Faculty & Staff

Director
Dr. Galit Sharon
Dr. Sharon joined the faculty in the summer of 2022 as a researcher and Director. She has a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, Slovakia as well as a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Fish Health at the Institute of Desert Research, Ben Gurion University, Israel. Dr. Sharon is recognized for her research and long-standing interest in the disease and pathology of fish Invertebrate and shellfish, aquatic animal diagnostics, fish health and welfare and Immunology of aquatic organisms.

Molecular Research & Lab Manager
Abigail Scro
Abbey is an RWU alum who started as a diagnostic technician in the ADL after graduation. Her interest in marine pathogens grew during this time, eventually leading her to pursue a M.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences with a certificate in Aquaculture and Fish Health from University of Florida. She has since returned to the ADL and is continuing to use traditional diagnostic skills combined with new molecular skills (qPCR, metagenomics, metabarcoding) for the detection of pathogens in marine invertebrates.

Research Technician
Michael Torselli
Michael is an RWU alumnus, who majored in marine biology and environmental science. He attained his M.Sc. from the University of New Haven focusing on ecotoxicology and GIS. He studied oceanographic phytoplankton in the Pacific Ocean with SEA Semester, and worked for the U.S. EPA testing the combined impact of coastal hypoxia and acidification. In the ADL, he focuses in aquatic husbandry, aquarium systems, and cellular & molecular biology to assists with all general diagnostics of fish and shellfish, as well as researching to develop new molecular diagnostic methods.

Histology Lab Manager
Jessica Peluso
Jess holds a B.S. in Geoscience from Central Connecticut State University and recently earned an M.S. in Biological & Environmental Science from the University of Rhode Island. After completing her graduate studies, she developed a passion for marine biology while working at the NOAA Fisheries Marine Science Laboratory in Narragansett, RI. As part of the APEX Predator team in the Population Biology branch, Jess managed thousands of shark specimens within the NOAA archive and prepared them for aging studies and pathological analysis. At the ADL, Jess concentrates on the microscopic anatomy of fish and shellfish.
Current Undergraduate Students

Forensic Science w/ Chemistry minor
Collin Phelps '27
In addition to his studies, Collin is pursuing a Biotechnology Certificate with research in the Histology Lab and is in the Honors Program. His other involvements include being Vice President of the Forensic Science Club, a science Peer Tutor, Resident Assistant, and researcher on Soil Microbe-based Estimation of Post-mortem Interval. After graduation he hopes to become an autopsy technician or certified Pathology Assistant (PA(ASCP)).

Marine biology w/ aquarium science and math minors
Haley Kirkpatrick '28
Haley is studying marine biology under the Pre-Veterinary Track. She is a part of the scuba diving club and enjoys being outside and being active. Haley loves working with animals, and volunteers at local animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers in her free time. After graduation, she hopes to go to veterinary school and specialize in working with marine mammals.

Marine Biology w/ Applied Math minor
Karina Schmid '29
Karina recently joined the lab and is helping on all things shellfish diagnostics. Outside of school and work, Karina is an outdoor enthusiast who loves traveling, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and camping whenever she can. When She is not exploring nature, she enjoys creating art in many different mediums, spending time with her pets, and volunteering at local parks and nature preserves.

Marine Biology w/ Theater minor
Ash Guerschuny '29
Ash recently join the lab and help out with standard shellfish diagnostics. Outside of classes, singing, painting, and reading are some favorite past times, among many other activities. Ash would like to pursue a field in marine research post-graduation. A future goal of theirs is to discover and maybe name one new species!
Past Undergraduate Students
Konnor Collins, 2025, B.S. Marine Biology, Mathematics & Sustainability minors
Marissa Michaud, 2025, B.S. Environmental Science, Mathematics minor
Jules Gerstner, 2025, B.S. Chemistry & Biology
Lily King, 2025, B.S. Biology, Mathematics minor
Alison Whitney, 2024, B.S. Marine Biology, Chemistry & French minors
Sandra Remson, 2023, B.S. Biology, Chemistry minor
Casey Dunbar, 2023, B.S. Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics minors
Zachary Forbes, 2021, B.S. Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics minors