This is Erin’s 3rd year with BIMI. She has taken on the role as Director in her second year at BIMI, moving up from her previous position as the Operations Manager. Erin graduated from the Coast Guard Academy (CGA) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Environmental Science. She is a Coast Guard veteran with extensive experience in living marine resources, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection. Following her military service, Erin worked in the classroom and volunteered with the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Clinic, where she assisted in the rehabilitation of injured and sick marine mammals. Erin’s time at sea and hands-on work has cultivated a profound appreciation for marine life and oceanographic sciences. She is eager to bring her leadership skills, classroom experience and dedication to the marine environment to her new role.

This is Cole’s second year with BIMI as the Operations Manager. Cole holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Roger Williams University and has experience breeding several different kinds of marine ornamental fish and invertebrates. He got his start at the Roger Williams University Marine Ornamental Aquaculture Lab and hasn’t looked back since. He has interned with the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and spent the last couple years before coming to BIMI helping to build, develop, and grow a marine wholesale startup. Growing up on the coast, Cole has always loved the water and its inhabitants and is looking forward to passing on that passion to others at BIMI!

This is Evan’s second season working at BIMI, and this summer he will be stepping into the role of Fishing Academy Supervisor. Last year, he served as the Conservation Outreacher, splitting time between marine education and conducting seal population research at the North Light. Evan graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2025 and currently works with the Connecticut DEEP as a technician in the Wildlife Furbearer Program, studying fisher and black bear activity across CT. Passionate about wildlife in all forms, Evan is excited to return to BIMI and spend another summer immersed in one of the Northeast’s most unique and dynamic coastal ecosystems!

This is Shea’s first year working for BIMI as the Junior Ambassador Marine Educator. She is a recent graduate from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resources. While at Clemson, she participated in a Conservation of Marine Resources lab, focusing on coral reef ecology. After graduation, Shea spent the fall teaching outdoor environmental education in Massachusetts. She is currently finishing up an internship at a marine research station in Ireland, and is excited to return home to join the BIMI team for the summer!

This is Matt’s first year working for BIMI as a Marine Educator. Matt is a current senior at Frostburg State University where he is majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries with a concentration in professional fisheries management. Matt spent his last few summers working for his home state of New Jersey as a Seasonal Fisheries Technician and a Terrapin Researcher. Matt has grown up his whole life studying and researching oceans and waterways around the east coast and New England Area, and is beyond excited to join the BIMI team this year!

This is Annika’s first year working for BIMI as a Marine Educator and Fishing Academy Assistant. Annika is originally from Virginia and will be completing their final year at William and Mary studying under an exciting new major program in Coastal and Marine Sciences and Biology. Annika is especially interested in investigating how marine environments respond to human activity and is dedicated to marine conservation, working with the Plastic Pollution Lab to understand the impact of road activity on the Chesapeake Bay. Annika has grown up visiting Block Island and discovered their passion for marine science at Andy’s Way and Coast Guard Beach. Bringing that experience to BIMI, Annika is excited to share their love for Block Island and the coast through their work with BIMI!

This is Seton’s first year joining the BIMI team as a Marine Educator!  Growing up on the Jersey Shore sparked an awe of marine ecosystems and a dream of working to conserve them.  She followed this passion up the east coast to Salve Regina University to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology & environmental science in May 2026.  She is thrilled to join the BIMI team to share her knowledge on coastal ecology and continue to explore and learn about the natural world on Block Island!

This is Celeste’s second summer working for BIMI as a Marine Education Intern. She is a rising senior at the University of Rhode Island, where she is studying Biotechnology with a minor in Cell and Molecular Biology. At URI, she is a lab assistant at the Wildlife Genetics and Ecology lab, a URI 101 mentor, and an ambassador for her college. During her free time, she loves going to concerts, reading, and spending time with her friends, family, and cat Puma. Growing up in Providence, RI, she has always had a deep love for the ocean and grew up taking day trips to Block Island. This summer, Celeste is excited to leverage her experiences from last year to help inspire the next generation of scientists and is eager to share her passion for science and animals with all!

This is Ella’s second time working for BIMI as a Junior Intern. Ella has been visiting the island since she was little and has been passionate about Marine Biology for as long as she can remember. Every summer she and her family stay on their boat in the Great Salt Pond of Block Island which has further expanded her curiosity and wonder of Marine life. In Ella’s free time she enjoys exploring nature and playing ice hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse. This summer she is looking forward to learning more and sharing her love with Block Island.

This is Luke’s first year working with BIMI as a Junior Marine Educator Intern. Luke is a junior at Pomfret School, and is pursuing a STEM certificate focused on tech and sustainability. Growing up in Connecticut, he has been visiting Block Island his entire life, and has been a seasonal resident since 2019. In his free time, you’ll find him hiking, biking, or out on the water. He is looking forward to spreading his love for nature and Block Island with BIMI!