Degree program: M.A.M.A
Year accepted: 2025
Advisor: TBD
Research:  Marine Protected Areas, Sustainability, Education
Background: B.S. Oceanography, Minor Marine Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW)

Profile:

Grayson Fountain is from Newburyport, Massachusetts. Growing up on a barrier island in New England, he has always had an interest in the ocean, which expanded as he became more exposed to its functions and importance through his education. Grayson attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in oceanography and a minor in marine biology. The highlight of his education was learning how the intricacies of the ocean and the environments within it function, and how susceptible our ecosystems are to natural and anthropogenic changes. During his time at UNCW, he was the aquatics program assistant for the Department of Campus Recreation, as well as a hydrographic survey intern. He gained valuable experience performing beach and coastal surveys; recording data using multibeam sonar, side-scan sonar, and magnetometers; and operating and maintaining their fleet of boats. 

After graduating, Grayson moved to Montana to work in Glacier National Park as a boat captain and tour guide, where he led tours about the park’s history, geology, ecosystems, and its ongoing changes. His favorite topic of discussion was educating visitors on how they could individually make an impact, fostering his passion for environmental protection and education. Additionally, Grayson gained valuable insight through conversations with professionals in the field, particularly within NOAA marine sanctuaries. This further reinforced his desire to pursue similar work, specifically, exploring how science-based management practices can inform policies to protect Marine Protected Areas and other coastal habitats. 

These experiences ultimately led him to the Master of Arts in Marine Affairs program at the University of Rhode Island. He hopes to one day contribute to the development of sustainable policies that protect and preserve coastal ecosystems. In his free time, Grayson enjoys hiking, swimming, and boating.