Meet the 2022 Summer Staff!
Jess Veo - Camp Coordinator
Jess is from Massachusetts and got her B.S. in Biology and Marine Science at UMass Amherst. She has previously worked with the Shoals Marine Laboratory, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the New England Aquarium, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory where she conducted research studying marine mammals and lobsters. She has also worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service, as well as an environmental camp counselor for the Seacoast Science Center. Jess is currently working for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, where she is monitoring diadromous fish populations. In addition to her love of marine science, Jess is an amateur wildlife photographer and loves to knit. Jess is most excited to spend unplugged time in nature with the campers and the gulls at Penikese.
Julie Barrios - Camp Counselor
Julie is a marine biologist and outdoor educator. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California San Diego and then went on to earn a Master's degree from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her studies are specialized in sea turtle conservation. Julie has diverse experience, traveling and working through Central and South America, helping with environmental and humanitarian projects. Julie has taught science and environmental classes to students of a wide range of ages in a variety of settings - from formal classrooms, to zoos and aquariums, as well as in the outdoors. Julie is passionate about her work and believes that education is critical for the future of our society and natural habitats, especially the education and empowerment of historically discriminated genders.
Grace Leary - Camp Counselor
Grace is from Rhode Island and has just graduated from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME with a degree in human ecology (with focuses in marine mammal biology and education). She was one of our counselors last year and we are so excited to have her back! Grace is passionate about marine mammals and has been actively involved in marine animal welfare programs. Grace has worked with Allied Whale and IFAW, as well as working as a Research Assistant at the Mount Desert Rock Research Station. She is looking forward to working in education after college.
Amy Wilson - Island Steward
Amy has spent the last 15 years in Healthcare. She has experience in arts and science education as an instructor at the Cape Cod Conservatory, the Woods Hole Children's School of Science, and Amy was also a fabulous guest art instructor at the Penikese Science + Nature Camp in 2021!
Kaitlin Scowen - Camp Counselor
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Kaitlin grew up in Chandler, Arizona. However, she knew she wanted to be a marine biologist since her first visit to San Diego, California. It was difficult to feel a close connection with the ocean while living in a desert, but I was still able to scuba dive in the lakes of Arizona. Kaitlin holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in marine biology from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and the University of Plymouth, UK. Kaitlin is certified as an AAUS Scientific Diver, Nitrox, Rescue, and Divemaster. Kaitlin is passionate about sustainability, ocean conservation, and feminism, and she loves sharing a mutual excitement for the outdoors with others. Kaitlin is excited to join the team at Penikese where all her interests align, and she is exited to be our certified lifeguard, allowing our students to have closer interactions with the sea!
