born and raised, who developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of his island home at an early age. Years spent hiking the Vineyard’s numerous trails and beaches left him with the realization that not only are the Island’s natural resources incredibly unique, they’re also incredibly fragile if not protected. This prompted him to study environmental science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he completed an undergraduate thesis analyzing temporal changes in heavy metal concentrations within forest soils of the northeastern United States. While still in college, Owen spent the summer of 2022 as a summer science intern with the Great Pond Foundation (GPF), a position that allowed him to play an active role in maintaining the environmental health of the Vineyard. After graduating from UMass in the spring of 2023, Owen returned to GPF as the 2023 Field Crew Leader (a seasonal position) before stepping into full-time year round staff position of Field Science Coordinator later that year. GPF if delighted that Owen joined its Science Team in November, 2023.

Emily, a field and laboratory biologist, has spent her career studying coastal waters, conservation genetics, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents.  As Executive Director of Great Pond Foundation, Emily advocates for the data-driven and scientifically informed management of Martha’s Vineyard coastal ponds. Emily and her team have been monitoring the ecosystem health of Edgartown Great Pond year-round since 2016. Prior to Great Pond Foundation, Emily worked at the Marine Biological Laboratory, in Woods Hole, MA, the Moore Laboratory of Zoology, in Los Angeles, CA and onboard the R/V Vantuna.

Carly Inghram grew up in Bethlehem, New Hampshire where she learned to love the environment and appreciate all it has to offer. She graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 2023 earning a B.S in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. Her academic journey complemented by immersive experiences has contributed to her growing interest in marine ecosystems and conservation. Throughout her college career Carly has participated in several labs studying Lake Champlain’s habitat and watershed. She also had the opportunity to study abroad in Panama where she focused on coral reef and fish conservation, allowing her to work with local communities to strengthen these fragile ecosystems and address environmental challenges. Carly is passionate about long-term sustainability and is excited for the opportunity to be a part of monitoring the ecosystem health of Martha’s Vineyard coastal ponds.