MarineQuest Staff

Janie McAuliffe, MarineQuest Director

Janie is a Wilmington, NC native who received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in marine biology right here at UNCW. Bringing together many years of experience in marine science research and working with children she now aids in the development of new research projects and overall growth of MarineQuest programs. Her enthusiasm for all things marine, research, and science is bringing cutting edge research programs and lessons to MarineQuest participants. When she is not working, you can usually find her at the beach playing volleyball, surfing, or diving.

NAUI Research Diver; UNCW Scientific Diver
PADI Rescue Diver
ARC First-Aid, CPR; DAN Oxygen First-Aid for Scuba

Sue Kezios, Director of Youth Programs.

Dr. K grew up on the Chesapeake Bay crabbing, oystering and fishing.  She earned a PhD in Biology from Princeton University and spent the first half of her career conducting research on cell differentiation.  Once her children enrolled in school she became concerned about the lack of science instruction they were receiving.  This led to collaboration with the NIH to create KinderScience, a hands-on science education program for young children.  In 1999 Dr. K obtained her North Carolina teaching certification and began working at UNCW.  In 2006 she was named Director of Youth Programs and immediately began creating a new standards-based curriculum for MarineQuest, one that includes field research, marine technology, and diving. 

Harris Muhlstein, MarineQuest Science & Research Specialist

Harris grew up in the south shore of Long Island where he spent his youth as a competitive swimmer, surfer and ocean lifeguard. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in marine biology and Master's degree in secondary science education from the amazing UNCW. He also earned his Master of Science in marine science from the University of Texas. MarineQuest offers Harris the ability to merge his years of relevant marine science research experience with his teaching prowess that he honed as a NC high school science educator. When not designing and administering marine science based lessons at MarineQuest, he spends his free time being active, surfing, diving and inventing marine science related dace moves.