Taking Stock In Assessing Fish Populations

National Sea Grant Awards Alum Prestigious Fellowship

Growing up in landlocked Gaithersburg, Maryland, Samara Nehemiah ’15 (Environmental Science & Policy), had a fascination with sharks, but a greater connection to marine life didn’t always feel written in the stars. But not only did she overcome the challenge of geography to discover a dream of working with aquatic wildlife, she was recently recognized as one of seven Sea Grant National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) Joint Fellowship recipients for her ongoing research at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES).

Her fellowship experience has provided her the opportunity to develop methods for stock assessment and estimate population size, helping to set regulations for management and fishing. This critical work helps indicate which fish species are on the rise or decline in the Chesapeake Bay.

“Working on the qualitative side I can see such an impact in the work that I’m doing,” said Samara.“I’m building these models that can give you a yes or no answer about whether we’re overharvesting our fish and that’s so important in these times. I’m not just learning about the fish but also how to educate people. It’s very empowering and fulfilling being able to share that information with the public, teach kids, and give them that ‘wow’ moment.”

Despite being curious about a career path in science, Samara began her academic journey as an aspiring music major at New York University (NYU). Uncertain if she had found her true passion, a chance inquiry into environmental science led her to study wildlife ecology and management at UMD.

“I had taken some science classes at NYU but didn’t particularly thrive like I had hoped,” said Samara. “But I wanted to pursue science further and thanks to an inspirational talk from Dr. Jennifer Mullinax in AGNR’s Department of Environmental Science & Technology, I realized you don’t have to fit into one particular mold to be a scientist.”

Samara Nehemiah posing with small shark on edge of boat.
Samara Nehemiah conducting field research in Florida.

After graduating, Samara dove into a range of endeavors from park ranger with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to fish and wildlife technician with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Eventually she pursued her Masters of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at University of Florida.

Samara has now brought things full circle, taking classes at UMD through the Marine-Estuarine- Environmental Science (MEES) program, while also working with UMCES as a graduate research assistant and PhD student.


“The Sea Grant-NMFS fellowship provides me with incomparable experience and tools that allow me to progress in the field of quantitative fisheries and stock assessment,” said Samara, who is also a member of the AGNR young alumni group, Symons Squad. “Working in this field is so important to me not only because it’s what I love but it also inspires others like me who didn’t realize they could pursue a career in science.”

by Andrew Muir : Momentum Winter 2022