Meet Your Peer Counselors!

Simonne Dodge

Co-Head of the Peer Counselors
Majors:   Marine Biology and Ecology/Ecosystem Science and Policy
Minor:     Political Science
Class:      2024
Email:      msd158@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Galápagos Sea Lion
Bio: Hi all! My name is Simonne, and I'm a senior from Amherst, New Hampshire. ...  In addition to being a peer counselor, on campus I am a member of the Panhellenic community and Rho Rho Rho. I also serve on e-board for It's On Us and UM's Chapter of Period. In the past two years, I have interned with the UM School of Law Environmental Justice Clinic, and this year I am excited to begin working in Dr. Geoffrey Supran’s lab on the Rosenstiel campus. This summer I am interning with WHOI Sea Grant at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where I assist with a NOAA initiative. In my free time, I love to hike and listen to Taylor Swift. I am so excited to meet all of you! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Go Canes!

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Alanna Franolich Lantigua

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Georgia Ahumada

Majors:   Marine Science/Biology
Minor:    Chemistry
Class:     2024
Email:    gaa131@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Dumbo Octopus
Bio: Hi, my name is Georgia. I am a Junior studying Marine Science and Biology at University of Miami. I grew up in Rochester, NY, where I developed a passion for ... marine life from watching nature documentaries. On campus, I work in Professor Purkis’ Protist Coral Restoration research lab.. This year I am excited to begin my senior thesis assessing the effects of the seasonal pH cycle on calcifying organisms in coastal estuaries. I am involved in Rho Rho Rho and the Scuba Diving Club. This summer at the University of Rhode Island, I will examine the carbon cycle and quantity pH estimates in Narragansett Bay. In the future, I plan to continue oceanographic/marine science research in and after graduate school. If you have any questions or want more information regarding research, clubs, or career opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Riley Ames

Majors: Marine Biology and Ecology/Oceanography
Class:    2026
Email:   raa270@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Spotted Eagle Ray
Bio:  Hello everyone! My name is Riley Ames and I am a sophomore double majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology and Oceanography. I am a member of ...  the SCUBA club, the Marine Mammal Rescue Team, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, and Rho Rho Rho, and I was the Lab Events Chair for Science Olympiad 2023. I am currently working in both the Foraminifera Laboratory under Dr. Purkis and the Cnidarian Immunity Laboratory under Dr. Traylor-Knowles. In my free time I love to hike, kayak, and read. You can usually find me in the library, outside in the breezeway, or sitting by the lake. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

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Ellie Barkyoumb

Majors:  Marine Science/Geology
Class:     2025
Email:   elb171@miami.edu
Favorite weather phenomenon: Labradorite
Bio:  Hey everyone, my name is Ellie (they/them) and I am a double major in marine science & geology from Kensington Maryland! On campus, I am involved with Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the SUSTAIN ... laboratory, and the Carbonate Sedimentology Laboratory. When I am not doing any of those things, I love going to concerts, film photography, and hammock naps. This summer, I have been working as an environmental engineering intern with the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program and attending geology field camp with my classmates from the University of Miami. Can't wait to meet you all in the fall, feel free to reach out & go 'canes!

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Addison Becker

Major:     Marine Affairs
Minors:    Political Science, Ecosystem Science and Policy
Class:      2025
Email:     ajb467@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism : Tiger Shark
Bio:  Hi! I’m Addison Becker! I am from Washington DC and entering my junior year at UMiami! I am ... the co-founder and co-president of the Florida Ocean Advocacy Team (FL.O.A.T.) and a part of the Marine Mammal Rescue Team. This summer I interned in DC at Elevate Government Affairs and will be interning at the Hanley Democracy Center this fall! I am so excited for this year!

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Haley Brathwaite

Majors:  Marine Affairs/Political Science
Class:    2024
Email:    hmb131@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Bottlenose Dolphin
Bio: Hey y’all! I am currently a senior double majoring in Marine Affairs and Political Science. I grew up in the Bay Area, California and have always felt a deep... love for the ocean and marine animals. On campus, I am the chair of Ocean Awareness Week, the Education and Research Director for Student Government’s ECO Agency, and a Foote Fellow Mentor. This summer I was a Sustainability Intern for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida where I worked on sustainability and economic analyses of their business practices. I love traveling, going to the beach, and being active. I’m always here for you so don’t hesitate to reach out! :)

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Gerald Clark

Majors:   Oceanography/Marine Affairs
Minor:     History
Class:      2024
Email:      gbc36@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Manta Ray
Bio: Hey y'all!! My name is Gerald Clark, and I am a rising senior. I was born and raised in Sherman, Texas and developed a passion for the ocean ... from my mom who was a scuba diving instructor. I have worked in Chris Langdon's ocean acidification lab, and then for the University of Miami's ULINK project. Currently, I am working on the CIRR Coastal Resilience REU at the University of Miami looking at wave energy dissipation by new types of artificial reef structures in the SUSTAIN lab. I am an active member of Rho Rho Rho, ScubaClub, and Surfrider. I am also the undergraduate representative for the Graduate/Undergraduate mentor program at Rosenstiel and President's 100 Student Ambassador and Tour guide. I love hanging out with friends, being outside, and working out. Looking forward to meeting everybody!

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Sydney Cloutier

Majors:    Marine Science/Geological Sciences
Minor:      Geospatial Technology
Class:       2024
Email:      smc393@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: : Hammerhead Shark
Bio:  Hi everyone, my name is Sydney! I’m a senior from Navarre, Florida. ... My hobbies include flying, SCUBA diving, rock climbing, and autocross racing. I am the President of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, an It’s On Us Ambassador, and a Rho Rho Rho member. This summer, I’m completing UM’s field camp in Canada for my major in Geological Sciences. I’d love to help you out if you have any questions pertaining to classes, scholarships, internships, etc. I’ve studied abroad in the Galapagos as well, so if you’d like to know about that, just message me!

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Allison Cook

Major:    Oceanography
Class:     2025
Email:    axc2561@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Spotted Eagle Ray
Bio:  Hello! My name is Allie Cook, and I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am an incoming junior studying Oceanography. On campus, I am treasurer of ... the University of Miami Women’s Rugby Club, involved in Rho Rho Rho, and will be starting work in Dr. Kim Popendorf’s lab this fall. In my free time, I enjoy doing anything outdoors, including hiking, going to the beach, scuba diving, and snorkeling. I can't wait to meet all of you! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

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Ali Donnelly

Major:    Marine Biology & Ecology
Class:     2025
Email:    acd92957@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Wobbegong shark
Bio:  Hi! My name is Ali, and I’m a sophomore from Kentucky majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology. I am ... a member of the SCUBA club, Surfrider, and Rho Rho Rho. I am also on the e-board for the Aquarium club and Alternative Breaks. This past school year I was a volunteer in Dr. Langdon’s Ocean Acidification Coral Lab, and this summer I took an intro to shark research skills course. In my free time I enjoy being outside, reading, and going to the beach! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions – I’m very excited to meet everyone!

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Zahra Faghihi

Majors:   Marine Science/Biology
Minor:     English Literature
Class:      2025
Email:     zxf196@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Pygmy Seahorse
Bio:  Hi! My name is Zahra and I'm an upcoming junior majoring in Marine Science and Biology, with a minor in ... English Literature. I am a part of ECO Agency's Waste Diversion subcommittee, and an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Monir's microbiology lab. I was raised in Miami for the most part, so when I'm not on campus, you can usually find me at my favorite spots at the Grove or relaxing by the beach!

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Gianna Faraci

Majors:    Marine Science/Biology
Minor:      Chemistry
Class:       2024
Email:      gmf103@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Manta Ray
Bio:  Hello! I’m Gianna Faraci! I am currently a Senior at the University of Miami! I am from Chicago but grew my love for ... the ocean from traveling to Florida all the time with my family! I am involved in Greek life on campus (Sigma Delta Tau) and am also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honors society! Over the summer, I mostly intern at the Shedd Aquarium as well as one year attending the summer scholars' program at the University of Miami! I hope to eventually become an environmental lawyer to protect oceans and ecosystems worldwide! Some things I like to do in my free time is work out and play tennis! If you have any questions about me or need help with anything don’t hesitate to ask!

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Kat Horrigan

Majors:  Marine Science/Biology
Class:     2025
Email:    kjh121@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Cookiecutter Shark
Bio: Hi! My name is Kat Horrigan and I am a rising junior from Wichita, Kansas. I am currently studying ... involved in Rho Rho Rho and the Frost Band of the Hour. In my free time I like to snorkel, scuba, read, and hike! This past summer I have been working at my local zoo with our stingray exhibit. I’m so excited to meet everyone and hope y’all are having a great summer! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

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Brian Jamison

Majors:  Marine Biology and Ecology/Geography and Sustainable Development
Class:     2026
Email:    baj68@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Yellow Boxfish
Bio:  Hey y’all, my name is Brian and I’m a rising sophomore from Columbia, South ... Carolina! I double major in marine biology and geography here at the U, and I’m a part of Rho Rho Rho, the Marine Mammal Rescue Team, and the Climate Reality Project on campus. In addition to me being a Rosenstiel peer counselor, I’ll also be a Foote Fellow Mentor this year! This summer, I’ve been fortunate enough to have an REU internship at Savannah State University, where I’m analyzing the distribution of dolphins around the Savannah area. Can’t wait to meet y’all!!

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Laura Jones

Major:    Marine Biology and Ecology
Minors:   Ecosystem Science & Policy, Sustainable Business
Class:      2024
Email:     lxj301@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Leopard Shark
Bio:  Hi! I’m Laura Jones and I’m a senior from San Diego, California. I’m majoring ... in Marine Biology and Ecology and minoring in Ecosystem Science & Policy and Sustainable Business. On campus, I work as a researcher in Professor Purkis’ Foraminifera Lab and am a member of Greek Life. I spent the spring 2023 semester studying abroad in the Galapagos and had an amazing experience! This summer, I am working in Maui doing coral reef outreach and education as part of NOAA’S Hollings Scholarship Program. In my free time, I love to sew, travel, thrift, listen to music, and be in nature. I can't wait to meet you all and feel free to reach out!

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Casey LeBlanc

Major: Marine Biology and Ecology
Class:   2026
Email:  cpl84@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism:  Manatee
Bio:  My name is Casey and I am a sophomore from Sudbury, Massachusetts. I am majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology, and ... I am also on the pre-vet track. On campus, I am a member of the Marine Mammal Rescue Team, Rho Rho Rho, SCUBA club, Pre-Vet Society, and I also play rugby for UM. This summer, I shadowed a veterinarian at my local animal hospital. Can't wait to meet y'all!

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Nikki Lyons

Majors:   Marine Biology and Ecology/Chemistry
Minor:     History
Class:      2024
Email:     njl84@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Coelacanth
Bio:  Hi everyone! My name is Nikki and I am a rising senior from Minnesota majoring in ... Marine Biology and Ecology and chemistry. I am involved in Scuba Club, Ocean Awareness Week, play saxophone in the Frost Band of the Hour, and I am a Foote Fellow. I have also participated in research in Dr. Douglas Crawford and Dr. Marjorie Oleksiak’s marine genomics lab and at an internship at LUMCON in Louisiana where I studied microbial impacts on coastal salt marsh geochemistry. This summer I have been participating in a virtual internship program where I am looking at the metagenomics of hydrothermal vent microbes. In my spare time I love to cook, watch tv, and be out on the water! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just want to talk!

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Kylie Marozsan

Major:   Marine Biology and Ecology
Class:    2026
Email:   kem230@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: White Shark
Bio:  Hi! My name is Kylie Marozsan and I am a rising sophomore. I am from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and love it here at UM. I am involved ... in Rho Rho Rho, Scuba Club, Fun Day, and am the treasurer for Marine Mammal Rescue Team! In my free time I love to go to the beach, hike, and explore the city. If you have any questions or need anything at all, feel free to reach out! :)

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Emma Masetti

Major:    Marine Biology and Ecology
Minor:     English
Class:     2026
Email:     etm78@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: blue whale
Bio:  Hi! My name is Emma, I am from St. Louis, Missouri and I am going to be a sophomore ... at UM. I am studying marine bio and always had a love for marine mammals which probably stemmed from the movie Dolphin Tale. On campus, I am involved in SCUBA club (I am advanced open water certified), Marine Mammal Rescue Team which gave me the opportunity to get my basic stranding certification last semester, and the Italian Association. I absolutely adore Miami so if you have any questions about clubs, classes, or anything else please don’t hesitate to reach out and I look forward to meeting everyone soon!

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Ellen Otterbach

Major:     Marine Affairs
Minors:    Sustainable Business, Entrepreneurship, Climate Science and Policy
Class:       2024
Email:     eco27@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Whale Shark
Bio:  Hi hi! My name is Ellen, and I am a senior from Atlanta majoring in Marine ... Affairs with minors in Sustainable Business, Entrepreneurship, and Climate Science and Policy. On campus, I am the President/Lead Chair of Ocean Awareness Week and have held various leadership positions within my sorority (Chi Omega). I am also a member of Rho Rho Rho, Marine Mammal Rescue Team, and Rho Lambda! This past spring semester I was studying abroad in Iceland, where I studied marine biology and sustainable tourism from a Nordic perspective and completed my second internship with the Iceland Ocean Cluster studying sustainable fishing and sustainable business! A few summers ago, I also completed an internship with the University of Georgia Marine Extension, where I focused on microplastic research. In my free time, I love to explore Miami, enjoy the Florida sunshine, and spend time by the ocean. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, and I can’t wait to meet y’all!

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Bryan Robertson

Major:  Marine Biology and Ecology
Class:   2025
Email:   ber82@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism:  Brown Pelican
Bio:  Hello there! My name is Bryan Robertson, a rising sophomore majoring in Marine Biology & Ecology. I am a member of Rho Rho Rho, Aquarium ... club, University of Miami Alternative Breaks, and the UM Amateur Ornithology Society. I am from Buffalo, New York but obtained a passion for the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it when I visited Florida and saw the ocean for the first time. From there I wished to spend my life turning that passion into a career! Additionally, this summer I am being a Teaching Assistant for my professor teaching marine biology for highschoolers looking to obtain college credit. Some things I enjoy doing are playing music, running, snorkeling, hiking, canoeing, and of course going to the beach. So excited to introduce you all to the Rosenstiel Family! If you have any questions, I'd love to answer.

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Morgan Scola

Majors:  Marine Science/Biology
Class:     2025
Email:    mes453@miami.edu
Favorite marine organism: Japanese Puffer Fish
Bio: Hi! My name is Morgan Scola. I’m from Bethesda, Maryland right outside of DC. I am double majoring in ... Marine Science and Biology. I will be a junior this upcoming school year. I am in the Marine & Atmospheric honors society (Rho Rho Rho), a member of the Ocean Awareness Week e-board, the outreach officer for the Scuba club, a member of Greek life, and I work at the Sandler Center.

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