Falyn McQuarrie

Assistant Coordinator

Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve

Professional experience

Falyn completed her Master’s in Marine Policy and  Management with a concentration in Marine Resource Sustainability from the University of New Haven after studying Marine Affairs at The University of Rhode Island. During graduate school, she conducted research on the use of recycled oyster shells in living shorelines to mitigate coastal erosion in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Before joining the Reserve Falyn worked in Greenwich for the Conservation team, gaining experience with permitting and community conservation and Old Lyme in Land Use permitting for the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and Planning Commission. Prior to graduate school, Falyn worked in education, where she built strong communication and outreach skills. She is excited to contribute her passion for coastal resilience, habitat restoration and environmental education to the Connecticut NERR and to continue supporting the protection of Long Island Sound’s estuarine ecosystems.

What is your favorite memory of the Sound?

I grew up on the Connecticut Shoreline and spent a lot of time on or near the water going to the beach, fishing and attending the local Ecology Camp. On of my favorite memories from Ecology Camp in Elementary School was the day we learned about Fiddler Crabs and the director of camp, a local teacher, put the crabs on her ears as earrings. I thought it was the coolest thing and as a kid made me less afraid of all the cool creatures living in the Sound!