Shelby’s curiosity and infatuation with the coastal landscape of Long Island Sound led her to the University of Connecticut, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in marine science. She now works there as a research technician for both the Department of Marine Sciences and the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve. Projects she’s involved with focus on eelgrass restoration and conservation, water quality monitoring and oxygen-nutrient budgets in coastal sediments. Moving forward, she is excited and hopeful that this grant will bolster her career by expanding her skillset and allowing her to explore the marine environment in novel ways.

‍