Interns

Julia Keiser is a rising junior at Lehigh University studying environmental science and engineering.  She grew up on Barnegat Island and has a passion for protecting the ecologically sensitive area.  As an intern, Julia is creating interactive maps surrounding the history of Save Barnegat Bay, which will showcase the accomplishments of SBB and their efforts in protecting the area she is so passionate about.

Jackie is a rising sophomore at Dickinson College where she is majoring in Environmental Studies and English and pursuing a Food Studies certificate. She grew up spending summers in Seaside Park and working in Lavallette, developing a deep love for the Bay and ocean. As she began learning about the threats to our home at the Jersey Shore through environmental classes, she became passionate about protecting it, sustainability, and communicating the science behind it all to the public. Jackie is so excited to work as an Education and Outreach intern this summer conveying to others the need to protect the Barnegat Bay and what we can do to make a difference.

Samantha Tomkowich is a Junior at Stockton University studying marine biology. She has created an educational program for “This Way to Barnegat Bay” that teaches young people how to identify native plants. She has a passion for education and has helped with festivals and school presentations throughout her time. As a result of Sam’s internship at Save Barnegat Bay and passion, Sam will continue her work at the American Littoral Society this summer.

Molly Robinson graduated in June 2017 from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. Molly will be going on to study environmental science at the University of Rochester in the fall. She will be working on creating educational displays for the public at the new Save Barnegat Bay EcoCenter this summer as well as assisting with outreach events.

Hazel Bess is a junior at Franklin & Marshall College, where she will complete her BA in History by Spring 2017. Because of her interest in archival science she is very excited to be working with the Pete McLain collection, housing and digitizing photographs of Barnegat Bay wildlife. Hazel grew up sailing on Barnegat Bay and is passionate about ensuring the survival of its history as well as the bay itself.

Christopher Campise graduated in 2015 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. As an avid swimmer, he has always understood the importance of protecting the waters of Barnegat Bay. He is currently a rising 2L at Rutgers Law, and has worked with our advocacy team on strengthening New Jersey’s landmark fertilizer law, NJSA 58:10A-61, and on seeking the implementation of new laws prohibiting the use of urea as an ice-melt.

Michelle Gerardo graduated in May 2017 from Kean University with a BS in Marketing. She has a passion for creativity and design. Michelle has been working on signature education brochures and business card displays for the public and the Barnegat Bay EcoCenter.

Joanna Peluso graduated in December 2014 from The College of NJ, with a Bachelor of Arts is Sociology, interdisciplinary concentration in Environmental Studies. Joanna  joined us in January and has worked on our Fertilizer Challenge as well as various education programs. She will be assisting us this summer with the development of two new education programs.

Kristin Ryerson recent graduate of Delaware Valley University, with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management, minor in Environmental Science. She is currently a graduate student at Stockton University, studying Environmental Science. With Kristin’s strong background in Conservation, she will be assisting in Education & Outreach with the development of two new programs.

Victoria Esler is a senior at Monmouth University, Victoria will complete her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in the Spring of 2016. Since she is interested in pursuing a career in law, with a concentration in environmental activism, we are glad she has joined our advocacy team. With guidance, she will be assisting us in developing our new young advocates program, Barnegat Bay Defenders.

Roberto Nieves was a recent graduate of Stockton University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. As Staff Writer and Photographer for The Argo, Stockton’s newspaper, he will be working with our media consultant, Chris Landi, to develop a stronger internet presence through video blogs, website updates, and our podcasts. As a volunteer with Stockton’s Water Watch group, he is already familiar with the many water-related issues our area faces every day.

Hayley Kunkle is a junior at Boston College studying environmental science. She has a passion for marine life and conservation, and grew up visiting LBI and Point Pleasant in the summers. As an outreach intern, she is working on updating and developing new displays for fundraisers and festivals, as well as creating content for the SBB website.

Blair Dewing is a 2017 graduate of Washington and Lee University with a major in Biology. She grew up sailing and kayaking on Barnegat Bay, which instilled in her an early love for the area and the people who live here. Because of her love of the environment and her experience interacting with students at home and abroad, Blair is so excited to work as an Education and Outreach intern this summer, helping others to learn how they can better maintain and appreciate Barnegat Bay.

Breanna DeCaro is a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a degree in Urban Policy and Spanish Language. Her dedication to advocating for environmental issues, as well as her studies in university have lead her to become the Advocacy and Policy intern here at Save Barnegat Bay. She takes other sustainable initiatives while at school, including working as the Operations Manager at a thrift store on campus dedicated to reducing textile waste and promoting re-use.

Lara Beck was an intern with Save Barnegat Bay for the Summer of 2018. She is currently a Senior at Stockton University majoring in Environmental Science. During this internship, Lara created a map of Brown’s Woods where the Ecocenter is located, along with a subwatershed map of the Barnegat Bay Watershed that will be used in outreach and education efforts. In addition, Lara helped with education and outreach programs and other side projects around the Ecocenter. Lara has a passion for preserving the ecosystem she has been around her whole life including the Barnegat Bay and the Pine Barrens.