New Jersey Sea Grant Welcomes New Staff Member

New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is excited to welcome Samantha Kreisler aboard as their new Communications Specialist. Samantha comes to NJSGC with a strong background in marine policy and conservation, extensive experience communicating science and a history of working towards fostering environmental stewardship with various stakeholders. 

With inspiration and guidance from her father, a New York Harbor boat captain, she grew up on the water learning the importance of preserving our marine environment and its resources. Graduating from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with a BA in Marine Policy and a MS in Marine Science Ecosystems and Society, Samantha pursued her interest in marine science and combined it with her passion for environmental conservation to embark on a career of finding real-world solutions to environmental challenges. This led her to positions at NY/NJ Baykeeper and Clean Water Action, where she honed her ability to communicate science through storytelling to the public.

In her most recent position as the Outreach Coordinator at Hackensack Riverkeeper, Samantha managed communications efforts of this grassroots non-profit organization, from creating content for their website and newsletter to social media campaigns and digital marketing. Samantha also oversaw volunteer programs such as community and corporate river clean-ups and coordinated major events like fishing derbies and HRK’s annual gala. 

Samantha was introduced to NJSGC in 2019 by a friend and was quickly hired as a seasonal field instructor. Her content knowledge, background experience and enthusiasm made her a great candidate for the position. According to Diana Burich, Director of Education, “Samantha was a fabulous field instructor who engaged visiting school groups with her energy and passion, always interacting with a bright smile as she taught children about the importance of NJ’s marine and coastal environments and why it is necessary to care for them. We’re ecstatic to have her back at NJSGC in greater capacity!”

As communications specialist, Samantha is responsible for writing and distributing content including the NJSGC newsletter COASTodian, email blasts, managing social media accounts, and documenting NJSGC’s presence and research impacts throughout the State of New Jersey and Mid-Atlantic region. Within NJSGC, Samantha will be an integral part of its strategic planning, fund-raising efforts, and research communications. As part of the Sea Grant Communications Network, Samantha will work with other state Sea Grant programs and the National Sea Grant office to represent New Jersey’s voice and to improve Sea Grant communications as a whole.

“Samantha’s expertise, depth of experience, enthusiastic commitment and fresh perspectives will be a positive influence on our organization. Her background in marine science and familiarity with science communications made her the perfect choice for the position. We are looking forward to having her back onboard,” said Pete Rowe, PhD, Acting Executive Director, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium. 

In her spare time, Samantha is a sitting board member of Save Coastal Wildlife, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the wildlife along the Jersey Shore. When she’s not in the office, she can be found kayaking, scuba diving, and walking (or swimming) along the Jersey Shore with her rescue pup, Lady.