Julie Shaw, Director of Research and Grants Administration
Samantha Kreisler, Director of Communications
Yazemin Yilmaz, Digital Communications Associate
Michael Danko has been promoted to Director of the Extension. He has the institutional knowledge, expertise, dedication and commitment to the organization necessary to successfully lead the Extension program. Mike has led numerous water quality, sediment and fisheries related projects in the coastal zone for both research and outreach purposes. His extensive experience working with stakeholders to reach consensus on important coastal issues and interpreting scientific results will lead to results that benefit both the coastal economy and the environment.
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is pleased to announce the promotion of Julie Shaw to the position of Director of Research and Grants Administration. Since joining our organization in 2021, Julie has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to advancing our research and funding efforts. In this new role, she will lead the development and oversight of our research initiatives and grants portfolio, ensuring continued growth, compliance, and impact. We are confident that Julie’s leadership will further strengthen our ability to support innovative projects and foster meaningful partnerships. Please join us in congratulating Julie on this well-deserved advancement.
Samantha Kreisler has been promoted to the position of Director of Communications. Since joining the organization in 2021 as Communications Specialist, Samantha has demonstrated an exceptional ability to elevate NJSGC’s voice across the state and region. Her strong background in marine policy and conservation, paired with extensive experience in science communication and public engagement, continues to be a major asset to the Consortium.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is proud to welcome Yazemin Yilmaz as its new Digital Communications Associate. Yazemin’s journey with NJSGC began in 2009 when, as a child new to Middletown, she discovered the organization through its Marine Science Day Camp. Attending camp became a meaningful summer tradition and sparked her passion for the coast. Years later, she returned to NJSGC as a Communications Intern while finishing her degree in Film & Television at Montclair State University. Now, she’s come full circle, joining the team that helped shape her early love for marine science. Yazemin is excited to support NJSGC’s mission by sharing stories that connect communities to the coast.
The submissions have been collected and it is now time for YOU to decide the top photos to win the Jersey Shore Photo Contest. The winners will be featured in the NJSGC’s 2026 Desktop Calendar.
The purpose of this solicitation is to invite research proposals for the upcoming NJSGC’s omnibus grant period (February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2028). The application process has two steps. First, to submit a full proposal, prospective investigators must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) that adheres to the guidance herein. Letters of Intent will undergo an administrative review, after which those meeting the review requirements will be encouraged for submission as full proposals. The opportunity to submit a full proposal is contingent on the timely receipt of a Letter of Intent. Second, prospective investigators must submit a full proposal that adheres to the guidance herein. Full proposals will be evaluated by external peer reviewers and reviewed by an authoritative Technical Review Panel.
Original, innovative proposals that target the research priorities and principles described here are welcomed. NJSGC is interested in funding proposals from all qualified investigators, particularly those from New Jersey institutions with a history of under-funding from New Jersey Sea Grant that:
Engage and support students and promote workforce development.
Demonstrate an integrated approach to research, outreach, and engagement.
Engage NJSGC’s extension, communications, and/or education professionals to support the transition of applied research into useful applications that address the needs of New Jersey’s coastal residents and stakeholders.
Involve stakeholders and end-users throughout all phases of the project, including identifying need and the statement of the problem at the pre-proposal stage.
Strive to contribute to increased STEM literacy, greater stewardship to all interested constituents and communities.
Funding Period: February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2028
Letters of Intent: July 25, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET
Full Proposals: August 22, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET
For this solicitation, NJSGC anticipates federal funding:
Up to eight (8) proposals with a maximum budget of $70,000 per year for two (2) years.
Up to seven (7) proposals with a maximum budget of $20,000 per year for two (2) years.
Total funding available combined is up to $560,000 per year for two (2) years.
Proposals will be reviewed as two separate groups according to funding requested.
DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS:
To view the proposal please click here or download the PDF. For general submission questions: Julie Shaw, Director of Research and Grants Administration JLang@njseagrant.org 732-872-1300 ext. 10. For questions on collaborations, priorities, evaluation criteria, data management: Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director 732-872-1300, x 31, prowe@njseagrant.org.
This year’s State of the Shore media event provided a valuable opportunity for community members and the press to connect with coastal expert Dr. Jon Miller, Laura Kerr, and NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. Attendees gained insights into how New Jersey’s shorelines held up over the winter and received a forecast on beach conditions and potential storms for the 2025 summer season. View the recording here.
Break out the flip-flops, dust off those beach chairs, and get ready to soak up some sun-summer has officially arrived in New Jersey! And this year, we’re kicking off the season with some especially sunny news: the state’s beaches are looking better than ever. Thanks to a mild winter with minimal storms, most of the coastline has held up beautifully, with wide beaches and healthy dunes welcoming locals and visitors alike. Communities like Seaside Heights, Ocean City, and Cape May have even received a fresh dose of sand courtesy of the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, setting the stage for a strong start to the season.
(From right to left) Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Shawn LaTourette, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Laura Kerr, Coastal Resilience Specialist, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium; Senior Research Engineer, Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Jon K. Miller, Coastal Processes Specialist, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium; Research Associate Professor, Director of Coastal Engineering Research Group, Stevens Institute of Technology; Author, 2025 State of the Shore Report
While other parts of the Atlantic coast faced more severe impacts this past winter, New Jersey got a much-needed break-coastal flooding and erosion were limited, and beach nourishment projects have helped reinforce vulnerable areas. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing: the forecast for the 2025 hurricane season is calling for above-average activity, and experts are urging residents to stay prepared. But for now, there’s plenty to enjoy. The beaches are open, the boardwalks are buzzing, and the only thing rising faster than the temperature is the excitement. Just remember to swim safely-early season sandbars can create strong rip currents-and always follow lifeguard instructions. Welcome to summer at the Shore! Read the full report here.
Media interviews NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette
The Countdown Is On: Vote for New Jersey’s Favorite Beach!
The Jersey Shore is calling—and your vote makes the difference. It’s time to choose your favorite local beach from a lineup of coastal hotspots across New Jersey’s four shoreline counties: Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean.
Launched in 2008 as “New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches,” this beloved tradition began as a fun way to spark community pride along the coast. After Hurricane Sandy, the contest evolved into Favorite Beaches to highlight the beauty and diversity of every stretch of New Jersey’s shoreline—from hidden gems to iconic boardwalks.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium will unveil the winning beaches right after the Fourth of July Holiday. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration. Help spread the word—share the poll with friends, family, and fellow beach lovers.
For updates and results, follow the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Thank you for helping us celebrate the best of the Jersey Shore.
Stick to the contest theme: Natural Elements of New Jersey Beaches. We welcome both traditional and innovative approaches to this subject, but please no family portraits.
Photo files must be .JPG or .PNG format and a minimum of 300 DPI saved at a quality setting of “10” or higher and 8 ½” for the longest side.
Images must be horizontal (landscape).
Entries will be accepted until 5 pm (EST) on June 27th
Submit only your own original work.
Photos should be appropriate for a general audience. Explicit content is expressly prohibited.
Post-processing and digital manipulation is not allowed, but minor adjustments to contrast, filtration, subtle burning, and dodging are acceptable.
All entries become the property of NJSGC and may be used by the organization for other educational or marketing materials (the twelve finalists will receive an additional waiver for signature prior to publication of the calendar).
Do not include any logos or text on the photo.
By submitting your photo to this contest, you grant NJSGC permission to publicly display, reproduce, and use the photographs in all manner and media for any and all purposes, including related promotional purposes, in perpetuity. You also warrant that the photo is your original work and does not violate the copyright or any other personal or property right of any third party, and that you may be required to and can obtain any and all releases and permissions necessary for its use in the production of our calendar, including releases for any recognizable faces, unless they are incidental to a larger scene (e.g., a group of sunbathers on the beach).
Summer Research Intern (8 Positions Available): Montclair State University is seeking eight undergraduate Summer Research Interns to join a vital project focused on detecting invertebrate and invasive species in Barnegat Bay, NJ, using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. This hands-on internship offers the unique opportunity to gain practical field and laboratory experience while contributing to critical environmental research efforts. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in marine science, environmental biology, conservation, or molecular ecology to build valuable, workforce-ready skills. Click here to view the full job description.
Internship Details:
Location: Fieldwork in Barnegat Bay; laboratory work on Montclair State University campus
Duration: June 1st – August 15th, 2025
Stipend: $2,500 plus limited travel allowances for fieldwork
Schedule: Hours vary based on field and laboratory activities
Experience Needed: None — full training will be provided!
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email the following materials:
Resume or CV
Unofficial transcript
A personal statement (no more than one page) describing your interest in the position
Submit your application materials to: Dr. Kirsten Monsen-Collar at monsenk@montclair.edu
Check out this interview with Diana Burich, NJSGC Director of Education and 107.1 The Boss for “Make A Difference Mondays.” Are you excited for Ocean Fun Days May 17th and May 18th? We sure are!
Every Monday morning, 107.1 The Boss highlights a different Nonprofit that “Makes A Difference” in communities, via an on-air interview. https://1071theboss.com/featured/make-a-difference-mondays-presented-by-new-jersey-natural-gas/
Communications Intern: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is currently seeking a summer intern to work within the communications department and assist staff with all relevant tasks including (but not limited to): social media campaigns, video production, event coverage/promotion, and programmatic outreach. This position is ideal for undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in the digital communications field, with a unique emphasis on marine, coastal, and STEM initiatives. The intern will report directly to NJSGC’s Communications Specialist and work throughout the busy 2025 summer season (May-August) at the Jersey Shore. Click here to view the full job description.
Field Instructor: The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), a non-profit organization on Sandy Hook, is hiring part-time field instructors for their K-12 Education Program and Scout Program. NJSGC provides students and scouts with dynamic ocean science programs that may include but not be limited to outdoor experiential learning activities such as seining, interactive games, scientific demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Join a great group of people that love the beach, the outdoors and sharing their knowledge with students to promote a love of environmental science. Gain hands-on educational experience and work in one of the most unique natural “classroom” environments in New Jersey, Gateway National Recreation Area-Sandy Hook Unit. Click here to view the full job description.
