In addition to the many interns and volunteers that help us out each year (which include both men and women!), our primary staff members and research associates are:
Jennifer Kennedy
Executive Director & Co-Founder
jen@blueoceansociety.org
Jen is Executive Director and co-founder of Blue Ocean Society. She has a Master of Science degree in Resource Administration and Management from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from Cornell University.
Although Jen grew up in Rochester, NY far from the ocean, she has always loved the water and being outside, and had an interest in whales from an early age. Jen has worked in an educational capacity over the last 26 years through her work with Blue Ocean Society and aboard local whale watch and tour boats. She became involved in marine debris issues when Blue Ocean Society adopted Jenness Beach in Rye for monthly cleanups through what was then the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program. Cleanups at this one beach evolved into our Adopt-a-Beach Program, group cleanups, and partnerships with NH Sea Grant and other organizations to study and mitigate marine pollution in the region. Jen enjoys managing the day-to-day operations of the organization while taking the opportunity to get out to the beach or on the water as much as possible. Jen lives in Eliot, ME with her husband, daughter, and several pets and enjoys walking, hiking and kayaking.
Dianna Schulte
Director of Research & Co-Founder
dianna@blueoceansociety.org
Dianna is a co-founder and the Director of Research of Blue Ocean Society. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a minor in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire. She also holds a US Coast Guard captain’s license for 100-ton vessels. Dianna began her experience in the field of marine science and education in 1995, serving as a deckhand, naturalist and research scientist aboard commercial whale watch boats in NH and MA. She implemented Blue Ocean Society’s research and education internship program in 2000, and has given many presentations to schools and groups pertaining to the marine environment.
Dianna has also served as a mate for Lindblad Expeditions aboard environmental cruise ships that traveled to Alaska and Baja California, Mexico, providing passengers with unique experiences in unspoiled natural areas.
For several winters, Dianna migrated south with the whales. In 2003 she joined the right whale aerial survey team managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This team focused on a project to study and protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from ship collisions. After many winter seasons in Florida, she decided to move a bit north and, in 2009, took the team leader position for a similar right whale aerial survey project managed by Wildlife Trust and Sea to Shore Alliance based in South Carolina. After four winters in SC, she decided to hang up her wings and stay north year-round.
In addition to field research, Dianna coordinates data collection, analysis and cataloging efforts here at Blue Ocean Society.
Niki Sullivan
Education Programs Coordinator
niki@blueoceansociety.org
Niki is the Education Coordinator for the Blue Ocean Society of Marine Conservation. She is also the animal caretaker for the resident animals and facility manager at the Blue Ocean Discovery Center on Hampton Beach.
Niki graduated from Unity College with her Bachelor of Science degree in Captive Wildlife Care and Education. She is also a certified interpretive guide through the National Association of Interpretation.
Niki grew up in New England, visiting the ocean and tide-pooling often. While she has always been very interested in animals, she was inspired to pursue this career path after volunteering as an educator at the Discovery Center in high school. While attending Unity College, she further developed an interest in environmental education.
Niki has had many opportunities where she has been able to care for live animals and educate with live animals. One of her favorite experiences was being a part of the Squam Lake Natural Science Center internship program, where she trained in environmental education and animal care with professional naturalists.
Niki hopes to continue to build a career that allows her to inspire appreciation of the natural world
Nikki Tenaglia
Community Engagement Coordinator
nikki@blueoceansociety.org
Nikki T is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Blue Ocean Society. Nikki grew up in Hull, MA, a small coastal town across the harbor from Boston. Growing up on the beach sparked her love for the ocean. Nikki went to the University of New England, where she earned a BA in Marine Affairs and a BS in Environmental Science. Nikki then moved to Miami, where she completed her master’s degree in Marine Conservation at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate years, Nikki took multiple courses that included travels to Costa Rica, Fiji, Belize, the Galapagos, Mexico, and an entire semester at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, fully indulging her love for travel.
In addition to her educational background, Nikki has held a wide variety of jobs, including an oyster farmhand, intern for Respect the Fin, Visitors Assistant at the New England Aquarium, intern at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, and more. She enjoys connecting with individuals and motivating them to share her excitement and passion for learning about the marine environment.
Nikki currently lives in Eliot, ME with her husband, and German Shepherd named Kai.
Angela Sames
Office Coordinator
angela@blueoceansociety.org
Angela is the Office Assistant at Blue Ocean Society. She is the newest member of the team and started in May 2023. Angela graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a focus in Animal Health. Prior to working for Blue Ocean Society, Angela managed small animal hospitals and, more recently, was a Program Manager for a local non-profit organization.
Angela was a military brat and grew up in many places, including Kentucky, California, Spain, and Illinois. She has always loved the ocean and, after many years of enjoying it just one or two weeks out of the year, is thrilled to finally live in a coastal community. Most of her free time is now spent at the beach or exploring all that New England has to offer. She also enjoys reading and baking.
Angela currently lives in Newmarket, New Hampshire, with her husband and cats.
Kaela Preston
Data Coordinator
Kaela is the Data Coordinator at Blue Ocean Society. Kaela graduated from the University of Miami, FL with a B.S.M.A.S. in marine science and biology. While at UM, she was actively involved in both the University of Miami Marine Mammal Rescue Team and RSMAS Peer Counselor program where she held various leadership positions.
While completing her undergraduate degree, Kaela interned with Blue Ocean Society twice. The BOS internship program not only solidified her love for cetaceans, but unlocked her passion for data analytics, which she strengthened while completing an undergraduate thesis utilizing Blue Ocean Society’s data on female humpback whale behavior under different reproductive states.
Kaela grew up in Menomonee Falls, WI amidst the seas of corn and cows, somehow developing a knack for the water at a young age. She has always enjoyed activities revolving around nature – swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, photography, to name a few. Kaela hopes to build a career that combines her passions for data science and cetaceans to try to uncover some of the mysteries held within the depths of the ocean.
Kaela currently lives in Portsmouth, NH and enjoys reading, running, dancing, plant-parenting, and spending time with her boyfriend Drew.
Seasonal Staff
Research Associates aboard M/V Granite State
Jonathan Gwalthney
Melanie White