Meet the team behind THE
Ocean Identity INITIATIVE.
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Miriah M. Russo Kelly, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor - Southern Connecticut State University
miriahkelly.comMiriah is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. Dr. Kelly’s teaching and research focuses on the human dimensions of ocean and coastal climate change issues. Dr. Kelly works in the area of environmental management and decision-making and studies collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex environmental problems. Dr. Kelly is also dedicated to translational environmental sciences, including environmental communication, environmental education, and environmental engagement.
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Jo-Marie Kasinak, M.S.
Co-Investigator
Instructor- Sacred Heart University, P.hD. candidate- University of Connecticut
Project LimulusIn addition to teaching several classes, managing labs at Sacred Heart University, and working towards her Ph.DJo-Marie also serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Project Limulus.
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Emma McKinley, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator
Research Fellow- Cardiff University
AboutAs the Founder and Chair of the Marine Social Network, Emma’s research interests include marine/coastal ecosystem and social sciences along with ocean governance. She is an expert in stakeholder engagement and effective involved at all geographic scales.
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Jamie Vaudrey, Ph.D.
Outreach Consultant
Associate Investigator- University of Connecticut
AboutWorking as an associate professor in the Marine Sciences department at UConn has given Jamie a unique perspective into the anthropogenic effects on marine and coastal zones. Additionally, her experience on several Connecticut-based workgroups has been critical in understanding the linkage between coastlines and developments.
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Graham Templeman
Graduate Research Assistant
Graduate Student- Southern Connecticut State UniversityBringing the experience to match the interest to the table, Graham has a profound respect for understanding the connection between humans and marine/coastal creatures. Serving an intern for Project Limulus has especially motivated him to further his research on horseshoe crabs.
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Bri Perigyi
ToolKit and Data Consultant
Student- Southern Connecticut State University
LinkedInBriana Perigyi, an ambitious undergraduate student, will be graduating with her B.A. in psychology with a concentration in clinical mental health. She has worked under Dr. Christopher J. Budnick to develop proficient skills in laboratory management and quantitative data analysis. In addition to grant and manuscript writing, Briana has won several research grants totaling over $12,000. She has presented her research at regional, national, and international conferences and maintained professional affiliations with the APA, WSH, EPA, and APS. Beginning in Fall 2024, she will continue to cultivate skills in survey design and research data management as she pursues her doctoral studies in psychology.
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Christopher J. Budnick
Survey Design and Statistical Analysis Consultant
Assistant Professor - Southern Connecticut State UniversityChristopher J. Budnick earned his Ph.D. in social, industrial, and organizational psychology with an emphasis on quantitative research design from Northern Illinois University. He is a tenured Associate Professor at Southern Connecticut State University where he has published several peer-reviewed empirical research articles, book chapters, and applied publications. Dr. Budnick also has presented his research nationally and internationally and serves on the Editorial Board for Stress and Health and the Reviewer Board for the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. He maintains membership in several professional associations (APA, SIOP, APS) and is the Membership Director for the Society for Occupational Health Psychology.
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Caitlin McLaughlin
Resource Coordinator
Masters of Envionmental StudiesCaitlin’s research interest include helping better understand the connections between nature and society through an empathetic, holistic approach. She has been working with this project as part of her Masters work and hopes to see it continue to grow.
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Diana Adams
Brand Identity and Web Development
Graphic Designer
WebsiteDiana is a graphic designer responsible for the visual identity and website development for the Ocean Identity Initiative.
In RemembraNCE.
Jennifer H. Mattei, Ph.D.
Associate Investigator
Professor - Sacred Heart University
Boundless appreciation goes to Jennifer Mattei as being a true inspiration and heart of this project. Her enthusiasm for marine social science was felt by all those who knew her and she will be remembered in the work this project continues to do going forward.
Honor Dr. Mattei’s memory by donating to an undergraduate research scholarship at Sacred Heart in her honor.