Emilia McGeady

My career in Environmental Sciences began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I studied forest stand characteristics with drones, and developed reforestation strategies for reclaimed coal mines in Eastern Kentucky. My interests then led me to the marine environment, where I served as a fisheries observer in the Pacific Islands region, collaborating with commercial fishermen. As a native Marylander, my love for estuaries ultimately drew me back to the Chesapeake Bay region where I have worked in various roles restoring, researching and educating about estuarine systems. 

My primary passion is the restoration and study of the Eastern Oyster, which led me to UMCES, Horn Point Laboratory, and my advisors, Matt Gray and Kenny Rose. We are developing a model that integrates data on oyster filtration and predicts effects on species impacted by oysters’ removal of chlorophyll and particulates. This model will not only enhance our understanding of how oyster restoration affects lower trophic level prey species but also predicts the effects on growth of key fish species, ultimately assessing trade-offs and determining optimal restoration outcomes under current and future conditions. This project will contribute to the sustainable management of these vital ecosystems, and I aim to continue work in oyster restoration and management following this work.