Caroline Ferguson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Hillary Smith, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Sahir Advani, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Theresa Burnham, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Inspired by my training as an ecologist and a deep respect for the unique cultures supported by marine fisheries, my current research aims to describe the socioeconomic impact of Maine’s lobster fishery on fishermen and coastal communities. The collaborative American Lobster Fishery Social Indicators Project I co-lead with Josh Stoll is combining local knowledge and spatially explicit economic data to identify meaningful indicators of resilience in the fishery. Beyond this particular project, I am committed to contributing to an inclusive and open academic community that celebrates participation from all. In my free time, I like to make ice cream with ingredients from my garden and spend time on the beach with my family.

Contact information:
Email: theresa.burnham@maine.edu
Twitter: @CALobsterLady
Website: theresaluburnham.com

Tolulope Oyikeke, PhD Student

Joelle Kilchenmann, PhD Student

A graduate of Northeastern University and the Three Seas Program, I am now a first year student pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Science, working to develop research questions at the intersection of environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of coastal communities. As climate change exacerbates existing inequities in resource-dependent communities, I aim to conduct research that prioritizes the perspectives of fishermen and highlights the sociocultural value commercial fishing provides to the state of Maine. When I’m not supporting the fishing industry by snacking on lobster rolls, you can find me in the woods, probably in a hammock – with a book.

Contact information:
Email: joelle.kilchennman@maine.edu

Melissa Rhodes-Reese, PhD Student

My research examines how management practices influence fishing participation while developing methods to bridge data gaps to inform equitable policy decisions. I plan to use my experience to contribute to the development of social and well-being indicators for individuals as well as fishery dependent communities by integrating economic, health and demographic data to improve the representation of human dimensions in Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management. I am looking forward to applying what I have learned in nearly a decade and a half of living, studying and working in Southeast Alaska while learning about new systems as a PhD student in the Stoll Lab.

Contact information:
Email: melissa.rhodesreese@maine.edu
Google Scholar
Research Gate

Krissa Davis, Graduate Student

I am a graduate of the University of Alaska Southeast Fisheries Technology Program. I started a career in the seafood processing industry in Alaska in 2013 and worked in positions including Quality Assurance and Fleet Management. I completed my undergraduate degree of Marine Science at the University of Maine in 2021. I’m returning to the lab as a graduate student in the School of Marine Policy. During my Assistantship I will be working collaboratively with Maine Sea Grant and the Wabanaki Tribal Nations to address tribal needs in Marine Policy. I’m passionate about creating localized food systems that support food sovereignty, equitable access to resources, and educational programs for youth interested in working in fisheries. Gunalchéesh (thank you) to the People of the Dawnland for the opportunity to work on Wabanaki land.

Contact information:
Email: krissa.davis@maine.edu

Alessandra Moulton, Graduate Student

I received a BA in environmental science from Colby College, where I studied gender access in Maine fisheries and aquaculture. After receiving my BA, I worked in food systems for two years at an oyster farm, mushroom farm, and soup kitchen. At UMaine, I study food sovereignty, sustainable food systems, and social justice within the U.S. seafood sector. I am interested in how we can transform our food system to create a nexus between environmental and societal health and personal well-being.

Contact information:
Email: alessandra.moulton@maine.edu

Abbey Conley, Administrative Associate (CL3)

Turning a childhood dream into an accomplished career, I have been a Licensed Veterinary Technologist at New England Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, Smithsonian National Zoo and Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.  Working with Zebras to Zebra sharks, I had to adapt after a back injury stopped my physical lifting days. I have since managed a Spay and Neuter Clinic, a professional Fish Veterinary Membership Organization and now I am happy to provide administrative support for all the wonderfully smart and ambitious members of the Social Oceans Laboratory.  Located outside Richmond, VA, I have a small flock of pet sheep and their guard llama, Emilio, along with many other animals.

Contact information:
Email: abbey.conley@maine.edu