Nina, Associate Program Director, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2015 with a BS in Environmental Science, and a double minor in Biology and Geospatial Technologies. As part of her role, Nina teachers marine science and adventure sports classes, performs water quality research, and maintains relationships with partner schools and organizations. Before joining NESS, she taught marine science at the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, UNCW MarineQuest, Frosty Drew Nature Center, and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association. Nina is also an AmeriCorps alumni; she served two terms with the North Carolina Coastal Federation making immersive education programs more accessible and restoring coastal habitats through living shorelines. Nina is a certified Environmental Educator, kayak instructor, and SCUBA diver. She grew up enjoying the beach in Westerly, RI where she developed her love for the ocean. When not exploring the coast, you can find her playing volleyball, watching Disney movies, cooking, or hanging out with her cat, Oreo!