Our Team

Meet the people who have made UNIMARE so successful!


Founders

The founders of UNIMARE consist of the wonderful family of Martin Möstl and Sigrid Michi Werth, along with their four children, Luis, Valerie, Hannah, and Matthis. Martin graduated with distinction in May of 2007 from the Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Vienna. His research focus is on phycology (algology). As a qualified educator, he worked as a course leader at the Pula Marine School in Croatia from 2007 to 2010. 


Sigrid completed her diploma in marine evolutionary biology at the University of Vienna in 2008. Her research focus is on malacology (mollusc studies). As a trained nature educator, Sigrid organizes excursion weeks along with school classes with both German and Italian native speakers since 2002. She has also worked as a course leader at the marine school in Pula, Croatia from 2008 to 2010.

 

After years of experience in the Marine Biology School of Pula, Martin and Sigrid decided to build their own school in Italy with the support of Albatours (travel agency in charge of contact with German schools and trip organization). The school was founded in 2013 in the marine village of Marina del Cantone (Massa Lubrense NA) with the help of Camping Nettuno which provides suitable spaces and easy access to the beach that aids in the prosperity of Unimare. 

 

After 10 years of dedicated activity at Unimare, during which they had the opportunity to host thousands of students from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, they decided to step away in 2023 and focus their attention on alternative projects in Austria. 

 


Head Office

I'm Domenico Sgambati, a marine conservation biologist who has been working at the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella since 2005. Since 2017 I'm chair of Natural Sciences and professor of "Introduction to Marine Biology with Lab" and "Marine Conservation Biology" at Sant'Anna Institute located in Sorrento (Sant'Anna has also been in partnership with the Jacksonville University of Florida since 2017). My passion for the Ocean has lead me to integrate an educational program that mixes theoretical and practical activities together, in the unique underwater ecosystems of the Amalfi Coast.


My name is Alba Fagnano and my passion for the ocean has always played an important role in my life.  After completing a course of study in art, I left the metropolis for a wilder life. I have been kayaking and snorkeling for eight years at the Protected Natural Area of Baia di Ieranto and have worked at UNIMARE since 2016 as a snorkeling/hiking guide and lab assistant. I am an excursionist guide named by A.G.E.M./Parco Monti Lattari and enjoy a variety of activities, from recreational ones with school groups, to excursions where we sketch on location, or even just the simple pleasure of walking and observing the natural environment around me. My mission is to bring people closer to nature through art, science, and outdoor experiences, which has also proved time and time again to be a triumphant combination as an educational tool.  



Staff

I'm Nikolas Schneider, a marine biologist by training, with a background in NGO work focusing on natural protection and climate change studies. Currently living in Berlin, I'm 34 years old and love sailing, swimming, and diving. To me, the ocean isn't just a spot for relaxation, soaking up the sun, and enjoying water sports; it's a precious ecosystem that needs our care and protection. While many only see the surface of the water, I've learned to appreciate the multitude of organisms thriving in every niche and corner. My favorite underwater ecosystem? Definitely seagrass meadows – they're like the rainforests of the Mediterranean Sea!


I'm Lisa Feutcher, 22 years old and from Germany. I am studying Environmental Education and I work at Unimare for my internship semester this summer. I love the sea, no matter if under, in or on the water.


My name is Connor Bryant! I am 21 years old and I am from Ohio, United States and I am currently studying abroad in Italy! I study environmental science with the hopes of being a marine conservationist upon obtaining my degree! The ocean has always been fascinating to me since I was a very young boy, and I am excited to finally pursue a career in this field! 


My name is Paige Sauter and I am a 21 year old student pursuing  a degree in Environmental Studies in the United States! I am studying abroad in Sorrento at the Sant'Anna Institute and have been working with the Marine Protected Area of the Punta Campanella region. I have always been fascinated by the marine world, and growing up close to the Atlantic Ocean throughout my childhood is what has especially sparked my passion and joy for the water!


 

Hi I'm Kathleen Casey! I am a 20 year old student from Avon, Connecticut double majoring in environmental science and music. I am currently studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy while interning with the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella. Marine life has always intrigued me and I love working with this internship because it gives me the opportunity to learn more about the sea and its inhabitants in such a gorgeous area!