Molly Frattasio

Molly Frattasio is a Master’s student and graduate research assistant in the Pain Lab. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Spanish from Bucknell University in 2024. After graduating, Molly taught climate education at Mass Audubon through the intersection of nature and art. She has also worked with a local watershed association, where she gained experience in habitat ecology, invasive species management, and science communication. 

With her advisor, Andrea Pain, Molly investigates the drivers and magnitude of methane production in the sulfate-rich restored tidal marshes of Poplar Island. Her research aims to provide process-based biogeochemical evidence to clarify methane’s role in blue carbon assessments.

Molly plans to dedicate her career to understanding anthropogenic disturbance and strengthening resilience in coastal ecosystems. She is passionate about using science to develop creative, transdisciplinary solutions that expose and deconstruct the root causes of coastal injustices while honoring and uplifting the deep cultural connections surrounding coastal and wetland ecosystems.