Personnel

Faculty

Roger Mann - Dr. Roger Mann is a professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science where he served as Director for Research and Advisory Services for nine years. He has also held scientific positions at Woods Hole before arriving in Virginia in 1984. He received a B.S. degree from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K. and a Ph.D. from University College of North Wales, Bangor, Wales.

As Site Director for the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS), an Industry-University Cooperative Research Center of the National Science Foundation, Roger uses his expertise along with industry members to develop research projects that provide information to maintain sustainable fisheries.

Roger conducts population assessments, physiological and ecological studies of bivalve molluscs and other molluscan species, as well as ecological restoration of oyster reef communities. He has received several professional appointments and academic awards including the Chesapeake Bay Commission's Tribute to Excellence, a two-term Governor's appointment to the Commonwealth's Aquaculture Advisory Board, a School of Marine Science Outstanding Teacher Award, a Plumeri Faculty Award, and a VIMS Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award.

Dr. Mann was also appointed to the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and served on several committees from 2016-2019.

Dr. Mann's Vita

Staff

Nathan "Nate" Otto - Nate is a Laboratory Specialist in the Molluscan Ecology Group. He is a Gloucester County Virginia local with a passion for ecology and the team he supports. His efforts bolster projects whether in the field or in a lab. Nate's primary work includes sclerochronology of bivalves and assisting on the oyster patent tong survey, but he is really a jack of all trades.

Karen Reay - Karen is the CEO of Baywater Communications that contracts with VIMS. She received a B.S. in Biology from Juniata College and an M.S. in Marine Science from VIMS. She has experience in web design, strategic planning, marketing, data, and information system development. She incorporates these skills with her understanding of marine science to make information more accessible. Karen has over 30 years of experience working with government, academic agencies, and industry.

Theresa Redmond - Theresa earned her B.S. in Marine Biology at the University of New England, Biddeford, ME. She obtained an M.S. in Marine Biology at NOVA Southern University, Dania Beach, Florida. While as a research specialist at VIMS, Theresa lead the bivalve aging and growth studies team, created the Molluscan Ecology Archive, plus managed and mentored interns, students, and technicians.

Melissa Southworth - Missy is a senior marine scientist in the Molluscan Ecology Lab and also received an M.S. from VIMS. She runs the field program for the Molluscan Ecology Lab and is the lead scientist on the oyster patent tong, dredge, and shellstring surveys. Her interests include stock assessment of commercially viable shellfish species in the Chesapeake Bay, the development of best management practices in support of shellfish aquaculture in the Bay, restoration of oyster populations and oyster reef ecology and biology.

Students

Alexandria "Alex" Marquardt - Alex is a PhD student in the Molluscan Ecology Lab. She received her B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Oregon State University and M.S. in Biological Sciences at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly - SLO), where her research focused on pismo clam reproduction, growth, and populations in California. While at VIMS, Alex's PhD dissertation will focus on Virginia oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. See https://alexandrium.weebly.com/ for more info.