Wyatt Palenchar

Wyatt Palenchar is a NOAA-EPP Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) Graduate Fellow pursuing a Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Science at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). His research focuses on using environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding techniques to examine the dietary habits of Speckled Trout in the Gulf of Mexico under the advisement of Dr. Justine Whitaker. Prior to this, he earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Maryland in 2024 and participated in the ORISE Internship Program at USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, where he studied sustainable farming methods.

Wyatt's academic journey includes involvement with NOAA's LMRCSC Fellowship program since January 2025, aligning with NOAA's core competencies in living marine resources. His career aspirations include working in federal or state fisheries agencies post-graduation. Currently affiliated with UMES's lead institution for the LMRCSC, his work contributes to advancing marine ecological research methodologies.