Paul Okrah
Lead Organizer/MSGSA Vice PresidentI am a 2nd-year PhD student who models the thermal, hydrological, and biogeochemical dynamics in salt marshes. My work unravels the intricate dance between soil, water, and plant life, shedding light on how these resilient ecosystems respond to environmental change. Passionate about bridging science and society, I aim to make salt marsh research more accessible and impactful—because protecting these coastal guardians means securing a future for biodiversity, coastal communities, and climate resilience.
McKenzie Powers
MSGSA PresidentI am a PhD Candidate in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia, where I also serve as President of the Marine Sciences Graduate Student Association. As a microbial oceanographer, my research focuses on organic matter cycling and bacterial community dynamics in the ocean, utilizing various cultivation and bioinformatic approaches including metatranscriptomics and metabolomics. When I’m not in the lab or at sea, I enjoy running, reading, and taking my dog on walks!
Ben Lowin
Logistics CoordinatorI am a satellite oceanographer, who focuses on turning the color of the ocean into biogeochemical variables that help fisheries managers substantially manage fisheries and ensure food security.
Min Khant Han
Speaker LiaisonI’m a first-year PhD student studying nematode-bacterial symbiosis in extreme environments. Passionate about science communication, I love shedding light on overlooked creatures and their interactions. In my free time, you’ll find me lifting weights or trying to find cool birds.
Michelle DeMers
Planning Committee SecretaryI am a first year doctoral student exploring bacterial community substrate utilization and phytoplankton-bacterial interactions through culturing and modeling approaches. I am passionate about increasing community engagement and literacy in marine science as MSGSA’s Outreach Coordinator in Athens. In my free time, I enjoy baking through my favorite cookbooks, exploring Georgia’s State Parks, and doing archery.
Charlie Kollman
Fundraising/Budget ChairI am a 5th Year Ph.D. candidate at UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, GA. My dissertation focuses on understanding the interactions between aerosols—tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in the atmosphere—and the surface ocean. Specifically, how a broad range of trace elements (TEs) within aerosols affects various biogeochemical processes taking place in the marine environment. In addition to course and fieldwork, I served as the AGU Student Representative for the 2023-2024 term and am currently serving as the MSGSA Recruitment Chair.
Mariah Ricci
Outreach CoordinatorI’m a marine biogeochemist passionate about oceanographic research and environmental justice. I study the sources and cycling of particulate trace micronutrients and contaminants in some of the most remote and understudied ocean regions globally. My research focuses on how these tiny particles—delivered through processes such as atmospheric deposition and resuspended deep-sea sediments—shape marine ecosystems and climate-critical processes like the carbon cycle. Alongside my doctoral dissertation work, I serve as the MSGSA Outreach Chair for the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.
Mitchelle Agonsi
Transportation CoordinatorHi everyone, I am a 4th year doctoral student majoring in Physical Oceanography. My current research is focused on investigating circulation patterns in complex estuarine and coastal systems using ocean models. I am passionate about advancing ocean sciences especially in Africa through collaborative research, teaching, mentoring, and science communication. When I am not doing science, I enjoy singing, volunteering, hiking around nature and having good conversations.