Welcoming Our New Coastal Scientist

by Dr. Beth Darrow, Chief Scientist

Welcome, Coastal Scientist Allison Polinski!

The Conservancy welcomes a familiar face back to the Science Team! This March, Allison Polinski joined us as our new full-time Coastal Scientist. Allison was a Conservation Intern with BHIC in summer 2021, when she brought a new appreciation for insects on campus through her intern project investigating insect diversity on Bald Head Island (click here to check it out on iNaturalist!). She is well-versed in water sampling, wildlife surveys, and sea turtle nest monitoring, and hit the ground running right away. In addition to leading fieldwork for the Environmental Services Contract with the Village of BHI, Allison will be working on technical aspects of our water quality grant with the US Coastal Research Program. 

Allison grew up in Illinois and always had passion for the environment, and knew she would eventually end up on the coast. She graduated from University of Alabama with a degree in Conservation Ecology, and during her time there she studied tropical and marine ecology in Costa Rica and San Cristobal, Galapagos. She was a Conservation Intern at BHIC the summer after graduating, and also had seasonal positions and internships with coral reef restoration at Mote Marine lab, Loggerhead sea turtle nesting with Georgia DNR, and sea turtle rehabilitation with Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. In her free time, Allison enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time at the beach.

Say hi to Allison when you see her out and about! We are glad she has joined us!