Nina has come full circle, having originally worked as a Field Technician for the BBP in 2011-2013, she returns as Associate Director of Outreach. After growing up along the NJ shore, Sassano received a BS in Marine Science from Stockton College (now University) and jumped right into a term as an NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador for the Mullica River watershed.

Sassano left the Garden State to pursue a master’s degree focused on the reproductive lifecycle of the bay nettle jellyfish at East Carolina University. While in the south, she worked as a Research and Volunteer Coordinator for UNCW’s MarineQuest and an Educator and Student Coordinator for UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. With a return to NJ and over a decade of experience in marine science education, project management, and coordination, she is excited to be back with a team protecting the coast she calls home.