PINE Planning Committee

Aerial view of a waterfront research facility, host to the recent PINE event, with several buildings nestled among trees, a dock extending into the water, and a blue research vessel moored at the pier.
A man with short curly hair and a beard smiles at the camera. Wearing a patterned shirt, he stands outdoors in front of lush green trees, representing the PINE planning committee.

Paul Okrah

Lead Organizer/MSGSA Vice President

I 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.
A woman wearing a dark waterproof jacket and red life vest stands on a boat with a misty ocean in the background. She is smiling, possibly reflecting on her recent work with the PINE planning committee, as nautical ropes and metal rails surround her.

McKenzie Powers

MSGSA President

I 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!
A man with curly hair, a beard, and round glasses smiles at the camera. He is wearing a blue jacket and brown shirt. Behind him, a large bookshelf filled with colorful board games hints at his role on the PINE planning committee.

Ben Lowin

Logistics Coordinator

I 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. 
A smiling member of the PINE planning committee in a dark sunhat and blue shirt holds an empty horseshoe crab shell on a sandy beach with grassy dunes and blue sky in the background.

Min Khant Han

Speaker Liaison

I’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.
A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a sleeveless black top, smiles warmly while standing indoors against a dark, softly lit background, representing the PINE planning committee.

Michelle DeMers

Planning Committee Secretary

I 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.
A woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a black t-shirt, sits outdoors on grass with greenery and water in the background under a cloudy sky, smiling at the camera—a proud member of the PINE planning committee.

Charlie Kollman

Fundraising/Budget Chair

I 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.
A smiling member of the PINE planning committee in a black jacket stands on a boat with arms outstretched, wind blowing their hair. Bright blue water and mountains with clouds are visible in the background.

Mariah Ricci

Outreach Coordinator

I’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. 
A woman with long braided hair, glasses, and a striped white and black top stands indoors, smiling at the camera with one hand on her hip. She’s a proud member of the PINE planning committee. The backdrop features red and white walls and patterned carpet.

Mitchelle Agonsi

Transportation Coordinator

Hi 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.