Coast Team

Logistics Team

Eve Eisemann

UNC Chapel Hill

Eve Eisemann is a PhD student of Geological Sciences advised by Dr. Antonio Rodriguez at the UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences.  She received her BS in Geology at Temple University in 2014 and her MS in Marine Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2016. She worked as a research scientist at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center until 2021. Her current work at UNC focuses on coastal processes from storm impacts on barrier islands to biophysical interactions on estuarine oyster reefs. In her free time, she teaches yoga and likes spending time outdoors with her partner and two dogs.

Research Coordinators 

Alexis Longmire

UNC Chapel Hill

Alexis Longmire is a PhD candidate in ecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill working with Dr. Joel Fodrie at UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences. Rather than studying a particular habitat-type, Alexis researches habitat mosaics and how the broader spatial context of a habitat affects biodiversity, predation, nursery functionality, and more. Previously, she graduated with her B.S. in Biology and Marine Science from the University of Alabama in 2020. Alexis places a strong emphasis on undergraduate mentoring; however, hailing from a rural, southern community herself, Alexis believes it is necessary to educate and uplift people outside of academia, including K-12 students and adults alike. When she’s not working, Alexis can be found collecting shiny/cool things outside and, ultimately, retracing her steps to find her phone.

Amanda Cole

Duke University

Amanda Cole is the Undergraduate Program Coordinator at the Duke University Marine Lab. She has a BS in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston and an MS in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is passionate about supporting undergraduate students in their studies and research endeavors. She previously worked as a marine science instructor, dive instructor, and program manager aboard SeaMester vessels, sailing around the world and teaching students for 5 years. Amanda is a North Carolina native, and she spends much of her free time walking and snuggling with her dog Stella.

Educator Coordinators

Madeline Payne

UNC Chapel Hill

Madeline Payne is a PhD student of Ecology, advised by Dr. Joel Fodrie at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences. She received her BS in Biological Sciences and her BA in World Languages from Southern Methodist University in 2022. Her current work focuses on the economic and ecological role of coastal foundation species (e.g., seagrasses) and the impacts of climate change on the range of these species. In addition to her research, she is passionate about bridging the gap between science and the general public in order to enact effective conservation policies and educate people on the value of protecting the environment. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, crafting, and learning new languages.

Heather Bruck

UNC Chapel Hill

Heather Bruck is a PhD student in the Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences Program (EMES) advised by Dr. Joel Fodrie at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences. She received her BS in Biology from the University of South Carolina in 2023. Her current work centers around marine coastal ecology with a focus on how organismal behavior changes seagrass reproduction and growth. She is passionate about creative communication to wider audiences using art, animations, and writing to share scientific concepts.

Sponsor Coordinators

Bekah Flick

UNC Chapel Hill

Bekah Flick is an Ecology PhD student in Joel Fodrie’s lab at UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences. She graduated with a BS in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Global Sustainability from the University of Virginia in 2018. Her current research focuses on the impact of coastal habitat restoration on ecological communities. Bekah is passionate about scientific outreach and communication and especially enjoys engaging people with the natural world. Outside of work, you can most often find her with her husband and dog, strongly encouraging their own participation in amateur birding. 

Researcher/Educator Liaisons

Emma Dempsey

UNC Chapel Hill

Emma Dempsey is a PhD Student at UNC Chapel Hill in the Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences Department. She received her BA in Communication from SUNY Geneseo in 2018 and her MSc. in Environmental Science from Pace University in 2020. As part of the Noble Lab, she studies coastal water quality with an emphasis on the impacts of wastewater contamination on recreational and fisheries services. She is particularly interested in research at the intersection of marine science and public health. Emma has had several professional roles that led to her interest in SciREN, including working as an Environmental Scientist for the US EPA, an Environmental Educator for a nature center, and a Preschool Teacher!

Social Media & Website Coordinators

Mary Kate Rinderle

UNC Chapel Hill

MK Rinderle is a PhD student in the Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences Program (EMES) advised by Dr. Nathan Hall at UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences. She received her BS in Environmental Sciences from The Ohio State University in 2023. Her research focuses on the biological, chemical, and physical factors driving cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms and strategies to mitigate these blooms. She is passionate about encouraging participation in STEM and helping students navigate the world of research.