We are so excited to welcome Riley Cannady, Elly Joyce, and Fletcher Slaight to the Federation team! We can’t wait to see all they accomplish during their time with us.

Riley Cannady is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Conservation and a minor in Marine Biology. Riley loves being outdoors, whether surfing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the beach. With a passion for environmental stewardship, Riley aspires to work with an environmental nonprofit focused on conserving and protecting coastal ecosystems.

Elly Joyce Elly is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, graduating in spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Pre-Law. She has hopes to pursue a career in environmental consulting, and has a particular interest in coastal policy after working on marine debris research at the Center for Marine Science. In her spare time, Elly enjoys live music, vintage and antique shopping, and pouring latte art.

Fletcher Slaight is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences and minors in Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Geospatial Technologies. With hands-on experience in field research, including marine debris analysis and salt marsh ecosystem surveys, Fletcher combines technical expertise with a deep passion for coastal conservation. As a volunteer educator and dive team member at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Fletcher has honed his public speaking skills, engaging diverse audiences and fostering environmental awareness. Fletcher’s enthusiasm for environmental stewardship and commitment to learning drive his goal of pursuing a career in the NOAA Corps or as a Coast Guard Environmental Management Officer. In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving, outdoor exploration, and utilizing his geospatial and digital art talents to support environmental initiatives.