Degree program: M.M.A
Year accepted: 2025
Advisor: TBD
Research: Coastal resilience and science communication
Background: B.A. Earth Sciences and Elementary Education with a concentration in Marine Sciences, Rider University
Profile:
Kaylee DiPasquale is a first-year student in the Master of Arts in Marine Affairs program, with a passion for coastal resilience and science communication. Kaylee’s affinity for the marine environment was fostered during her childhood exploring the coast in New Jersey. She also saw firsthand the effects of Hurricane Sandy on her town; she still remembers how they were left without power due to fallen trees from the storm. Kaylee received a Bachelor of Arts in Earth Sciences and Elementary Education, with a concentration in marine science, from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Her degree in Elementary education cultivated her passion for effective science education and communication as she gained experience teaching fourth-grade students.
Additionally, Kaylee gained invaluable experience in research through her work in a plankton ecology lab, studying the effects of prey species concentration on the feeding rate of the dianoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina. After graduating, Kaylee taught Oceanography and Environmental Science lab courses at Brookdale Community College. Her unique combination of experiences as both a researcher and educator poised her to work in community engagement roles, such as the Community Science Program Coordinator for Clean Ocean Action, in which she coordinated water quality monitoring programs and assessed watershed health by engaging volunteer citizen scientists. She strongly believes in hands-on experience as an effective and important form of science communication.
Currently, Kaylee serves as an Administrative Assistant to the Marine Affairs department. She also continues her community engagement efforts through Rhode Island’s Salt Pond Smart program which engages homeowners in best practices for improving water quality near their properties. When Kaylee is not studying, conducting research for her major project, or working, she enjoys running, sailing, and yoga in Newport.