As a Coastal Resource Scientist with ORP, Kaitlyn supports pre- and post-restoration monitoring efforts, in-water restoration work, spatial statistics and analyses, and database management. She also assists with ORP events and community outreach.

Kaitlyn holds a B.S. in biology-biotechnology from Indian River State College. Her career in conservation began in Florida’s Atlantic Coast estuaries, where she evaluated natural and restored oyster reefs, seagrass abundance, waterbird nesting trends, horseshoe crab behavior, and more! She has also contributed to molecular diagnostics and research on elephant herpesvirus, served as an environmental educator, and supported biological stream survey efforts in Maryland.

Kaitlyn was raised in a historic fishing town in Florida, where she developed her love for estuarine ecosystems. She is thrilled to return to coastal science and advocacy in a place that reminds her of home. Outside of work, she enjoys reading science fiction, crafting, hosting themed parties, and exploring local wetlands!