OUR STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS
OceansWide's programs give Maine students a unique, hands-on experience with guidance from educators, research scientists, archeologists, and historians. With an opportunity to get a first hand look into the past, present, and future of the Gulf of Maine, we help them become aware of the treasures they stand to inherit and the importance of protecting them.
MATT LOUIS
Education Director and Lead Dive Instructor
Matt began working with OceansWide in 2009, during his junior year of undergraduate study at the University of Maine. He instantly became enthralled with the idea of using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV’s) as an educational outreach tool.
Matt traveled to Antarctica onboard the research vessels Nathaniel B. Palmer and Lawrence M. Gould in 2010 as a Marine Technician intern with Buzz who was then sailing as a Marine Technician and Marine Projects Coordinator. Matt learned the ropes on the back deck of these vessels and soon became a Senior Marine Technician with the US Antarctic Program. Over the years he has learned virtually every research instrument used on the vessels he has played a major role in outfitting the ship and is now training other Marine Technicians. He continues to work with researchers to coordinate their scientific cruises in the southern hemisphere to ensure they are successful and safe. Matt also sails as the ship's EMT.
Matt has been sailing as a contract marine technician for the US Antarctic Program since the beginning of his Antarctic career. The staff in the Marine Department saw Matt as an asset and have now offered him a full time position as Marine Supervisor. We are proud of all that Matt has accomplished and wish him the very best in this new position.
Matt is a co-founder of OceansWide and will continue to work with the staff and board of directors. Matt has been an integral part of the OceansWide success.
ANDREA GIDDINGS
Diver, Educator, Curriculum & Administration
Andrea is a dedicated middle school math teacher who has spent most of her career educating young minds. Her love for the ocean started at a young age, growing up near Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine. She developed a fascination for marine life and learned to dive while teaching abroad in Thailand.
In the fall of 2021, Andrea joined Oceanswide as a diver, clearing out lobster traps from Boothbay Harbor. As an avid ocean lover, Andrea is thrilled to have the opportunity to work towards protecting the Maine oceans and educating future conservationists.
When she's not diving, Andrea can be found surfing and reading at the beach. She is also an avid runner, gardener, and cook. In addition to her human companionship, Andrea enjoys taking her cat for walks and spending time outdoors.
Andrea's passion for education and conservation, combined with her love for the ocean, make her an essential member of the Oceanswide team. She is committed to preserving the natural beauty of Maine's oceans and sharing her knowledge with future generations.
ALEX BRETT
Program Coordinator and Dive Instructor
Alex is appreciated for his support and time, and a bio is forthcoming.
EMILY DRAPPEAU
Summer Program Counselor
Emily has been a part of the OceansWide team since her freshman year in high school.
She started in the scuba certification program, and with her enthusiasm for diving and marine studies has grown within the organization.
From scuba diving to teaching marine science programs; retrieving abandoned lobster traps, or even a whale necropsy, her thirst for knowledge and OceansWide’s multitude of experiences were the perfect match which then propelled her into the marine field at the University of Rhode Island.
There she completed a double Bachelor of Science in both marine biology and marine affairs. During her four years, Emily walked on and became a member of the URI division one Women’s Rowing team accomplishing two conference championships and NCAA appearances.
In her sophomore year, she completed an internship with the Inner Space Center focused on science communication and acoustics.
This interest in marine acoustics then passed on to her NOAA Hollings Internship the following summer in Seattle WA with a research project in Southern Resident Killer Whale acoustics.
LYDIA HARRIS
Summer Program Counselor
Lydia became scuba certified through OceansWide in 2015 as a junior in high school and has worked with them on several projects and programs since. Her roles have included summer camp counselor, dive intern, and more recently diver for the ghost trap clean-up in Boothbay Harbor.
Lydia grew up in midcoast Maine and graduated from Brandeis University in spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and environmental studies. She has a particular interest in marine biology and scuba, and her scuba training includes certifications such as Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Rescue Diver. She loves being able to experience the underwater world and is always excited to help restore this incredible ecosystem and share it with others!
During surface intervals, Lydia enjoys a myriad of outdoor activities year-round, including (but not limited to) hiking, biking, swimming, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and sailing. She also identifies as an avid reader, animal friend, and slightly-above-average bowler. She cares deeply about making the world around her a better place, and living life to the fullest!