Outer Island Interns 2025
Interns are hired each summer to staff Outer Island and to assist visiting groups with educational programming during their visit to the island. The interns also conduct research activities, including water quality monitoring, and participate in maintenance activities on the island facilities. Below are brief bios for the Summer 2025 Outer Island Interns:
Josie Cianciolo
Hello everyone!
I am Josie Cianciolo, a 21-year-old Environmental Systems and Sustainability Sciences major at Southern Connecticut State University. My studies have focused on environmental conservation, biodiversity and the Long Island Sounds marine and avian ecosystems. I have chosen this pathway because I have always had an immense passion for nature and wildlife as it has always been an integral part of my upbringing. I was always outdoors looking for frogs at local ponds, searching through the woods for birds or squirrels that had fallen from their nests and observing any plants I could find in my dad's garden!
In my free time I love to Garden my own fruits and vegetables, bake new things, oil paint and be in nature as much as I can, especially hiking with my dog Luna! And when I am indoors, I am usually spending time with my Guinea pig and my two cats!
I hope to one day be a marine/environmental conservationist and an advocate for marine and avian wildlife protection, as that is something extremely near and dear to my heart. Protecting the natural planet is a high priority to me.
I am so grateful to be partnering with the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge on Outer Island this summer to further my knowledge and pursue my passion of preserving and managing diverse ecosystems throughout the Long Island sound, along with educating the local communities on these topics as well. I cannot wait to meet you all this summer on Outer Island!
Karena Kulakowski
My name is Karena Kulakowski and I am a recent graduate of Central Connecticut State University. I have a bachelor’s in biology and a minor in chemistry. I have been an intern and seasonal assistant at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, CT, where I worked on various projects involving monarch butterfly and bumblebee conservation. I am also involved with Pollinator Pathway, an organization that plants pollinator gardens and spreads awareness on the benefits of planting native plants. I am hoping to learn more about Connecticut wildlife and ongoing research projects during my time at Outer Island!
Aidan Surian
Hey everybody!
My name is Aidan Surian. I recently graduated from Central Connecticut State University, where I studied biology with a focus on environmental science. I am seeking to obtain a master’s or Ph.D. in marine biology/ecology, but I am taking one year off to work and gain more experience before I head back to school. My love for marine biology developed at CCSU, especially through a study abroad trip in Belize. I was fortunate enough to learn about the Belize Great Barrier Reef ecosystem by snorkeling in it! However, my passion for the sciences started much before then, as when I was a child growing up in Georgia, I spent much of my time with my friends exploring the creeks in our backyards. I still remember encountering my first newt! Besides learning more about biology and other natural sciences, I spend a lot of my free time hiking, running, rock climbing, and swimming.
Some of you may remember me from last season. I am very excited to be back working on Outer Island at Steward B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge. It was great last summer, and I know it will be fantastic once again! I am looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new people as well. This summer position will build on my experiences in research, guest services, and refuge maintenance. I am confident that everyone can count on my assistance. I hope to see you all this summer!
Kaylee Vollano
Hello everyone!!
My name is Kaylee Vollano, and I am a senior at Southern Connecticut State University. I am majoring in Environmental System and Sustainability Studies focusing on coastal marine systems. I have always had an interest in being outdoors since I was little. The study abroad trip I took to Iceland to help monitor water quality and biodiversity in one of the Eastern Fjords really helped me get more excited and interested in doing what I can to play a role in helping the environment.
I have an interest in how connecting with the world around you and having public access to get in touch with the environment can change how people view the importance of it. This is why I am excited to work on Outer Island at the Steward B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge for the opportunity to help get the public more connected to the environment while also playing a part in protecting it as well. I cannot wait to gain more experience and connections with the fellow people on the Island this Summer. I look forward to meeting you all!!