Meet the Summer Crew

Caitlyn Czajkowski
Community Science Fellow

Caitlyn Czajkowski came to COA in February 2023, joining the team as Community Science Fellow through the summer! She grew up in NJ, spending her summers along Delaware Bay and in South Jersey. Her love of the natural world led her to pursue a B.A. in Biology at Rowan University in 2018. Since then, she has worked at marine ecology labs throughout NJ, gaining firsthand experience in the science that is used to protect and preserve coastal and marine ecosystems. Working alongside NJ’s coastal communities and ecosystems has fostered a lifelong love for NJ’s unique coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Caitlyn pursued her master’s degree in Natural Resources at Delaware State University where she spent 3 years working within the aquaculture industry, particularly oyster aquaculture, as a NOAA-LMRCSC Fellow, and a NOAA NERTO intern. While finishing her thesis, she has brought her wide range of expertise to COA! As we see Caitlyn off to the next steps of her journey, the COA crew extends waves of thanks for all the SEA-rific work she's done!

Victoria Caliendo
Marine Debris Intern

Meet COA’s Marine Debris Intern, and upcoming sophomore from Ohio State University, Victoria
Caliendo! Driven by her love for the environment and the ocean, she has chosen to study Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife with a specialization in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Victoria is making a splash assisting with Corporate Beach Sweeps while gearing up for the biannual Fall Beach Sweeps in October!

“My favorite part of the sweeps is the collection of the data and learning about what each group found during the sweeps as it impacts the annual Beach Sweeps report” says Victoria.

She also enjoys learning about microplastics and the variety of environmental problems affecting the NY Bight while gaining experience with public speaking and engaging others. Victoria’s passion for the ocean is making a splash to help reduce litter on NJ beaches and in waterways!

COA is thrilled to welcome UC Berkeley rising sophomore, Fiona Griffin, as the summer Advocacy & Policy Intern! 

Fiona Griffin
Advocacy & Policy Intern

“With a deep love for all natural, sustainable things, I am passionate about merging these values with the ever-changing business world,” says Fiona. 

Currently studying Environmental Economics and Policy, Fiona is excited to spend the summer diving into offshore wind issues. She’s been volunteering with COA since she was a child and is happy to continue growing her passion for environmental advocacy. 

As a full-time intern, she is included in influential meetings and events, helps with research and developments in ocean-related policies, while assisting with public comment submissions. After COA, Fiona will be Education Director at California’s chapter of Surfrider this fall and looks forward to bringing what she learns from COA to the West Coast. Fiona is already making waves to ensure the health and protection of the ocean!

Stephen Myer
Water Quality Intern

Waves of welcome to COA’s Water Quality Intern, Stephen! As a junior at the University of Vermont, he’s majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry.

“Growing up on the Jersey Shore, I had been exposed to numerous environmental issues plaguing the ocean, limiting its ability to support marine life and the coastal community. Having participated in my community’s Beach Sweeps, and aspiring toward a career to help restore local ecosystems, I am thrilled to intern with COA,” said Stephen.

Stephen has been quick to learn and adapt: diving right into relaunching the Rally for the Two Rivers, leading the Community Science table at Eco-Fest, getting regular experience in the lab, and so much more! Stephen is most excited about his work in the field and the lab. His work with COA helps improve water quality and build community scientist volunteers to protect our regional watershed!

Ice cream social to say farewell to our wonderful summer interns!