Jo Lyle-Librie
Based on the South Coast, Jo serves as the Clean Boating Program Assistant. Her role supports the program by providing resources to boaters for maintaining clean water statewide.
Oregon Sea Grant
Oregon Sea Grant-Travel Oregon collaboration promotes outdoor recreation guide certification
Tourism is one of Oregon’s largest economic sectors, with guided tours playing a crucial role in the tourism and outdoor recreation industry. Guides, such as fishing guides, along with visitors and residents, significantly impact natural resources.
Natural resource managers and rural community leaders face various challenges, including job creation, fire management, drought, safety, education about natural resource management and the economic impacts of visitors. However, professional development training for small guide businesses is often financially and time prohibitive.
Jenn Frey
As the South Coast Coordinator for the Oregon Coast STEM Hub, Jenn works to support STEAM programs for educators and students along the southern coast. Jenn brings more than 7 years of experience working in science education, community stewardship, and public engagement. Prior to her transition to education, she worked for several years in marine mammal care and research. Jenn holds a Bachelor of Science in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida.
New species of electricity-conducting organism found
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Scientists have identified a novel species of bacteria that acts as electrical wiring, potentially ushering in a new era of bioelectronic devices for use in medicine, industry, food safety, and environmental monitoring and cleanup.
The researchers who discovered the new cable bacteria species in a mud flat at the Oregon coast named it Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis in honor of the Native Americans of the region where the species was found.
Alex Marquardt
Alex Marquardt is the Coastal Mariculture Extension Specialist with Oregon Sea Grant. Alex focuses on shellfish and seaweed aquaculture across the Oregon coast. She works closely with community partners, including industry, managers, and researchers, to advance sustainable aquaculture, share knowledge, and address emerging issues.
Alex earned a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Oregon State University, MS in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University – SLO, and PhD in Marine Science from Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Oregon Sea Grant Extension program enhances fishermen’s safety and preparedness
Commercial fishing in Oregon is a hazardous occupation. Fishermen often work with heavy machinery and equipment. The wet and slippery conditions on fishing vessels increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. Long hours and demanding work schedules can lead to fatigue and sleep deprivation, which increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Blaine Schoolfield
Blaine holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from Meredith College and a Graduate Certificate in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. Originally from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Blaine has a background in science and environmental education, academic advising, salmonid habitat restoration and 14 years working with oyster aquaculture breeding and research programs at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and OSU.
Sara Swett
Based in Corvallis, Sara Swett is an Oregon Sea Grant Extension agent specializing in marine renewable energy and communities. She is responsible for developing and implementing an authentic and inclusive community engagement program focused on marine renewable energy.
Cloud Spengler
Cloud is a Marine Educator at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, where they lead marine science activities for K-12 school groups, youth, families and the public. Prior to joining Oregon Sea Grant in 2024, they taught outdoor school programs and summer camps for youth from across the state. Cloud earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences and Wildlife Ecology & Conservation from the University of Florida. While at UF, they were an undergraduate researcher in the Reynolds Coastal and Marine Ecology Lab.