Research Assistants Join the Research and Conservation Team

by Dr. Lisa Ferguson, Director of Research and Conservation

in elementary school to The Wetlands Institute and being mesmerized with everything that it encompasses. This organization and its passion for research, conservation, and education, is one of the reasons why I have fallen in love with the natural sciences field. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work as the Coastal Bird Research Assistant, and it feels so full circle and so surreal. Working closely with birds has always been a dream of mine and now I get to fulfill that dream working with The Wetlands Institute!”

This summer we are lucky to have two Research Assistants adding to projects in our Coastal Bird and Diamondback Terrapin programs. They each bring experience and energy that is helping our team get all the good work done!

Christine Albrecht, a recent graduate from Stockton University, is building on her studies in Environmental Science and Wildlife Management and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation by joining our Coastal Bird Program. Christine said it best: “Growing up in Cape May County, I can remember going on field trips

Sarah Broadway, a graduate from Colorado State University, brings her passion for turtle ecology and conservation and her

Coastal Conservation Research Program

We welcomed our 2023 CCRP interns in the Luing Family Internship Program just in time for the official start of summer. After several full days of training, they began their 10-week adventure conducting their independent projects and contributing to studies in our coastal bird and diamondback terrapin programs. Join us in welcoming:

Darby Brant, Stockton University

Kaycee Doherty, Catawba College

Rachel Helt, Lebanon Valley College

Rebecca Miller, Stockton University

Oliver Puckett, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi

Carly Shaw, Flagler College varied experience studying herpetofauna to our diamondback terrapin and Eastern box turtle projects. Sarah shared: “Since receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I’ve held various seasonal positions and worked in many different environments, ranging from the high desert of central Oregon to the longleaf pine savanna of southern Georgia, and now the wetlands of southern New Jersey! I’ve assisted in the monitoring of six different turtle species across the eastern US, but none of them are quite like the diamondback terrapin. I’m so excited to learn more about these turtles, and all the species that inhabit this beautiful and unique ecosystem! This opportunity is a great way for me to gain a better understanding of wetland ecology and conservation.”

Environmental Education Program

And they’re off! Our Environmental Education Interns are spending 12 weeks leading public education programs and designing their own independent projects, all while immersing themselves in the unique environment of the surrounding salt marsh and barrier islands. Jumping in with both feet first, they look forward to meeting you:

Fiona Buck, Stockton University

Julia Dahms, Eckerd College

Hannah Delahaye, Towson University

Hannah Drahusz, Millersville University

Mark your calendars so you can join us to see the results of their summer projects at The Wetlands Institute’s Annual Intern Symposium on July 31!

Tidepool Shop

Helping people make connections to nature is at the heart of The Wetlands Institute, and the Tidepool Shop carries a variety of nature-themed books and gifts designed to fire the imagination and inspire people to explore the world around them.

One of the surest ways to engage the mind and delight the senses is with a well-crafted boardgame – and we have a selection of carefully curated games that do the trick. From the beautiful and award-winning Wingspan, to the whimsical and charming Bug Bingo, we have something for game enthusiasts of all ages. There’s even a birder’s trivia game designed by the renowned David Sibley, sure to challenge even the most serious birder!

Stop in to the Tidepool Shop and bring the fun home today! As always, your purchase directly supports our important work here at The Wetlands Institute.

Meet Devon Patchel

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Devon Patchel joined The Wetlands Institute as the Administrative Coordinator in March 2023. She works closely with our Executive Director and the Development and Communications team, specifically focused on special event coordinating and fundraising efforts. Prior to joining the team here at TWI, Devon worked for Stockton University, her alma mater, first as the Program Assistant for the Holocaust and Genocide Dual Credit Program, then as the Program Director at the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage, a satellite campus of Stockton University.

In her leisure time, she enjoys crafts and gardening – specifically growing gourmet mushrooms. She also spends a lot of time outdoors, hiking and kayaking, and is very much looking forward to gaining a whole new understanding about the wonderful wildlife we are lucky to see when out “in nature” at the Jersey Shore.