A Dynamic Program, a Dynamic Team

Nick is a Bahamian marine biologist that hails from the fishing town of Spanish Wells, Eleuthera. Before returning to The Bahamas to lead the Cape Eleuthera Institute at The Island School, Nick worked as Deputy Director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth in the UK. He began his research career studying the ecology and biodiversity of deep-sea habitats, completing his doctoral research at the University of Leeds and Natural History Museum, London. He has since diversified his research interests and is currently focussed on sustainable fisheries in The Bahamas, particularly the spiny lobster fishery.

Eric is our Assistant Director of Research & Innovation. His work focuses on improving the sustainability of fisheries and conserving marine biodiversity. He has collaborated with fishers on projects focused on a variety of commercially and recreationally important species, including stone crabs, pelagic sportfish, and bonefish. Eric received a BSc in Biology from Gettysburg College, an MSc in Natural Resources & Environmental Science from the University of Illinois, and a PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Glasgow. Eric is the Island School Research Class Coordinator and has been teaching The Semester Research Class since 2013.

Dorlan is a Bahamian bioprocess engineer from New Providence. Prior to joining CEI, he worked as a Process Engineer at Verso Paper in Michigan, USA and Assistant Residence Director at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He received a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Youngstown State University and M.Sc. in Bioprocess Engineering from SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, During his tenure as a graduate researcher, his thesis focused on thermochemical hemicellulose extraction of invasive Casuarina lignocellulosic biomass to produce biofuels and bioplastics. At CEI, he conducts research in utilizing fungi to produce food and biomaterials.

Natascha Wosnick is the lead scientist for the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, where she studies the physiological and behavioral impacts of environmental and human-induced stressors on coastal shark and ray species. She holds a BSc in Biological Sciences, a MSc in Physiology, and a PhD in Zoology from the Federal University of Paraná in Brazil. Natascha is actively involved in shark and ray conservation efforts, collaborating with stakeholders and policymakers to assess species’ extinction risks and develop National Plans of Action (NPOAs) for shark and ray protection, particularly in the Global South. Her work spans The Bahamas and Brazil, focusing on species at high risk of extinction. As a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group (SSG) within the Species Survival Commission, she contributes to global conservation planning and science-based strategies to support the protection of vulnerable elasmobranch populations.

Brett joins The Island School as a renewable energy specialist and systems engineer. He brings a background in solar PV, small wind, and distributed power generation, having cut his teeth in the profit-driven renewables grind of Canada. Brett is a believer in community-centric approaches to living, and much prefers the lifestyle on Eleuthera to the one he left behind. Prior to all of this, Brett was a traveler, ESL teacher, and wayward purpose-seeker.

Kennedy first came to The Island School in 2018 as a summer intern, working with the dive team. She studied Marine Biology and Spanish at the University of Miami and is now completing her Master’s in Biology with Miami University’s Global Field Program. Kennedy returned to The Island School in 2021 to work as a Coral Research Technician and then taught applied research, marine ecology, and scuba diving. More recently, Kennedy worked as a Coral Disease Associate with Florida Sea Grant, coordinating response efforts to mitigate the devastating impacts of stony coral tissue loss disease across the U.S. coral jurisdictions. Kennedy is excited to return to the Cape Eleuthera Institute as the Research Partnerships Coordinator where she will continue to share her passions for ocean conservation and expand our impact as a center for sustainable development and research.

Mia is a true CARICOM national. Born and raised in Saint Lucia, she has lived and worked in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Dominica, among other places. She is an aquaculturist by training but her educational and professional background also expand to include environmental and marine science. Her intention is to ensure that there will always be fresh lettuce available to all on campus, among other hydroponically produced vegetables. As would be expected, she does enjoy spending her time outside, the beach is her happy place. She also enjoys watching TV and considers popcorn to be a food group.

Elidieu Joseph, lovingly called Joseph, hails from the beautiful country of Haiti. He is the grandfather of The Island School alongside Chris Maxey. Joseph began his journey here over 18 years ago during the infancy stages of what was to become an important landmark here in Eleuthera—The Island School. His hand and foot-prints can be seen all over the campus for the tireless work he has put in to make this place the beauty that it is today. Joseph is known by all and loved tremendously by staff and students alike. When you meet him, you are embraced by one of the biggest, honest smiles that simply engulfs you; then you hear “Mon ami” – my friend! His life’s mission is to work hard for his family back home in Haiti.

Natalia is a Colombian marine biologist who started studying coral population and growth to improve coral restoration for her undergraduate and master’s theses. Since 2008, she has been involved in many coral projects in Colombia, The Netherlands, Bonaire, Curaçao and Qatar. Now, she is applying her expertise at the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub project, hoping to help to rehabilitate threatened coral populations by using sexual and asexual propagation to grow and research different coral species. Natalia has been teaching dive courses for the last 15 years, training beginners, divemasters, new instructors and teaching specialties like the PADI Reef Rescue Course.

Johny started The Island School 10 years ago as a Landscape Technician. He is originally from Haiti and has integrated himself well in Bahamian culture and The Island School alike. He was a part of The Bahamas National Neighbourhood (watch) Council with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He is also an avid Conch Fest participant. He loves being a part of The Island School community and meeting new people from all walks of life from around the world. He loves having fun and is most comfortable being in front of the camera. Johny’s famous quote, “Keep it going.”

Vincent, the gentle giant of The Island School. He has been with the school now for over 5 years. Vincent was originally born in The Bahamas and, at a very young age, moved to Haiti. Much later in his adult years, he returned to The Bahamas. Vincent is highly skilled in a number of different areas. He is a farmer, landscaper, and mason. You can see all aspects of his work on campus from the farm, to the beautiful landscape to the rock walls. He is affectionately known as a beast on campus; as he can take on the task of 3 men and accomplish it with finesse and ease. Vincent does not speak much, but he smiles and his actions count for a thousand words. Every chance he gets, he runs back home to Haiti to his wife and 4 daughters.

Born and raised in West End, Grand Bahama, Silia has always had a passion for the ocean. She studied Marine Biology at The University of New Brunswick and is now based at the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub. Here, Silia contributes to coral restoration research, outreach, and education efforts in South Eleuthera. She joined the team as an intern supported by The Nature Conservancy back in 2019. She has been promoted to Research Technician, then Research Assistant, and is now a full-time researcher.