Degree program: M.A.M.A
Year accepted: 2025
Advisor: TBD
Research:  Aquaculture, Fish/Fisheries
Background: B.S. Marine Sciences and B.S. Biology, Minor Marine Affairs, University of Miami

Profile:

Ben Gallucci is from Long Island, NY and has had a life-long connection to the sea. As a child, Ben spent a lot of time with his father, and grandfather, a marine biologist, fishing and boating on the waters around Long Island and Rhode Island. These memories combined with his time managing a local bait shop on Long Island during high school breaks helped connect him to the marine environment and the community that surrounds it. This led him to the University of Miami for undergrad, where he obtained a double major in Marine Science and Biology, with a policy minor. While attending UMiami, he volunteered for a year with the Aquaculture and Experimental Hatchery Program at the UMiami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, where he primarily worked with finfish such as cobia, tripletail, and flounder. During that time he also studied abroad in the Galapagos and conducted field research consisting of population studies of reef fish, like the wrasse. Following graduation, Ben wanted to continue in the marine science field. With his childhood familiarity with Rhode Island, he found his way to Matunuck Oyster Farm, where he has worked as a farm hand for the past year and still works as a part-time oyster shucker for events.

He was always interested in pursuing a graduate degree and his relocation to Rhode Island provided the perfect opportunity to pursue URI’s M.A. Marine Affairs (M.A.M.A.) program. Ben is the recipient of a scholarship from the Newport Yacht Club Endowment Fund, through the Rhode Island Foundation, designed for young professionals planning to or enrolled in an academic or trade marine-related program. With this scholarship, Ben intends to supplement his strong marine biology background with the social science aspects of marine affairs in the M.A.M.A program. His research interests involve fisheries and aquaculture and the interaction between the two. While not in school, you can find Ben out on the water, fishing, skiing, hanging out with friends, and watching sports.