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This is Valerie’s ninth year with BIMI. Over the past eight years, she has developed a strong appreciation for both the natural environment and community of block Island. She is looking forward to welcoming visitors to BIMI this summer and hopes that through her role as Director that she can encourage others to appreciate and care for both the unique ecosystem of Block Island as well as the world at large. Valerie has a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island (URI) along with graduate certificates in Hydrology and Remote Sensing and GIS. She previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from URI and worked for over twenty years in social services before pursuing environmental studies. She believes strongly in the benefits of science education and the positive impacts of being outdoors.
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This is Erin’s first year working for BIMI as our Operation’s Manager. Erin graduated from the Coast Guard academy with a B.S. in Marine Environmental Science. She is a Coast Guard veteran with a strong background in living marine resources and environmental protection. Erin’s time sailing the seas has deepened her love of marine life and oceanological sciences. In her free time, she enjoys playing frisbee with her pup, Scout, and being out on the water as much as possible. She is looking forward to sharing her love and passion for the ocean on Block Island!
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This will be Caroline's first year working for BIMI. Caroline recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA where she has gained experience working with a diverse range of avian predators and reptiles, including a year spent living at the Raystown Lake Field Station. She has a strong background leading and teaching children and young adults in nature programs. Caroline's roots trace back to San Diego, CA, where her passion for the ocean and fascination with its inhabitants blossomed. While the ocean remains her favorite place, Caroline’s love for wildlife led her to travel the world and study Africa's large mammals in Kenya. She aspires to pursue a career in cetacean (whale and dolphin) conservation and environmental education. Some of her favorite hobbies include snorkeling, snowboarding/skiing, surfing, playing rugby, boating, kayaking, and most recently scuba diving!
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This is Jasmine's second year working at BIMI, but third year being involved with them! She is currently a junior at Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in Biology and Scientific Research. Jasmine has been involved in many different organizations from doing Invention Convention all throughout school, to running a robotics and coding club, presenting for google Edtech, and publishing a children's book "Our Beautiful World" as well as "Friends with the Ocean". She has also been drawing species of turtles for SEE Turtles to raise money for sea turtle research. Since highschool, Jasmine has been conducting research on sharks and is doing a research project this summer at BIMI on sharks and electromagnetic mapping! She hopes to continue her passion for education through media and art, as well as her passion for science and research on the island this summer!
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This will be Meghan’s first summer working at BIMI. Meghan is a rising senior at Roger Williams University, majoring in Marine Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Sustainability Studies. Originally from Connecticut, her love for the ocean and marine life started at a young age from visiting the beach in Westerly, Rhode Island and traveling to Block Island every summer since she was born. Her career interests include marine research, rescue and rehabilitation, and conservation. She hopes to share her love for the ocean and nature with others on Block Island!
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This is Heidi's 1st summer working with BIMI. Heidi graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in Visual Media Photography. She is a creative strategist, working to combine science with art and ensuring the preservation of the natural world. After working with the Paleontological Research Institute at the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, NY, Heidi’s strives to capture the beauty and wonder of the planet. Moving forward from a creative perspective has led Heidi to BIMI, where hands-on experience will help her reach her goal of educating the public about the ecosystems on and around Block Island.
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After volunteering with BIMI last summer, Lorrie will be returning as Lead Marine Educator. She has been vactioning on Block Island since the 60's and currently she and her husband are spending summers at their cottage on Corn Neck Road. She is a retired Oceanology Teacher and Director of an Outdoor Education Center with Regional District #13 in Connecticut, an Officer with the Southeast New England Marine Educators, and a National Ocean Science Bowl Coach for 16 years. Lorrie is a maple syrup producer, organic farmer and kayaker with a passionate love for sunsets, seahorses and salt water.
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This will be Aidan’s 1st year working for BIMI but he has been volunteering for the past 3. He has been coming to the island since he was born, as his family built a house on Block Island in 1972. Aidan has been developing a passion for Marine Biology since he was young and enjoys all the animals around Block Island. When Aidan is not volunteering he enjoys fishing, biking, and swimming.
Block Island Maritime Institute: 216 Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807

Phone: (401) 500-3501
Email: info@blockislandmaritime.org

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Block Island Maritime Institute. All Rights Reserved.
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