Stacey E. Kilarski
MARINE BIOLOGIST

Stacey Kilarski is a marine scientist and brings experience in marine and social sciences with international involvement in coral reef and fisheries management, research, surveying, and teaching. She has international experience working on marine projects related to marine protected areas, coral reef resilience, climate change adaptation strategies, and socioeconomics of coral reef systems. She is organized, analytical, and an enthusiastic researcher with technical writing and effective communication skills. Stacey's primary responsibilities at AECOS include project coordination, designing and conducting marine biological and water quality surveys, analyzing collected data, and preparing technical reports to assist with impact studies, environmental permit applications, compliance monitoring, resource assessment reports, mitigation plans, and coral transplantation plans.

Stacey received her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources (Marine Resource Management Concentration) in 2002 from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She then went on to complete a Master of Environmental Science and Management in Coastal Marine Resources in 2006 from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Stacey has practical experience in data management (Microsoft Office Suite), data analysis, technical report preparation, survey development, Endnote, Photopshop, and ArcView9 GIS. She is trained in underwater coral reef surveys and monitoring, visual finfish monitoring, and water quality testing and knowledgeable in resilience concepts for incorporation into monitoring protocols and strategies, and has an understanding and working experience with marine and coastal management policies of the Pacific Islands region. Her certifications include NAUI Rescue Diver, NITROX, First Aid for the Professional Rescuer, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

Susan Burr
AECOS SENIOR BIOLOGIST

Susan Burr is an Environmental Scientist with AECOS Inc. and has over 20 years of experience in the environmental field in positions including Water Quality Specialist, Planner, and Marine Biologist. Her primary responsibilities at AECOS include project management, freshwater and marine biology, wetland/stream delineations, and preparation of environmental survey and assessment reports. Susan has been the project manager for numerous environmental and water quality studies throughout Hawai‘i for projects in urban streams, nearshore coral reefs, coastal wetlands, isolated stream tributaries, mangroves, sandy beaches, small boat harbors, and various construction sites.

Susan Burr received a B.A. degree in Biology in 1991 from Pomona College a M.S. degree in Marine Resources Management in 1993 from the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. She has worked for the Washington State Office of Marine Safety, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Division of Environmental Quality, and the Hawaii Department of Health Environmental Planning Office and has been with AECOS since 2001. She recently returned from a year living in Denmark, where she continued her employment with AECOS communicating over the internet. She is also an avid athelete, having completed the Ironman World Championshiop twice (in 2000, finishing 18th, and in 2001, finishing 23rd), as well as the Honolulu Marathon in 2008. Her finish in the marathon was 16th place overall, earning her the Kamaaina Award.

Susan is a versatile biologists and leads or supports studies in Hawaiian streams (with Bryson Luke), on coral reefs and in other marine environments (with Stacey Kilarski), and conducts wetland delineations (with Bryson). Recent projects Susan has managed while with AECOS include monitoring of stream restoration at Pila‘a on Kaua‘i, benthic community monitoring of Honolulu Harbor for a NPDES permit, stream surveys for University of Hawai‘i, West Oahu campus, and a mangrove removal project for the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Susan is a member of the Hawaii Association of Environmental Professionals and the University of Hawaii Chapter of The Coastal Society. She has training and certification in wetland delineation, hazardous waste operations, maritime security, first aid, and CPR.

Rachael Knapstein
BIOLOGIST

Rachel Knapstein is a biologist with AECOS Inc. and has over 9 years of experience in laboratory and environmental sciences including animal husbandry, microbiology, marine biological surveys, and water quality monitoring. Her primary responsibilities at AECOS include monitoring and assessment of water quality, and microbiological analyses. As a field technician, she monitors streams, harbors, and nearshore environments in accordance with water quality regulations outlined in Hawai‘i Administrative Rules and the General Monitoring Guidelines for Section 401 Water Quality Certification Projects. Rachel is a qualified sampler who is thoroughly knowledgeable in all equipment, instruments, SOPs, calibrations, limits, and reporting requirements. As the primary analyst in the microbiology lab, Rachel is responsible for maintaining Hawai‘i State Department of Health laboratory certifications, conducting quality assurance testing, maintaining records and logs, and processing and reporting water samples.

Rachel Knapstein received two B.S. degrees in Biology and Environmental Science from Salisbury University and the University of Maryland: Eastern Shore, respectively, in 2008 and a M.S. degree in Marine Science in 2013 from Hawaii Pacific University. She is a certified NOAA diver who has traveled to remote locations. She worked with NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystem Division to survey and remove marine debris, specifically derelict fishing gear, from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and has traveled to Johnston Atoll as a diver with AECOS to sample marine sediment surrounding the atoll. She lead coral reef surveys with the volunteer-based monitoring organization, Reef Check Hawaii, and has worked as a certified Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician for the National Institutes of Health. Rachel is certified in first aid, emergency oxygen administration, CPR, maritime security, and hazardous waste management.