Mark Hall
Mark founded Biomes in 1989 as a traveling marine life show for Southern New England schools. He started his first business when he was 14, which was a wholesale collection service providing science specimens to schools across the country. A native Rhode Islander, Mark graduated from Cumberland High School, and the University of New Hampshire.
Mariah Branch
As a native Rhode Islander, Mariah grew up in and around the ocean. Before joining the Biomes team, she spent some summers researching and tagging sharks in RI, Mexico, and Florida with the University of Rhode Island and University of Miami. Her favorite animal in Biomes is the whitespotted bamboo shark.
Stacey Blanchet
Stacey has been an integral part of the Biomes' team since 2016, working as our office manager. An avid beach goer, she is right at home caring for our marine animals. Stacey's favorite animal is our octopus, who she loves feeding.
Cordelia Higgins
Born and raised in Rhode Island, Cordelia used to frequently visit Biomes as a child. She loves wildlife and marine life, and is currently studying Pre-Veterinary sciences at URI. Her favorite animal at Biomes would have to be the Bichir in the Amazon tank because it looks like a dinosaur!
Sophia Colapietro
As a true Rhode Islander, Sophia spent her childhood out in nature whenever possible. Years after working as a volunteer, she returned to Biomes as a staff member after studying Marine Biology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Sophia’s favorite animals at Biomes are the seahorses, Darwin, and Yoshi.
Wayne Winch
Originally from Massachusetts, Wayne joined the team in 2021 shortly after retiring from his 43 year career in the automotive aftermarket. He now dedicates his time to performing maintenance within Biomes and improving animal displays. He loves all marine life and frequently boats in Narragansett Bay. Wayne's favorite animal is the black drum, who he calls Big Guy.
Noah Belanger
Originally from West Greenwich, Noah grew up spending all his time in the woods. He is majoring in Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Rhode Island, and plans to minor in Marine Biology. His favorite animal at Biomes is the Mandarin Dragonet. He used to come to Biomes as a kid and he is so happy to be a part of the team now!
Lou Asci
When not working as a communications specialist at Logan Airport in Boston, Lou is a relentless collector of animals for Biomes. He scours tide pools and coves in Narragansett Bay in search of interesting specimens. Lou collects for us year round, even venturing into the water in winter.
Dan Savitt
Dan has been collecting for us since 1989, and is reponsible for some of our most spectacular specimens. When not collecting for Biomes, Dan is the head of RI Hospital’s emergency room surgery, an organic farmer, and dad to three successful kids. He maintains a lobstering boat and a series of traps to provide us with starfish, whelks, and other animals throughout the year.
Bryn Mulligan
Born in Seattle, Bryn was raised on the water in Rhode Island and spent summers tagging sea turtles in the Bahamas with her Grandfather. She studied Wildlife Conservation Biology at URI and graduated in 2023. Bryn enjoys walking her dog Paul in the woods and identifying as many animals as possible. Her favorite friends at Biomes are Buddy the snake, Yoshi the ferret, Darwin the tortoise, and the little skates.
Interested in joining our team? Inquire about volunteering today by filling out this form.