Halley graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. In her undergraduate studies, she participated in a study abroad program at Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia. Here, she enrolled in an intensive course in rainforest and coastal environments on North Stradbroke Island, performing a variety of ecological experiments and discovering her passion for marine biology in its application to ecology. After graduating, Halley obtained a certification as a Protected Species Observer and began working in the oil and gas industry, deploying on geotechnical and seismic survey vessels in New Jersey and the Gulf of Mexico. She then transitioned to a laboratory setting as a full-time environmental & water quality technician, gaining knowledge in complex laboratory procedures and refining her skills in data collection, management, and reporting. In 2022, Halley successfully completed NOAA’s Industry Funded Scallop Observer training program, leading to various deployments on day and multi-day trips in New England where she worked primarily with scallop dredges and gained valuable experience in the biological sampling of scallops and bycatch. In January 2023, Halley joined our team here at Coonamessett Farm Foundation. As our Research Assistant and At-Sea Technician, she is responsible for supporting various research projects, grant-writing, and assisting on our offshore research trips. She has recently taken on the additional role of our Social Media Manager, as well! In her free time, Halley enjoys hiking, scuba diving, surfing, reading, and golfing.