Winter Harbor – Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is pleased to announce the 2025 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.
Science Research Fellow Gillian Audier of North Reading, Massachusetts, graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a degree in conservation biology and has since worked with The Trustees of Reservations and TerraCorps in Massachusetts. Through these opportunities, Audier has gained experience in surveying birds and creating public science programs, as well as developing monitoring protocols to establish and refine research methods. She plans to continue leading bird research studies in Acadia.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity to live and work in Acadia and I look forward to immersing myself in its unique and beautiful ecosystems,” said Audier. “This fellowship will allow me to conduct meaningful research, learn from the community at Schoodic Institute and hopefully grow as an early-career scientist.”
Julia Rush of Trenton, Maine, is the Science Communication Fellow. Rush graduated from Simmons University with a degree in Journalism and served roles with the Simmons Voice and Simmons Radio outlets. Rush has additional experience from internships with MASSCreative, the Ellsworth American, and ECHO Magazine, as well as training at Salt Institute for Documentary Studies. Rush will produce a fourth season of the Sea to Trees podcast and host future episodes of Coastal Conversations on WERU-FM Community Radio.
“The opportunity to observe and communicate the research that teaches us about this incredibly special place is such a privilege. I hope to build even deeper relationships with nature and convey the hard work of all the scientists in the park to anyone who reads or listens to my work. Doing this while living in Acadia is such a dream!” said Rush.
Environmental Science Education Fellow Abby Schill of Shorewood, Wisconsin, graduated from Dartmouth College with an honors degree in environmental studies and has traveled and worked in various outdoor education and camp programs nationwide. Schill’s experience includes collaborating with National Park Service staff to facilitate week-long programs in Alaska, leading outdoor education initiatives at a YMCA camp in Wisconsin, and, most recently, coordinating field trips to an ecological restoration site in Massachusetts. Schill will apply these skills while working with the Schoodic Education Adventure program and park visitors.
“Working at the intersection of research, education and communication is exciting to me, and I can’t wait to develop knowledge and skills that can help others have meaningful experiences here in Acadia,” said Schill. “Living and working in a place through all the seasons provides so much opportunity for learning and exploring, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it!”
Established in 2022, the Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellowship is a highly competitive 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. The fellowship is possible through the generous support of Catherine and James Gero, the National Park Service, Schoodic Institute, and the National Park Foundation.
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