Stravitz Scholars

Students accepted into the bachelor's degree program in Coastal and Marine Sciences benefit from full tuition support thanks to the transformative gift of Dr. R Todd Stravitz ‘82 and the Brunckhorst Foundations.

Known as the Stravitz Scholars, they each receive a $5,000 stipend to fund independent research, internships or related study abroad opportunities thanks to Jane Batten’s HON ‘ 17, L.H.D. ‘19 historic philanthropy. These students also benefit from formal mentorship from Batten School & VIMS graduate students as well as unparalleled immersive research and experiential learning opportunities in the field and lab.

2026 Cohort

Sophia Bilotta

Sophia looks forward to experiencing the complexity of our coastal ecosystems through hands-on learning as a Stravitz Scholar. With a particular interest in coastal vegetation, she is excited to participate in innovative research and contribute toward solutions-oriented science at William & Mary’s VIMS & the Batten School.

Phia Bourcier

Sophia’s passion for marine science began as a citizen scientist while collecting data alongside her father. She looks forward to applying a multidisciplinary approach to research, with a particular interest in understanding human-nature relationships in coastal systems.

Maxwell Dunlap

Maxwell’s research interests range from molecular biology to ecosystem health and fisheries science. They’re excited to spend time in an engaging research environment at VIMS & the Batten School alongside the other members of their Stravitz Scholar cohort.

Kai Garcell

Kai’s interest in coastal resiliency research ranges from a focus on carbon cycling to coastal ecology and biodiversity science. He looks forward to engaging in hands-on field work, conducting and sharing research and building meaningful relationships with mentors and fellow Stravitz Scholars.

Malaya Garza

Malaya’s desire to understand and advocate for the natural world has informed her pursuit of a degree in coastal and marine sciences. With a particular interest in conservation ecology, she hopes to spend her time as a Stravitz Scholar immersed in a hands-on learning and research environment.

Katherine Haas

Katherine’s experience with behavioral research at a zoo led to pursue majors in both coastal and marine sciences and biology. She’s eager to build upon her research experiences as a Stravitz Scholar, and to explore the linkages between coastal and marine science and evolutionary biology.

Parker Marchetti

Parker’s experience in coastal geology research is complemented by his passion for coastal exploration and time spent outdoors. They’re excited to gain additional exposure to multidisciplinary research as a Stravitz Scholar and to apply that experience toward graduate studies and a research-centric career.

Alexander McCullough

As a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain and experienced fisherman, Alex is excited for the additional training and skillset development that their time as a Stravitz Scholar will provide. They align with VIMS & the Batten School’s approach to applied science and hope to develop tools that meaningfully address the pressing needs of coastal systems and communities.

"When I first came to William & Mary, this degree and program didn’t exist. So to now be a Stravitz Scholar, and to come here after working out on the Eastern Shore, it feels like it was meant to be."

- Isabel Volden, 2026 Cohort

Aubrey Moore

A childhood spent exploring the Chesapeake Bay fueled Aubrey’s passion for marine science and conservation. She’s excited to learn from and work alongside VIMS & Batten School faculty, staff and students and has a particular interest in both shellfish aquaculture and marine policy.

Caitlin Murphy

As a Stravitz Scholar, Caitlin is eager to collaborate on coastal ecosystem and human-nature dynamics research, and to gain experience in both field and lab settings. She’s excited to develop her analytical and communication skills and apply them toward science communication and outreach efforts.

Alexander Ni

Alexander is captivated by the mysteries of the ocean and is focused on how our understanding of coastal and marine ecosystems can help protect them. As a Stravitz Scholar, he is interested in exploring research methodologies alongside graduate students and faculty and applying his experience in mathematics and computer science toward that work.

Evie Scally

Evie looks forward to conducting chemical oceanography research as a Stravitz Scholar, particularly as it relates to ocean and coastal acidification. She’s excited to grow as a researcher and contribute as a team member while expanding her knowledge and interests in this immersive program.

Isabel Volden

Isabel’s experience with the Algal Evolutionary Ecology Lab at VIMS’ Eastern Shore Laboratory solidified her passion for coastal and marine studies. She looks forward to the VIMS & Batten School immersion semester and engaging with a community of scientists that share her passion for the natural world.

Bobby Welsh

Bobby’s experience as a fly fisherman led to a lifelong passion for estuarine environments and fisheries science, with a particular interest in American eel research. As a Stravitz Scholar, he hopes to participate in fisheries research and intends to pursue graduate studies on his path toward a career in fisheries science.