Meet Our 2026 Summer Interns

Meaira Alston

Meaira Alston is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a
proud native of Navassa, North Carolina. She is pursuing a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Media and Technology, along with majors in Journalism and Film. Growing up in a coastal community sparked her interest in storytelling, community engagement, and the people and places that shape southeastern North Carolina.
Through her work with Midas Magazine, volunteer service in her hometown, and involvement in campus organizations, Meaira has gained experience in content creation, social media engagement, photography, event promotion, and public communication. She is passionate about using media to educate, inspire action, and
amplify community voices.
As a Coastal Education & Outreach Intern with the Coastal Federation, Meaira is excited to combine her interests in communications and community service while helping share stories of coastal conservation and stewardship. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, trying new foods, arts and
crafts, and exploring the outdoors along the North Carolina coast.

Dustin Lamb

Dustin Lamb is a student in the Marine Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College with a passion for protecting North Carolina’s coastal environment. Originally from southeastern North Carolina, Dustin has participated in numerous field experiences throughout the Wilmington area, gaining firsthand knowledge of coastal habitats and the impacts that marine debris has on local ecosystems and communities.

As a Marine Debris Intern with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Dustin is excited to build on his field experience while helping remove marine debris, restore coastal habitats, and support projects that improve the health and resilience of North Carolina’s coast. He is eager to expand his skills, contribute to meaningful conservation work, and learn from professionals working to protect our coastal resources.

Seneca RiceWoolf

Seneca RiceWoolf joined the Coastal Federation in 2026 as a Stanback Restoration and Outreach Fellow. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Seneca attended the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she participated in community ecology research focused on seagrass meadows and further developed her love for natural systems.

Seneca is currently a candidate for a Master of Environmental Management at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, focusing on Economics and Policy as well as Coastal and Marine Systems. Her academic interests include coastal community economic resilience, fisheries management, and aquaculture. At the Coastal Federation, Seneca assists with restoration project installation and monitoring, land use management mapping, and outreach coordination efforts.