Winter Harbor – Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is pleased to announce the 2026 Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellows in Science Research, Science Communication and Environmental Science Education. Working at the intersection of conservation, scientific research, education and communication, this cadre of early-career professionals will work alongside National Park Service and Schoodic Institute staff in Acadia National Park and beyond.
The fellowship is possible through the generous support of Cathy and Jim Gero, the National Park Service, Schoodic Institute, and the National Park Foundation. “Caring for the future of our national parks starts today, with the next generation, and we are thrilled to work in partnership to create opportunities for this new cohort of Gero Fellows,” said Tracey Ritchie, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships with the National Park Foundation.
Science Research Fellow Max Chalfin-Jacobs graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in biology and environmental studies. Chalfin-Jacobs brings experience from school and beyond, including organizing historical bird collections and counting seabirds worldwide to advance understanding of current bird populations. At Schoodic Institute, Chalfin-Jacobs will bring these experiences to lead research on birds that pass through or reside in Acadia.
“I am ecstatic at the opportunity to contribute to crucial conservation research to help protect the beautiful landscape of Acadia National Park. I hope to expand my ornithological research abilities through this fellowship, while learning from the incredible community and team at Schoodic Institute.”
Tiegan Paulson is the Science Communication Fellow and is returning to the area after graduating from the College of the Atlantic last year. Paulson spent time as a student collecting oral histories from Maine coastal communities to create audio perspectives on island life and current fisheries. Paulson will produce a fifth season of the institute’s Sea to Trees podcast and host future episodes of Coastal Conversations on WERU-FM Community Radio, to which he will return following his student involvement.
“I’m thrilled to be doing this work. Researchers uncover all of these fascinating details about our world that itch to be shared. I get to learn those details, and then I get to tell someone else about them. It’s an honor to be given that responsibility, and a delight to be doing it in Acadia.”
The Environmental Science Education Fellow, Connor Nordmann, joins us after serving as a seasonal interpreter at Weir Farm National Historic Park in Connecticut. With a degree in environmental science from Franklin Pierce University, Nordmann has experience developing and implementing educational programs for youth and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and will apply these skills while working with the Schoodic Education Adventure program and engaging park visitors.
“I am excited to be a part of the team at Schoodic Institute and I am grateful for this amazing opportunity. Being able to work in Acadia while also teaching visitors what an incredible place the park is is truly a dream come true. I look forward to using the skills I’ve earned in the past while also learning new ones along the way!”
Established in 2022, the Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellowship is a 10-month program for recent college graduates to develop professional skills in conservation fields, engage learners of all ages in science, and advance science to inform park stewardship. In 2025, the fellowship attracted 205 applicants for the three positions, underscoring its growing national recognition.
A nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world.
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