OSJ: You joined Friends in 2005. Was that straight out of school for you?

KM: Not quite. I graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in environmental studies. When I came back to St. John, I started doing research work at the University of the Virgin Islands, studying rare plants, worked at restaurants at night to pay the bills. I also had the chance at UVI to get involved in studying juvenile groupers. I'd like to get back to that.


OSJ: Paying the bills or groupers?

KM: Both. But mostly groupers.


OSJ: What's so fascinating about juvenile groupers?

KM: It is fascinating to see where they are found. A lot of the spawning locations around the Virgin Islands were protected a few years back, and I am anxious to see how that has affected the local populations. It's also important to learn what kinds of habitats they prefer. Protecting those habitats is important, and that knowledge could keep development from encroaching on those kinds of areas.


OSJ: Before you do any of that, you're taking some time off, right?

KM: Yes, my boyfriend and I are going to do some traveling. We don't know how long we'll be gone, but we plan on seeing some far-flung places. The Far East, New Zealand, Australia.


OSJ: You're not taking your surfboard are you, because those are big sharks in Australia.

KM: We'll surf. I'm afraid of heights, not sharks.


OSJ: What about your painting. Are you taking a break from that too?

KM: I hope to do nothing but paint during the month of October. I would like to have some new works I can leave with the galleries before we leave the island.

OSJ: Will you miss your job at Friends?

KM: Of course! I've have learned a lot. It's been a wonderful, amazing working experience. The job is so diverse. Of course I'll miss it, but I'm ready for a change and now seems like a good time for an adventure.


OSJ: Remember, those Australian sharks are big.

KM: So are those Australian waves!