Degree program: M.A.M.A.

Year accepted: 2024

Advisor: TBD

Research: shellfish aquaculture

Background: B.A. in Environmental Studies, Salisbury University

Prior to coming to the University of Rhode Island, Megan received her B.A. in Environmental Studies at Salisbury University in Maryland where she did environmental justice work surrounding rural communities and fracking. During her time at Salisbury, she presented a talk called “‘Re’defining the Principles of Environmental Justice” at the National Environmental Justice Conference in Washington DC. Graduating in Spring of 2020 during the midst of the pandemic led her to a job as a faculty research assistant at The University of Maryland’s Horn Point Oyster Hatchery where her passion for shellfish aquaculture and community education and outreach grew. Her work here was recognized with an award to attend Aquaculture America, a conference in New Orleans, LA. After 4 years, Megan moved to Ferry Cove Shellfish Oyster Hatchery to learn about new technology in the industry before heading up to Rhode Island to pursue her master’s in marine affairs. Her time spent in the shellfish aquaculture field led her to study questions about how information is shared across the industry as well as the social implications of oyster hatcheries, which are areas she is now pursuing in this research-based program at URI. While at URI, Megan serves as a teaching assistant in the Biological Sciences department which aligns with her core values of education and community involvement. She decided to pursue the next steps of her career at URI due to the interdisciplinary nature of the faculty, the large social-science emphasis of the program, and the overall friendly atmosphere. When she is not involved with her TA duties or research, Megan enjoys time spent outside with her 2-year-old dog, Olive.