Samantha Bengs

Sam first worked with GMRI as an REU intern in the summer of 2020, and worked field seasons with GMRI from 2021-2023 through the Maine eDNA program. Sam joined GMRI full-time as a Research Associate in May of 2024 working in the Fisheries Ecology Lab. She received her BS in Biology from the University of Southern Maine in 2022, and is currently a Master’s student at USM. Her thesis is centered on using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to assess the phenology and habit use of anadromous alewife and their zooplankton prey.

At GMRI, Sam is involved with various ecosystem monitoring projects, including the Casco Bay Aquatic System Survey. With the addition of eDNA surveys into the Fisheries Ecology lab work, Sam also processes eDNA samples in the newly built molecular lab at GMRI.

When not in the lab or on the water, Sam enjoys dog walks, music, playing tennis, and finding delicious eats around Portland.