Meet the Rosenstiel School Peer Counselors, student mentors who help incoming and prospective students navigate academics and campus life. Use the buttons below to filter counselors by major, or browse everyone. Click Read Full Bio on any card to see a counselor's full story, and check the badge on their photo for their favorite marine organism. Don't hesitate to email any counselor directly with questions!
Our Peer Counselors
AIHead Peer Counselor
Anastasia Ippolito
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyMathematicsClass of 2027
Hi everyone! I'm Anastasia Ippolito from Annapolis, Maryland, and I'm a senior studying Marine Biology and Ecology with a minor in Mathematics. I'm a NOAA Hollings Scholar, Head Counselor for the Rosenstiel Peer Counselor Program, Merchandise Officer for the Scuba Club, and a member of the Women's Club Soccer Team. My research experiences have taken me from studying abroad through the University of Miami's UGalapagos program to an NSF-funded internship at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, where I conducted oyster restoration research. Through the NOAA Hollings Scholarship, I spent this summer at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole studying how pile driving affects marine mammal presence in Southern New England using passive acoustic monitoring. As I start my senior year at Miami, I look forward to my senior thesis and welcoming the next class of marine scientists! Outside of research, I enjoy running, scuba diving, beach days, music, going to flea markets and spending time with friends. I look forward to getting to know you all - so don't hesitate to reach out!
AM
Abigail Mikes
Peer Counselor
Marine Affairs and English (Creative Writing)Ecosystem Science and PolicyClass of 2027
Hi everyone! My name is Abby, and I'm a junior from Arizona double majoring in marine affairs and English with a minor in ecosystem science and policy. At UM, I am involved in Rho Rho Rho, ESG Honor Society, and PAD. I am also the treasurer for FLOAT and a fundraising chair for Ocean Awareness Week. In my free time, I love reading, writing, cooking, and spending as much time as possible by the ocean. I'm so excited to meet you all! Feel free to reach out with any questions!
AM
Alex Morgan
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyMarine PolicyClass of Fall 2026
Hi everyone! My name is Alex, and I am from Sarasota, FL. I am a senior studying Marine Biology and Ecology with a minor in Marine Policy. On campus, I am a member of the Scuba Club, Rho Rho Rho, and a current Saltwater Semester student! My research experience dates back to my freshman year, when I was a research assistant with Mote Marine Laboratory, assisting researchers with the use of SEMs, specifically on stingray barb morphology and the microstructures involved in venom secretion and delivery. This semester, as a Saltwater Semester student, I will be continuing my research journey in collaborative research on coral and invertebrate ecology, physiology, and conservation, while gaining more experience with data collection in the field, ecological monitoring, and data analysis. I am also a creative intern with the Shark Research and Conservation Program here at UM, using photography to contribute to education and outreach, research, and conservation within shark science. I am a huge shark nerd, and my research interests center on elasmobranch physiology, reproductive behavior, and social behavior! In my free time, I love photography, traveling, diving, writing, going to the beach, and spending time with my friends. I am so excited to be a peer counselor and am here to help. I can't wait to meet you all, so please reach out with any questions! Go Canes!
AM
Amelia Myers
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and Ecology, Ecosystem Science and PolicyClass of 2027
Hello! I'm Amelia, a rising senior from Evanston, Illinois (right outside Chicago)! I am double-majoring in Marine Biology & Ecology and Ecosystem Science & Policy. On campus and beyond, I serve as President of SCUBA Club, VP of Education for the Amazon Rainforest Conservancy, a member of Rho Rho Rho, and a NOAA Hollings Scholar. For the past two years, I've worked in Dr. Langdon's Coral Lab studying how alkalinity enhancement treatments increase coral growth. This summer, I'm at NOAA GLERL studying invasive mussel reproduction in the Great Lakes. I also intern with Debris Free Oceans, a local non-profit focused on zero-waste initiatives, and spent last spring conducting field research in the Galapagos Islands! In my free time, I love diving, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends. Feel free to reach out with any questions (parents too!). I can't wait to meet you all!
BT
Bowen Tullo
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyClass of 2028
Hi all! My name is Bowen Tullo, and I'm a junior from Connecticut studying Marine Biology and Ecology. Throughout my undergraduate career at UM, I have gotten involved in many of the marine science-oriented activities on campus. Currently, I am serving on the e-board of UMAC as the saltwater aquarium manager, as well as being an active member of Rho Rho Rho and Scuba Club. I also volunteer my time with the Lirman Lab doing coral husbandry. I spent this past summer as a Carolan Foundation fellow with the Rescue a Reef program, during which I conducted citizen science diving expeditions and participated in hands-on field work with corals. Alongside working with you in the fall, I will be participating in the Saltwater Semester program in the coral ecology track. Outside of my career ventures, I fill my time with rock climbing, recreational diving, my fish tanks, and music (I played the sax in the marching band!). I'm so excited to meet you - reach out if you have any questions about getting involved!
BM
Brian Mulvey
Peer Counselor
Marine Science/Geological SciencesClass of 2027
Hi everyone! My name is Brian Mulvey and I am a senior in marine and geological sciences from White Plains, NY. In my time at The U I've had a variety of experiences from assisting biology research in the Amazon to photographing UM vs tOSU at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. I'm still very much figuring out my path and am super excited to be a resource to help find yours. For my experience in labs and research, I started with plankton surveys for herpetology studies, to amazon tree fruit dispersal field work then lab work, and now I work in the Carbonate Sedimentology Lab working on paleoreef cores from Mozambique and with the Shark Research and Conservation (SRC) program as a creative media intern (onboard photographer). Outside of RSMAES and research, I am one of the photo editors at the student newspaper The Miami Hurricane, work at Outdoor Adventures in Lakeside, and founded UShred surfing and skateboarding club. I spent my summer working at a fly fishing store in Montana on the Missouri River. I look forward to meeting y'all and sharing my insight to The U!
CK
Caroline Kaleda
Peer Counselor
Marine Science and Biology (Pre Veterinary Track)Class of 2029
Hi everyone! My name is Caroline Kaleda and I am a sophomore double majoring in marine science and biology on the pre-veterinary track from Washington, DC. Besides being a peer counselor, I am involved in the Marine Mammal Rescue Team (where I got my stranding certification), Scuba Club, intramural flag football, Canes for Canines, and serve as the Secretary for the Pre-Veterinary Club. As for research, I have contributed to biodiversity surveys for various labs over the years, including coral surveys in the British Virgin Islands. At UM, I'm starting in the Sikkel Lab this fall to collect data on Gnathiids and the symbiotic relationships they have with their hosts and environment. I also spent this summer learning the basics of veterinary medicine as a Kennel Assistant at a small animal clinic. In my free time I love working out, scuba diving, hanging out at the beach, and exploring new spots around Miami with my friends. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have any questions!
JS
Jose Solorzano
Peer Counselor
OceanographyMarine PolicyClass of 2027
Hi everyone! My name is Jose and I'm from Miami, FL. I'm excited to begin my last semester at the U as an Oceanography major. I have so much love for this school as it has opened many doors for me. On campus, I am the co-Vice President for Rho Rho Rho and have served on the Ocean Awareness Week committee. I'm active in clubs like UShred, Scuba, and the UM Aquarium club. I love oceanography because it is so multidisciplinary; it is the study of the ocean's biology, geology, physics, and more. My interests in physical oceanography have taken me on research cruises with groups like STEMSEAS, the NOAA Western Boundary Time Series, and the C-Streams project. Through my NOAA Hollings scholarship, I recently completed an internship in Hawai'i investigating changes in the oxygen minimum zone of the North Pacific. I also studied abroad last semester in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, as part of the UGalápagos program. These experiences and more have taught me field work skills, coding, data analysis, public speaking, and more. I feel very prepared for life after graduation! Outside of school, I enjoy water sports like surfing, swimming, and diving. I enjoy all genres of music, especially classical since I play piano. I can't wait to meet you all soon! It's going to be a great semester.
JC
Julia Craig
Peer Counselor
Marine AffairsEcosystem Science and PolicyClass of Fall 2026
Hello! My name is Julia Craig and I'm a Senior from Sarasota, Florida studying Marine Affairs and Ecosystem Science and Policy! On campus, I'm on the Executive Board for my Greek Life Organization, I serve as the Waste Divergence Chair for ECO Agency, and I'm a member of Rho Rho Rho and Scuba Club. I also volunteer in the Coral Reef Futures Laboratory. This summer, I am working for Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation Program as a Relocation Technician, moving sea turtle nests and monitoring nesting activity during an ongoing nourishment project on Venice Beach. I have been involved with this organization since 2024, where I began as an STCRP Intern. My experience with this program has furthered my interest in sea turtle conservation, research, and policy. I am so excited to welcome you all to the Rosenstiel family! Please reach out with any questions!
KC
Kalyani Chauhan
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyHistory, Disaster Relief & Humanitarian AidClass of 2029
Hey there! My name is Kalyani Chauhan, and I'm from Chantilly, Virginia (just 30 minutes from DC!). I'm a second year student studying Marine Biology & Ecology and double minoring in History, and Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Aid with an interest in conservation and political science. I'm a member of the Aquarium Club, Rho Rho Rho, and am also volunteering with the Phillip & Patricia Frost Science Museum as a MUVE volunteer for habitat restoration in Virginia Key! During my sophomore year, I'm hoping to get more involved in different labs and continue to build my experience by interning and volunteering with different non profits and organizations outside of my classes. I'm also serving as a RA for the '26-'27 school year in Ibis, and planning to continue my volunteering efforts during the term. I've always worked in education to help others learn, and I look forward to continuing to do so during my time at UM! I love doing research and hope to be able to do more this year, but outside of that I love reading, swimming, watching movies (especially Marvel and Star Wars), going to the beach, listening to music, and spending time with friends! I'm excited to get to know UM's future marine scientists, and feel free to reach out to me whenever! "Sea" you later!
MR
Mae Ramsey
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyClass of 2029
Hi guys! My name is Mae Ramsey, and I'm from Nashville Tennessee. I am a sophomore majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology on the pre-Veterinary path. I am currently the social media manager for the Marine Mammal Rescue Team at UM, as well as a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, SCUBA club, and Rho Rho Rho. I haven't done any research yet, but I'm hoping to get involved in something related to marine animal studies in the close future! Outside of school I love SCUBA diving, crafting, doing theatre, making jewelry, getting coffee, thrifting, and hiking. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
MP
Maggie Padavan
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyEcosystem Science and PolicyClass of 2028
Hi everyone! My name is Maggie Padavan, and I'm from Long Island, NY. I'm a junior majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology, with a minor in Ecosystem Science and Policy. In addition to being a peer counselor, I'm the president of Marine Mammal Rescue Team, vice president of FLOAT, social media chair for genCLEO, and an ECO representative for ECO Agency. I am also an active member of numerous other organizations. My research experience dates back to the beginning of my sophomore year, where I began volunteering with the Coral Reef Futures Lab. Here, I maintain coral fragments through regular algae removal and husbandry practices to support ongoing coral reef research. I also assisted research associate Julia Caifero on "The Redundancy Project", an initiative where the coral researchers identify and propagate genotypes that are not in abundance at the facility. As part of this initiative, I gained valuable laboratory skills, including tile preparation with genotype information, coral fragging, and inventory management. As I start my junior year, I am looking forward to studying abroad in the Galápagos Islands during the spring semester through the UGalápagos Marine Science Program. Outside of research, I enjoy going to the beach, snorkeling and SCUBA diving, listening to music (especially Noah Kahan), and spending quality time with my friends and family. I am very excited to welcome you all to the Rosenstiel family! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions :)
MC
Margaret Coulter
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyMarine PolicyClass of 2028
Hi everyone! My name is Margaret Coulter, and I am from Media, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. I am a Junior, majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology with a minor in Marine Policy. On campus, I am an active member of Rho Rho Rho, FLOAT, and SCUBA Club. In addition to serving as a peer counselor, I have served as a Biology Workshop leader, helping my peers connect to the class material and excel in Biology 150, and I served as a notetaker for the Office of Disability Services this past semester. This summer, I worked as a camp counselor at an aquatic camp. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, SCUBA diving, swimming, and slowly making my way through the Game of Thrones series. I am excited to welcome you to the Rosenstiel Community, and I look forward to meeting you all! Please don't hesitate to reach out!
MP
Massima Ponce
Peer Counselor
Marine Science/BiologyMarine PolicyClass of 2027
Hi everyone! I'm Massima Ponce from Miami, Florida, and I'm a senior studying Marine Science and Biology with a minor in Marine Policy. I'm a NOAA Hollings Scholar, President's Scholar, and Barry Goldwater Scholar. On campus, I serve as a committee member on the Conservation Ecology subcommittee of Student Government's ECO Agency, board member for the Rosenstiel Graduate-Undergraduate Mentorship (GUM) Program, undergraduate board member for Rosenstiel Respect, Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment (RISE) Committee, Education chair for Ocean Awareness Week (OAW), and president of Rho Rho Rho Marine and Atmospheric Science Honor Society. My research experiences have varied from coral reef restoration and biology, intertidal ecology, zooplankton physiology, citizen science, ortho photomosaics to chemical oceanography through organizations like Rosenstiel, NOAA, NSF, and Shoals Marine Lab. I even got to conduct research abroad through the UGalapagos Program! I have worked in Dr. Diego Lirman's Coral Restoration Lab since 2023, and I am now also an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Kim Popendorf's Microbial Biogeochemistry lab where I will be completing my senior thesis. Through the NOAA Hollings Scholarship this summer, I worked with NOAA Research's Office of Ocean Exploration studying oceanographic drivers of deep sea communities in American Samoa. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy scuba diving, going to the beach, trying new restaurants in Miami, and hanging out with friends. As I start my senior year at Miami, I look forward to continuing to spread my love and appreciation for RSMAES! I am so excited to get to know everyone, so please reach out; I'm happy to chat and answer any and all questions!!
SK
Scarlett Kiene
Peer Counselor
Marine Affairs / AnthropologyJapaneseClass of 2029
Hey everyone, my name is Scarlett Kiene and I'm from Orlando, Florida! I'm currently a sophomore majoring in Marine Affairs and Anthropology, with a minor in Japanese. On campus I'm the Vice President of the Environmental Honor Society (ESG), PR chair for Sigma Gamma Epsilon, and an Eco-Rep in Student Government: ECO. I'm currently involved in research regarding students' perception of plastics on campus, particularly plastic confetti that pollutes the soil and waterways, to help us advance effective changes in student behaviors and institutional policies. Additionally, I've started as an intern at The American Anthropological Association's Climate Change Interest Group (CCIG). This summer I attended the Florida anthropological society's annual conference to discuss how rising sea levels are affecting anthropological sites down in the Keys. I also worked as a research assistant at UM to study how the physical sizes of fish are changing due to overfishing through bone analysis. Outside of school, I love to read, play video games, do arts & crafts, and go out into nature with my friends, whether it be hiking, swimming, or kayaking. I can't wait to meet you guys, so don't be shy to reach out with questions or just say hi on campus, I'd love to hear from y'all!
SL
Serena Lombardi
Peer Counselor
Marine Biology and EcologyEcosystem Science and PolicyClass of 2028
Hi everyone! My name is Serena Lombardi and I am a junior majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology. On campus, I work as a First Year Fellow to help Rosenstiel freshmen adjust to college life. I also volunteer with the Coral Reef Future Lab to help perform coral maintenance and construct lab materials. I am a member of multiple clubs, including Rho Rho Rho, SalsaCraze, and UCatholic. This past summer I worked as a Stream Monitoring Intern with Raritan Headwaters where I participated in field research, macroinvertebrate sampling, PFA sampling and chemical analysis of streams throughout New Jersey. I have also worked with Raritan Headwaters as an Environmental Educator to foster curiosity and environmental awareness through hands-on learning. In my free time I love reading, hiking, swimming, and thrifting. I'm so excited to meet everyone and happy to answer any questions!
AI Head Peer Counselor
