Advancing knowledge on the process of science, including urban ecology, oceanography, climate sciences & elementary education. Click here for more information on YSA scientific research programs.
What Have I Researched Previously?
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Rob Condon, Ph.D
Executive Director, Young Scientist Academy Director of Science Email: mnemiopsis@me.com Google Scholar Profile Rob's CV Rob is a passionate marine scientist and educator with over 20 years global experience working on variety of environmental issues, including global jellyfish blooms, Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and climate change impacts on coastal and open ocean ecosystems. He has lived in Wilmington for the past 5 years with his wife (Beth) and two boys (Ian and Tristan), where he currently serves in his current role as Founder and Executive Director of Young Scientist Academy. Born in Australia, Rob received his Bachelor of Science with an Honors Degree in 1997 from the University of Melbourne, specializing in zoology and environmental sciences. In 2008, he received his PhD in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He has also held academic appointments Maryland, Bermuda, Alabama and North Carolina, where he studied Chesapeake Bay, Sargasso Sea, Gulf of Mexico and North Pacific ecosystems. Rob is an experienced scientific communicator with over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications and over 100 media interviews, including BBC, NY Times, CBS Sunday Morning Program, MacLean Magazine, Huffington Post, CBC ‘Quirks and Quarks’ program, and National Geographic. He also currently serves as Contributing Editor of the scientific journal Marine Ecology Progress Series and is a member of Scientific Research Education Network (SciREN). Rob has many hobbies including playing golf, riding his bike, gardening and developing computer code. |
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Joeli Banks
Assistant Director, Young Scientist Academy Director of Arts Email: joeli@expo216.com Joeli serves as the Gallery Manager at Expo 216 Gallerium and Arts Administrative Assistant at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. She has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree focused in Art History and Business from Messiah College. She is an experienced artist and gallery attendant with strong expertise in design, particularly photography and charcoal illustration. Joeli will also be pursuing a Masters degree in art, commencing in the fall of this year. |
ysa research scholars
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Katrielle Soussana
2018 Sally Ride Research Fellowship Email: katrielle.soussana@gmail.com I am a senior at Hoggard High School and I am interested in pursuing a career in engineering. I have been interested in the sciences for as long as I can remember and I hope to one day make a difference in the world with it. I'm excited to be a part of the YSA because my experience with them has been amazing so far! |
board of directors
Caryn Morrow, M.Ed. chair of the board I have been an educator in the tri-country area for over 20 years. I studied at UNC Wilmington, where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Education, and earned two Master Degrees. One in Education K-6, and another in Academically Gifted K-12. I have been a Gifted Education Specialist in New Hanover County for over 5 years. My family was a Charter family, and integral part of the founding of WAAS. I helped to create the charter, and provided hours of volunteer work over the beginning years. More recently, some of my alumni have matriculated to WAAS, and found great success in their curriculum and infrastructure. Currently, I am a driving force for Mathletes, award-winning Science Olympians, and award winning Writer's Academy through the International Reading Association and Young Authors. I passionately supports all my students in their education and to be better global citizens. |
George Matsumoto, Ph.D. Senior science & education representative I am a senior educational and research specialist at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA and his research interest is ecology and biogeography of open ocean and deep sea organisms. I manage several education and outreach programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and served on the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) Steering Committee, the 2000 NSF Committee of Visitors for Geoscience Education, was a national advisory board member for the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE) and the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE), as well as several regional nonprofit organizations. I also served as a member of the NRC committee for the Evaluation of the Sea Grant Program Review Process, the NRC committee examining NOAA's Education Program, and the NRC committee looking at field stations and marine labs, and as a member of the National Academy of Sciences Roundtable on Public Interfaces of the Life Sciences. |
Beth Darrow, Ph.D. senior program advisor I have a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine Science. I was “hooked” on marine biology in middle school when I attended a marine science camp and spent a week getting wet and muddy in the marsh, and love bringing this experience to others! I feel strongly that science literacy is important for students and the general public, even if they do not pursue a career in science. Looking forward to volunteering with YSA! 
Suvarna Bhade senior fundraising coordinator |
Ellie Fallaize MEMBER-AT-LARGE I am an informal environmental educator in the field of marine science. I have a B.S. in Marine Biology and have worked in the zoo and aquarium field, specifically. As an undergraduate, I had the privilege of working with Bellamy Elementary (Title I school in New Hanover County) to inspire and educate the leaders of tomorrow. After directing a camp based out of New Orleans, I am excited to be back in North Carolina and working with YSA. |
Young scientist academy staff
Sarah Anderson YSA lab Assistant I am a recent graduate from UNCW with a B.S. in Marine Biology and a B.S. in Environmental Science. My interests have an emphasis on climate change and its effect on the marine environment, but I am also fascinated by topics in environmental chemistry. I love getting to know the incredible children at YSA and encouraging them in their passion for science, as it is essential for the future of our changing world. |
Emily Kolonia YSA lab Assistant I am a Senior at UNCW completing my BS in Marine Biology. I sit on the executive board of UNCW’s Plastic Ocean Project helping to educate the public on the importance of our ocean’s health. I plan to work within the animal care/research field after attending graduate school. My hobbies include traveling, studio art, and photography. I am excited to bring my passion for science into the YSA community and inspire students to pursue a future in science. |