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 while monitoring for protected species and implementing mitigation actions as required by environmental protocols, the EPA, and the MMPA. 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 completed NOAA’s Industry Funded Scallop (IFS) Observer training program, leading to various deployments on scallop day and multi-day boats in New England. As an IFS observer, she gained valuable experience in the biological sampling of scallops and bycatch. In January 2023, Halley joined our team here at Coonamessett Farm Foundation as a Research Assistant and At-Sea Technician, where she supports in various of our ongoing research projects, grant-writing, and in our offshore research trips. In Summer 2023, she took on an additional role as our Social Media Manager, where she creates and oversees content on our website and social media platforms. In her free time, Halley enjoys hiking, scuba diving, thrifting, and reading.