Team

Angela Jones
PhD Candidate
2019 M.S. Biology Humboldt State University
2016 B.S. Zoology Humboldt State University
I am a PhD Candidate in Marine and Environmental Sciences at Northeastern University. My interests are in functional micromorphology and ecology of benthic invertebrates. Currently, I am studying two species, Asterias rubens, the Common Sea Star, and Asterias forbesi, the Forbe’s Sea Star, in New England that overlap after a period of separation and now hybridize. I aim to quantify the range of physical variation within and across the species and to understand potential functions or consequences of that variation.
In the Helmuth lab, I have been able to work with many different communities through outreach, research, and SCUBA diving in New England, Panama, and Curacao. Ideally, my goal is to make science more accessible, entertaining, and approachable for all.
My master’s work focused on aboral spine variation in the keystone predator Pisaster ochraceus, the Ochre Sea Star, across environmental gradients with locations from Washington to Northern California. That project molded a lot of my current interests of blending natural history and modern technology including field assays, histology, scanning electron microscopy, micro-CT scanning, and more.
In my free time, I enjoy creating marine themed functional pottery, underwater photography, scuba diving, and volleyball.

Tasha Eileen O’Hara
Ph.D Student
2019 M.R.M. University of Akureryri
2010 B.A. University of Rhode Island
I am a doctoral student in Marine and Environmental Sciences. My broad research interests include marine monitoring, fisheries, and assessing the impacts of climate change and offshore development on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. I am passionate about community and ecosystem resiliency and I believe it’s important to continuously find new ways to bridge gaps between scientists, managers, marine users, and the public to solve emerging problems.
I’m currently a Research Biologist at Coonamessett Farm Foundation, a marine science non-profit based in Cape Cod. I am the lead PI for the annual Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) stock assessment survey, utilizing underwater cameras and integrated environmental sensors, as well as other STEM and fisheries education initiatives. Prior to this, I worked in the Ecosystems Surveys Branch at NOAA Fisheries in Woods Hole, conducting ecosystem surveys for the Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis), Atlantic Sea Scallop, and multispecies groundfish fisheries. I’ve also carried out groundfish surveys in the arctic waters of Alaska and Iceland. For my master’s, I conducted depth-dependent studies of green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) reproduction with the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Iceland.

Heidi Bucking
Masters Student, Research Assistant
2024 B.S. Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology University of New Hampshire
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) with a degree in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology. During my time at UNH, I conducted research at the Isle of Shoals and participated in the university’s Lakes Lay Monitoring Program. At the Isle of Shoals, I had the opportunity to study the Atlantic Hagfish, which remains my favorite organism to date. In the Lakes Lay Monitoring Program, I assisted with research on harmful algal blooms in New Hampshire lakes.
Between college and graduate school, I earned my OUPV Six Pack Captain’s License, allowing me to serve as a captain on marine vessels. I began my graduate studies in Environmental Science and Policy at Northeastern University in January 2025. At the Helmuth Lab, I am currently assisting Angela Jones with her research on sea stars.

Windsyr Maughan
Masters Student, Research Assistant
2024 B.S. Environmental & Sustainability Sciences Northeastern University
I’m a master’s student in Environmental Science and Policy at Northeastern University. I am passionate about marine life and ecosystems. I am interested in understanding the impacts of climate change, mitigative solutions, and the restoration of various ecosystems. As an undergraduate, I compiled a literature review on the value and use of biomimicry in response to environmental change and briefly studied coral reefs in South Africa.
In the Helmuth lab, I am currently assisting PhD Candidate Angela Jones with Sea Star research, learning about species morphology and Sea Star Wasting Disease.
I enjoy spending time in nature, scuba diving, rowing, creating art, and writing music.

Josie Wagner
Masters Student, Research Assistant
2024 B.A. Anthropology Tufts University
I am interested in conservation and population restoration. I was a research assistant at Tufts University at the Kibale Chimp Project, focusing on behavioral insights from wild chimpanzees in Uganda. I worked on collecting hundreds of examples of adult play and completed an independent research project examining the locations of inter-group interactions.
In the Helmuth Lab, I assist PhD candidate Angela Jones in her sea star research. I hope to utilize my skills in the future to make an impact in helping to conserve various species.
In my free time, I enjoy skiing, reading, and spending time outside (ideally with dogs).

Mica Weld
Masters Student, Research Assistant
2022 B.S. Environmental Studies Tufts University & B.F.A. Studio Arts School of the Museum of Fine Arts
I’m currently a master’s student at Northeastern University studying Environmental Science and Policy. I graduated from Tufts University in 2022 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies, focusing on Environmental Science, and a B.F.A in Studio Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. I am passionate about investigating the impacts of climate change, the niche relationships that make up ecosystems and how environmental health and community intersect. I seek to push scientific communication, education and engagement by incorporating art into science. In the Helmuth Lab, I am pursuing independent research related to sea stars under the guidance of PhD Candidate Angela Jones.

Tasha Malcolm
Research Assistant
Candidate for B.S. in Environmental & Sustainability Sciences Northeastern University
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at Northeastern and, the previous Research Coordinator co-op with the Helmuth Lab and the CORE Lab, and now a research assistant. My first co-op involved work at a small urban farm building raised beds, selling at local farmer’s markets, and spearheading the farm’s education program. I also grew up backpacking and participating in local conservation projects, experiences that shaped my current interests in ecology, forestry, and environmental education. Eventually, I hope to study integrated human-natural systems as a tool for conservation and environmental justice.
Outside of the lab, I practice solo ice dance and archery, and can often be found collecting miscellaneous rocks or choosing which of my many ongoing craft projects to work on.

Charlee Rivera
Research Assistant
Candidate for B.S. in Environmental & Sustainability Sciences Northeastern University
I am a third-year Environmental Science student at Northeastern University, and I previously worked on the MSC Outreach team. During my co-op there, I focused on interpreting, translating, and communicating science, as I worked with a diverse student and public audience. I grew up in Suffolk County, MA, and I’m interested in how coastal communities are connected to their local environments.
When I’m not busy, I love birdwatching, photography, and hanging out in nature!

Grace Nyberg
Research Coordinator
Candidate for B.S. in Environmental & Sustainability Sciences Northeastern University
I am a fifth year undergraduate student at Northeastern, and the current Research Coordinator co-op with the Helmuth and CORE labs. My strongest passion is connecting people with the planet, and I’m interested in studying humans’ relationship to their surrounding ecosystems. My past co-op experience with the Outreach team at the MSC further shaped my commitment to science communication as I had the opportunity to share MSC research with thousands of community members.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, and exploring outdoors. I also love anything puzzly or crafty (I never miss a daily crossword)!