Shayna Keller

Shayna is working at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) at Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, MD. She is working on a research project with her advisor Judy O’Neil studying the effect of a benthic filamentous cyanobacteria, called Lyngbya, on a large recovering aquatic grass bed on the Susquehanna Flats, in the northern portion of the Chesapeake Bay. The project includes partners from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Its goal is to learn what factors are driving Lyngbya growth on the aquatic grasses and what Lyngbya’s ecological effects are on the Susquehanna Flats, including if it is producing any toxins that can be harmful to humans or the ecosystem.

Shayna completed her undergraduate degree at Coastal Carolina University where she became fascinated with diatoms and harmful algal blooms. After graduating, she was a marine conservation educator at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida until she started working for Arundel Rivers Federation (ARF) through the Chesapeake Conservation Corps. After her year at ARF, she was a stormwater area manager until she decided to return to school and complete a master’s degree at UMCES.

During her free time, Shayna enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and snowboarding. She also loves to catch up on her favorite podcasts and support her local movie theater whenever she can.