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Lauren Rust- Executive Director
Lauren Rust is the founder and executive director of LMMN. She received her BS in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston in 2004 followed by her MSc in Ecology from the University of Wales, UK, in 2007. Before founding LMMN, Lauren managed the research department at The Marine Mammal Center in CA managing the necropsy lab, various research projects and leading the large whale recovery team. Lauren has also worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) responding to sick and injured marine mammals in South Carolina and the Environmental Specimen Bank at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) here in Charleston. Recently, Lauren joined the marine biology graduate program at CofC as a faculty member to mentor students. She's passionate about marine mammal research and education and hopes to bring a greater awareness about Charleston's local dolphin population to the Lowcountry. You can reach Lauren at Lauren@lmmn.org.
Nancy Lauricella- Development Associate
Nancy earned her BA degree in rhetoric and communication from the University at Albany and her MS degree in public relations from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications. Nancy's professional experiences and areas of expertise are diverse. Prior to joining LMMN, she spent more than 15 years as a higher education administrator at a large New York State public research institution serving in a variety of managerial and leadership roles. She has also served as a board advisor to a national fraternity and worked as a public relations specialist for corporate and non-profit organizations. She has presented at national conferences regarding a variety of topics including how to strengthen community relations and effective tools in higher education assessment practices. Nancy is excited to bring her depth of experiences in event management, strategic planning and communications to enhance and expand the organization's fundraising and partnership programs. You can reach Nancy at Nancy@lmmn.org.
Melannie Bachman- Conservation Coordinator
Melannie holds experience as a published marine scientist, author, dive instructor, and yoga teacher. With over a decades’ worth of marine science research, outreach and teaching, and over 20 years Scuba diving experience, she has been fortunate to work around the globe in the field of marine conservation with a wide array of marine ecosystem aspects. From coral reefs, to cetaceans, sea turtles, and sea birds studying human impacts to the environment through tourism, pollution, stranding response, and climate change, in some of the world’s most remote and pristine waters. She has a BSc from Michigan State University, and MSc from Hawaii Pacific University. She teaches Scuba diving and Freediving with Joe’s Scuba during the summer months. When she is not writing, on the water, or below the water, she also volunteers with the American Cancer Society and Agape Care (Hospice). Throughout her career, she dedicates her energy to be the voice of animals, and improve connections between humans and nature. You can reach Melannie at Melannie@lmmn.org.
Cathryn Needleman- Marine Mammal Assistant Stranding Coordinator
Cathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston. She began her involvement with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) in 2021 as a volunteer, later advancing to an internship position in the summer of 2024. After her time with LMMN, she joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where she gained hands-on experience conducting marine mammal rescues and performing necropsies on both dolphins and manatees. She then completed an internship with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Cape Cod, further strengthening her skills in marine mammal response and rehabilitation. Now back in the Lowcountry, Cathryn serves as the Marine Mammal Assistant Stranding Coordinator with LMMN. She is excited to return to the organization that first ignited her passion for marine life and stranding response. You can reach Cathryn at Cathryn@lmmn.org.