Our Team

Meet the team behind the Reduce Single-Use Project at Eckerd:

Dr. Amy Siuda, Associate Professor of Marine Science

Dr. Amy Siuda earned her Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Connecticut. She specializes in a variety of aspects within the marine plankton ecology field.


Dr. Shannon Gowans, Professor of Marine Science and Biology

Dr. Shannon Gowans earned her bachelor’s degree and her Ph.D. from Dalhousie University. She focuses mainly on the evolution of social organization in cetaceans. 


Professor Evan Bollier, Director of Sustainability

Professor Evan Bollier earned his Masters degree in Business Administration at University of South Florida, St Petersburg with a focus track in Management. Professor Bollier also serves as the Director of Sustainability for Eckerd College.


Rachel Smith, Student Intern

Rachel is a senior at Eckerd College majoring in Marine Science with minors in Environmental Studies and Communication with particular interest in science communication. She helps plan and schedule social media posts and coordinate student volunteers. She joined the project to explore more sides of science communication and help advocate for a cleaner, healthier environment. 


Carly Harshbarger, Student Intern

Carly is a junior at Eckerd College majoring in Environmental Studies with minors in Marine Science and Spanish. She helps plan and coordinate social media for the Remora app. She joined the project to help spread awareness for single-use plastics and sustainability on Eckerd's campus and in the local St. Petersburg community. 



Olivia Bowers, Student Intern

Olivia is a senior at Eckerd College majoring in Marine Science with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. She is interested in conservation and restoration, specifically focusing on human impacts on the environment and marine animals. As an intern for this project, Olivia works to collect and analyze data, assess project progress, and coordinate campus events. 


Gabby Smith, Student Intern

Gabby is a junior at Eckerd College majoring in Marine Science with minors in Coastal Management and Italian. As an intern, she works to help find new events and community outreach opportunities. She joined the project to help spread awareness and gain experience with community outreach and science communication. 


Lilli DiGrande, Student Intern

Lilli is a freshman at Eckerd College majoring in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. As an intern on this project, Lilli upkeeps the Break Free From Plastics Commitment, works to collaborate with other Gulf Coast colleges, and assists with other assignments. She joined the project to help spread awareness about the harms of plastics and to encourage sustainability within the St. Pete and Eckerd community. 


Rory Laffey, Student Intern

Rory is a freshman at Eckerd College majoring in Marine Science with minors in Religious Studies and Geoscience. She actively promotes the Reduce Single-Use movement and helps the team with different assignments and community events. Passionate about sustainability, Rory joined the project to combat plastic pollution and is excited to contribute to the team’s efforts while inspiring others to take meaningful action for the planet.  


Past Interns:

Mary McReynolds '26, summer 2024- fall 2024

Tom Covington '24, summer 2024- fall 2024

Madelyn Vashaw '25, summer 2024- fall 2024

Elizabeth Oliver '25, fall 2022- spring 2024

Nicole Schaal '24, summer 2022- spring 2024

Skyler Paoli '24, fall 2020- spring 2024

Abby Baumgard '24, fall 2023- spring 2024

Jade Gilchrist-Brock '24, summer 2023- fall 2023

Kaitlyn Copland '24, summer 2023- fall 2023

Chloe McKenna '23, summer 2022- summer 2023

Makayla Doran '23, fall 2021- spring 2023

Carter Weinhofer '23, summer 2022

Renee Veldman '22, fall 2021- spring 2022

Angelina Kossoff '21, fall 2018- spring 2021

Trish Schrank '20, fall 2018- fall 2020

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