Meet KARA

The People Behind the Preservation​

KelpArk is built by scientists, stewards, and storytellers who believe that protecting the ocean starts with protecting what grows within it. Our team blends deep expertise with an unwavering commitment to restoration, collaboration, and care. We’re united by a common purpose: to preserve the biodiversity that sustains us all.​

A professor of biological sciences at USC, Dr. Nuzhdin brings over 30 years of genetics experience to KelpArk, with more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. His work spans seed banking of chickpeas, sunflowers, and now kelps, driven by a deep interest in the sustainable use of ocean resources. He founded KelpArk to preserve seaweed biodiversity and protect the ecological future of the Eastern Pacific.​
Dr. Sergey Nuzhdin​
Co-Founder & CEO​​
As Chief Finance & Operations Officer, she leads strategy, financial management, and governance at KelpArk, the world’s first seed bank for Eastern Pacific kelp. With a background in biogeography and nonprofit leadership, she blends scientific insight with operational expertise to support long-term impact. Her work spans strategic planning, partner engagement, and cultivating the organizational backbone that keeps KelpArk mission-aligned and growing.
Nina Noujdina​
Co-Founder & CFOO
With over 30 years in marine aquaculture, business development, and conservation, Kevin brings deep operational expertise and a lifelong connection to the ocean. A dedicated waterman, he’s worked across open and closed seawater systems. He first joined KelpArk as a board member and now helps guide its growth as a hub for kelp restoration, conservation, and industry support.
Kevin Gaines
Director of Operations
An interdisciplinary biologist, Dr. Aguirre studies how microbes support kelp health and ecosystem resilience. At KelpArk, her work focuses on strengthening kelp-microbe partnerships to advance conservation and sustainable aquaculture. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology and also teaches aquaculture microbiology at Santa Monica College.
Dr. Emily Aguirre
Research & Restoration Lead
Michael curates KelpArk’s seedbank collections and leads global collaborations to expand its diversity. With a master’s in environmental sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, he’s worked with photosynthetic organisms since 2013. He previously managed a 1,200+ specimen Sugar Kelp collection on the U.S. East Coast, supporting research on direct seeding and biostimulant applications.
Michael Marty-Rivera
Collection Curator
Hayden helps drive collaborations that support marine conservation and biodiversity preservation. With a background in environmental science, she’s passionate about kelp’s potential to power sustainable solutions. Her work bridges marine science and real-world application, fostering partnerships that balance ecological and economic impact.
Hayden Schneider Outreach & Partnership Associate

Board of Directors

  • Charles Yarish

    Chief Scientist, GreenWave

  • Linda Duguay

    Former Director, USC Sea Grant

  • Marc von Keitz

    Director, Grantham Foundation

  • Patricia Purcell

    United Nations Developmental Programs, Senior Adviser

  • Rui Pereira

    Head of Seaweed Division at A4F

  • Eric von Wettberg

    Professor and Dean, University of Vermont

  • Markos Scheer

    CEO, Seagrove Kelp

  • Sergey Nuzhdin

    Co-Founder & CEO, KelpArk

  • Nina Noujdina

    Co-Founder & CFOO, KelpArk