The Island Institute’s Fellowship Program has announced five new placements:

Cherie Galyean, Master of Library Sciences, Univer-sity of Pittsburgh, B.A. English, Colby College. Cherie will be working with the Vinalhaven School Library on automation and collection development, and with the transition to the new school in January. She’ll also be working with the community of Vinalhaven on the community-based GIS technology transfer.

Jesse Minor, B.A. Geology, Bates, School for International Training, Mongolia. Jesse will start his placement working with Islesford fishermen sea-sampling and formatting data to share with the Department of Marine Resources. He will also assist residents with data collection for planning and marine-related decision-making. His placement will be partially sponsored by Americorps.

Keely Grumbach, B.A. Animal Behavior, Haverford College. Keely is a musician and has theater experience. She’ll be working with the North Haven community on its Arts and Enrichment Program.

Kerrie O’Donnell, B.A. Environmental Studies, Brown University. Kerrie is completing an internship with Rick Wahle and Bigelow Laboratory. She will be joining the Fellows Program in October to work with the Vinalhaven community on its comprehensive planning process.

Leah McDonald, B.A. Environmental Studies, Bates College. Leah will be working closely with the Chebeague Recreation Center’s teen program. One facet of her work will be helping bridge the gap between the younger and older populations on the island. She’ll work with Chebeague Care Resource, the Chebeague Historical Society and the Chebeague Public Library.

The Island Institute Fellows Program is designed to provide support to island communities through the efforts of recent college graduates who want to serve in Maine’s island and coastal communities while gaining valuable field experience. These awards are competitive and carry special recognition at the Institute.

Candidates must be recent graduates of baccalaureate or graduate degree programs and demonstrate interest and experience in marine science, forestry, ecology, library science, education, community development or related fields.

For more information see the Fellowship Section of the Island Institute website or call Chris Cash at 207-594-9209, ext. 136.