Meet the BOARD & OUR TEAM!
Each member of our organization has a unique contribution. Our board members are involved and willing to serve, we couldn't be what we are today without them and our supporters. Our team members are exceptional human beings who bring their creativity, knowledge, and love for the environment to the benefit of our mission and outreach. Thank you to our board and team members!
BOARD MEMBERS
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Ashley Britt Chelberg (Miller)
Founding President and Senior Researcher [email protected] Hi future scientists! Here is a little bit about myself: I graduated from Nova Southeastern University, home of the Guy Harvey Research Institute in Dania Beach, Florida with a double Master's degree in the fields of Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management. My Master's program was focused on water quality research and genetics, as well as Elasmobranchs. I am a resident of Melbourne Beach, Florida, which is also my hometown. I really enjoy being a mom of 4 tiny humans, surfing, tennis, running, diving, and teaching young people about the marine and coastal ecosystems. One of my favorite marine animals is the shark; all species are awesome, but most of all I love the Bullshark. Yes, don't worry, elasmobranch and turtles are pretty close at the same level of admiration from me! I started Stella Maris Environmental Research in order to share science with all of you! |
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Elizabeth Viau
Chairperson and Chief Research Advisor. My name is Liz Viau. I finished up a Masters of Science at the College of Marine Science in Marine Resource Assessment. Before I moved to the Tampa area, I lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters degree in Marine Biology at Nova Southeastern University. I LOVE fishes and have spent most of my time in school learning about how to protect their populations using Artificial Reefs and Marine Protected Areas. At USF, I study artificial reefs using data analysis and ecological modeling. This branch of fisheries science is very important for the conservation of our essential ocean resources. When I am not in school, I love to spend time outside with my two Australian Shepherds, Chloe and Kaia and mostly my newest son. They love to go hiking, paddle boarding, and to the beach with their mom and dad. I am very excited to share my love for science! |
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Melissa M. Meisenburg
Researcher & Educational Outreach and Coordinator Director. Melissa is an exceptional marine biologist and spends a lot of time helping us with all things sea turtles as well as teaching budding scientists in the Science Explorers program. As an educator, Melissa provides young minds with useful and interesting information while having fun! |
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Lorraine Schulte
Treasurer As Treasurer I hope to help create more opportunities for our youth to learn about marine science! |
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Jenny Ryan
Director Jenny is a wonderful asset to our board! |
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Andrew McCarthy
Strategic Development [email protected] Andrew is our strategy behind the curtain and has a passion for all things relating to the ocean. He has a B.B.A. in Management Information systems and a M.P.S. in Marine Science. Outside of the classroom, he is a certified rescue scuba diver and holds many IT certifications. At Stella, Andrew helps lead our citizen science and technology initiatives. With a strong background in coastal conservation and program development, he is passionate about connecting people with science. When he is not working with us, you can find him leading projects at Northrop Grumman as an IT manager. |
Team members
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Julia Weinbrecht
Lead Naturalist [email protected] Julia is the Lead Naturalist at Stella Maris Environmental Research with a B.S. in Biomathematics and an M.S. in Aquatic Environmental Science. She has previous experience in education/outreach, scuba diving, and sea turtle conservation. At Stella, she continues to have a positive impact on the local community by enhancing education programs, leading administration tasks, helping to raise awareness about stormwater pollution prevention, and assisting on research projects. She is working as a Lead Researcher for the first time through a Stella Maris research project and she is very excited! |
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Shannon Auth
Animal Scientist and Curriculum & Education Specialist [email protected] Shannon is an Animal Scientist and Curriculum & Education Specialist with a passion for creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. With a background in animal science, dairy science, and agriculture, she develops and writes engaging curriculum that connects students to animals, science, and the natural world. Her work is shaped by a wide range of experience in animal care and education, including managing animal programs, supporting veterinary settings, and working in wildlife rehabilitation. She believes that when students are given the opportunity to experience science firsthand, they build confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a lasting connection to the world around them. When she’s not teaching, Shannon can be found exploring nature and creating alongside her three tiny humans—gardening, cooking, making art, and capturing everyday moments through photography. Being a mama to her three tiny humans is at the heart of who she is, and together they share a love for animals and the outdoors, building a deep connection to the natural world through their daily lives. |
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Joy Winet
Sea Turtle Night Walks Lead |