Jenna White, a student in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Honors program at Stony Brook University, has been recognized as the URECA researcher of the month for December. White is pursuing a double major in marine vertebrate biology and environmental studies.
Since January 2024, White has worked in Professor Bradley Peterson’s Marine Community Ecology Laboratory within the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). Her research focuses on studying aquaculture cages in Peconic Bay. She conducts fieldwork that includes diving, setting up Brinno time-lapse cameras on both floating and benthic oyster cages, and collecting data about fish community composition, species richness, and behavioral interactions. Data analysis is performed using R software to help inform sustainable management practices for shellfish aquaculture farms.
In addition to her main project, White has participated in research with Professor Joseph Warren’s group at SoMAS. This work involved aerial surveys of Atlantic Menhaden using drones to collect footage for analysis of fish and bird species.
White also took part in an international conservation program through Loop Abroad Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation and Research in May 2025 on the Osa Peninsula.
Reflecting on her experience mentoring other students, she stated: “I was a mentor for the WISE program, and I currently have two interns helping me with my data. I tell them that if there’s an opportunity you want to do, just apply. It’s important to just reach out; if you don’t reach out or apply, that’s an automatic no.”
A graduate of Patchogue-Medford High School on Long Island, White has presented her research at events such as Earthstock’s showcase and the URECA Poster Symposium/Celebration (2025). On campus she serves as president of the Society for Women in Marine Sciences after previous roles as outreach coordinator and treasurer; she is also vice president of the Marine Science Club. In addition, White acts as a college ambassador with the Women in Ocean Sciences global network.
For two years, she has contributed to long-term horseshoe crab population studies through participation with Westhampton Dunes New York Horseshoe Crab Monitoring network.
The full interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan is available online.
