Anna is a junior at the University of Vermont, majoring in Biological Sciences and English. In the future, she hopes to produce works like those of Aldo Leopold and Edward Abbey. She has been coming to Martha’s Vineyard for many years and is excited to gain an enriched understanding of the beautiful ecosystems present. Anna has previously worked in environmental education and is thrilled to be expanding her research skill repertoire, while continuing practices of community outreach and environmental action. When she is not at GPF, Anna can likely be found swimming in cold water, riding her bike barefoot, foraging, or climbing high up in trees.

Ben has maintained a fascination with our coastal ecosystems from his summers spent in the natural beauty of the Cape and Islands. He graduated from Connecticut College in 2022 with a B.A. in Biochemistry and minors in Applied Statistics and Computer Science. He was redirected back towards environmental conservation after an internship in 2021, with Dr. Rosa’s Lab, constructing artificial reefs and studying coral and mangrove ecology in the British Virgin Islands. Since graduating Ben has held a variety of seasonal conservation positions: environmental education with REEF in Key Largo, Diamondback Terrapin nest protection as well as two seasons of cold stun sea turtle rescue with Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay, and undergraduate research coordination with Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island Virginia. These experiences have allowed Ben to observe the challenges facing our coastal communities and inspired him to focus his career on protecting these fragile ecosystems. Ben is excited to join Great Pond Foundation this summer as part of their Resilient Ecosystem Mentorship.

Kendall was raised in Illinois and spent her summers traveling to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where she developed her love and appreciation for the ocean and all beings that dwell there. This inspired her to pursue a B.S. in Animal Ecology, focusing on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Iowa State University. While earning her degree, she studied abroad in Turks and Caicos as part of the School for Field Studies, where she did research on Queen Conch population abundance inside and out of marine protected areas, and coral biodiversity on tropical reefs. At Iowa State University she worked in a lab where she conducted studies on stream bank erosion, and the roll macroinvertebrates play in assessing water quality. In 2021, Kendall joined the Great Pond Foundation as a summer intern and helped launch the MV CYANO monitoring program. She came back in the summer of 2025 as the Field and Laboratory Technician and has now joined our year-round staff as the Science Engagement Manager!

Teaghan went to Oberlin College studying Geology along with Environmental Studies with a focus in Biology. Growing up in coastal Massachusetts and spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard has given her a love for wetland and marine ecosystems. At Oberlin, Teaghan works as a research assistant in a geoscience sediment lab investigating sediment age using fallout radionuclide dating. She plans to pursue estuarine ecology work following graduation. Teaghan is grateful to GPF for the opportunity to steward MV ecosystems, to better understand the island, to be out and involved in the field, and to gain the experience to continue similar work. She was delighted to be back with GPF for a second year!

Nicola went to University of Texas Austin, majoring in geosciences with a minor in business and a concentration in coastal systems. Growing up along the Connecticut coast, she developed a deep appreciation for the ocean, sparking her passion for understanding its geological processes. Her current research at UT Austin explores the geologic history of the Andes and major South American river systems, as well as the identification of benthic foraminifera to examine how ancient marine life responded to environmental changes. Beyond academia, Nicola can be found fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the coastline. She looks forward to applying the knowledge gained at GPF to future endeavors!

Carly 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. After her summer role as the Field Crew Leader, she joined our year-round staff as the Science Communication Manager!