Meet the Penikese Team
Kimberly Ulmer
Executive Director
Kimberly is a scientist, educator, and all around hydrophile with a deep passion for science education and a strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.
With years of experience in both formal and informal science education—and nearly a decade of research experience spanning genetics, neuroscience, and marine biology—Kimberly brings a creative, interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. She previously taught Biology, Aquaculture, and AP Environmental Science at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, where she also coached the sailing team. She later served as Director of Sustainability for Sail Martha’s Vineyard, teaching Marine Science and Sustainability at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
More informally, Kimberly has taught marine biology at the Woods Hole Children's School of Science, biological illustration through the Falmouth Academy Summer Program, and K-6 environmental lessons with Habitat Kids on Martha's Vineyard.
Kimberly believes students learns best through direct experience and hands-on activities. In addition to doing lab based research at the University of California Santa Barbara, Brown University, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, Kimberly has spent time doing research at sea aboard larger sailing vessels. She sailed aboard the 95' research vessel Sorcerer II, sailing from Panama to Bermuda during their second global ocean sampling expedition, sequencing sea water to search for novel organisms and genes. She also spent two weeks aboard Sea Education Association's 134' SSV Corwith Cramer, studying ocean plastics.
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Kimberly is a USCG 50-ton licensed captain, but her favorite powerboat is her 15-foot wooden tugboat. You can usually find Kimberly with her chocolate lab, Yanmar, and if they aren't on the water, they are likely both dreaming about it.
Kendra Buresch
Island Educator and Science Coordinator for Camp
Kendra is a biologist with over 25 years of experience working in the field. She has spent twenty years at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole studying cephalopod behavior, sensory perception and camouflage, with a focus on octopus and cuttlefish. Beyond cephalopods, she has a strong interest in birds and bats.
Kendra earned her master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, where her research focused on the habitat use and migratory patterns of northern long-eared bats. She continues to contribute to bat research on Martha’s Vineyard and previously worked as a field ecologist for The Nature Conservancy’s Martha’s Vineyard office, where she further developed her skills as a naturalist and conservation practitioner.
Kendra is also passionate about engaging girls and young women in the sciences, as well as teaching children to be stewards of the environment. She spent several years as an environmental educator on MV, teaching children about their local landscape and helping them participate in habitat stewardship and conservation.
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Kendra lives on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, two children, and three cats. She has always had a fascination with the Elizabeth Islands, and Penikese in particular. She is
particularly interested in the birds that call Penikese their home for the summer.
Elliott Bennet
Island Educator and School Trip Coordinator
Elliott Bennett is a longtime resident of Martha’s Vineyard with more than 35 years of experience in science education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s degree in Science Education, with a focus on curriculum design and development.
Elliott began her career working with nonprofit organizations, where she developed experiential science curricula for middle and high school students. She has led science-focused educational travel programs with students to Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and throughout the Northeastern United States.
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As a classroom teacher, Elliott has taught Biology, Marine Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Island Natural History. She has also served as the Science Department Head and Assistant Principal at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
Outside the classroom, Elliott loves adventure – exploring the ocean, hiking through forests, skiing in the mountains, and reading a good book. She believes deeply that all children can learn in the right environment – one rooted in curiosity, kindness, and science.
Simon Miner
Island Educator
Developing a passion for nature and science at an early age, Simon combines a lifelong commitment to teaching with a clear dedication to environmental stewardship. A published researcher, formerly of Marine Biological Laboratory, Simon has also been a faculty member at the Woods Hole Children’s School of Science for the last 14 years. Keenly aware of the need for scientific literacy and environmental awareness, while teaching at the Children’s School of Science he strove to instill an appreciation for the natural world focusing on educating students in areas such as Embryology, Microbiology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, and Robotics.
As a dedicated father and life partner, and an avid sailor, Simon enjoys navigating the waters around Cape Cod, and the Elizabeth Islands with his family.
Jim Newman
Board Member, Boat Captain
Jim Newman is a Penikese Island School board member, licensed boat captain, and island guide. Professionally, Jim is an engineer, and he builds underwater vehicles for scientific exploration of the deep ocean. Jim lives in Woods Hole with his family, a flock of eight hens, and a classic wooden sailboat.
Patti Keating
Boat Captain
Patti has had one foot in the water and one foot in the woods her whole life. With decades of sailing and boating in the waters of Buzzards Bay, she has been drawn to the Elizabeth Islands, especially Cuttyhunk and Penikese. A deep love and curiosity with nature led her to a degree in plant and soil science and a 40+ year career in horticulture. Twenty years of teaching at Cape Cod Community College, in the horticulture certificate program allowed her to share her love and enthusiasm for plants with a diverse group of students. When the opportunity to work with the talented and committed group of educators at the Penikese Island School came up she couldn’t jump fast enough. “It brings it all together…the ocean, the islands, young students, the flora and fauna of Penikese, driving the boat! I just couldn’t be more thrilled!"