Meet our
team


The ANAMAR difference

ANAMAR has a highly qualified, close-knit team of scientists with various areas of expertise. This diversification of skills and knowledge is integral to our success and ensures that each project is approached from several perspectives. It also allows us to provide our clients with a project-specific team of professionals that is especially suited for their particular needs. Each scientist has experience in project design and management and has organized and supervised many field efforts.

Michelle Rau

Michelle E. Rau, M.S.

Chief Executive Officer & Project Manager

Ms. Rau has been with ANAMAR since 2002 and has worked in the field of environmental science since 1992. She has a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation and an M.S. in Soil and Water Science.  As the Chief Executive Officer at ANAMAR, Michelle acts as a client liaison, staff supervisor, and senior project manager.  She has extensive experience managing integrated project teams, planning and executing field survey logistics, and developing project deliverables. Michelle has a strong educational and professional background in water quality, soil science, chemistry, and ecology. She has 20 years of experience working for government agencies and private clients on navigation-related projects primarily associated with dredged material evaluation and management; regulatory compliance and permitting; oceanographic surveys; ODMDS monitoring, designation, and expansion; and preparation of NEPA-related documents.

Ross J. Thomas, M.A., MBA

Chief Operations Officer & Project Manager

Mr. Thomas is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds master’s degrees in National Security Policy and Business Administration from Georgetown University and the University of Florida. He is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he was a Naval Officer and specialized in rotary wing aviation, risk management, and process improvement. Ross’s experience in the military and his understanding of business operations and finances provide operational efficiencies for the firm. Currently Mr. Thomas is on active duty orders, serving as the Commanding Officer for Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 60 in Jacksovnille, Florida, until Fall 2026. Upon his return, he will resume his duties as Chief Operating Officer.

Kathryn M. Thomas

Vice President of Business Development

Mrs. Thomas joined ANAMAR after serving as a U.S. Naval Aviator and founding the nonprofit organization Yoga 4 Change. Throughout her military career, she worked with domestic and international governmental agencies, leading personnel through complex operational and training exercises while developing expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

At ANAMAR, Kathryn supports business development, strategic growth, operations, marketing, and organizational initiatives. She works closely with clients, teaming partners, and staff to strengthen relationships, pursue new opportunities, and support the successful delivery of environmental consulting services nationwide.

In addition to her work at ANAMAR, Kathryn serves in public leadership roles focused on transportation, infrastructure, and community development. Her background in facilitation, strategic planning, communications, and nonprofit management helps her build partnerships, foster collaboration, and advance meaningful outcomes for clients, communities, and the environment.

Paul Berman

Paul L. Berman

Quality Assurance Manager

Mr. Berman has a degree in mathematics from the University of Florida. He worked in an environmental laboratory as an analyst, project manager, and QA Officer from 1986 until 2008, when he joined the staff at ANAMAR. Paul has worked primarily as ANAMAR’s QA Officer and contract laboratory coordinator, writing quality assurance plans and ensuring that all project data quality objectives (including physical, chemical, and toxicological testing) from the subcontractor laboratories are met. He also reviews the final results from the laboratories to ensure the data meet regulatory requirements. He has experience managing projects, performing ocean disposal modeling, and providing technical advice on sampling and analytical requirements.

Jason C. Seitz, M.S.

Senior Biologist & Senior Project Manager

Mr. Seitz has been a biological scientist since 1997 and has been a project manager with ANAMAR since 2009. He has held positions with Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Museum of Natural History, nonprofit institutions, county government, and private consulting firms. Jason holds degrees in Fisheries Technology, Aquatic Ecology, and an advanced degree in Soil and Water Science with an emphasis on interdisciplinary sciences. His specialties include fish biology and ecology, bioaccumulation risk assessments using models, NEPA and ESA documentation, technical writing, and project management. Jason has published biological research studies in regional and international science journals.

Michael Madonna

Michael Madonna

Senior Scientist & Senior Project Manager

Mr. Madonna has worked previously with ANAMAR on a contractual basis between October 2014 and May 2015, again in October 2020, and was recently employed full-time as a Senior Scientist in May 2021. He has worked as a staff scientist, field team leader, and project manager in the environmental consulting industry since 1996. He has a B.S. in Biology and strong technical background in environmental science.

Emma Broadbent

Emma Broadbent

Staff Scientist & Project Manager

Ms. Broadbent joined the ANAMAR team in October 2022 as a staff scientist shortly after graduating from the University of Florida. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Soil & Water Science, both from UF. Emma has a strong background in environmental chemistry and research. In her time at UF, she was involved in research that has yielded two scientific articles in which she is credited as an author and have been published in Environmental Pollution and Journal of Environmental Quality. At ANAMAR, she is heavily involved in report writing, data management, and ocean disposal modeling.

Chad Aukerman

Chad Aukerman

Staff Scientist & Field Team Leader

Mr. Aukerman earned a degree in Marine Biology from Bowling Green State University and joined the ANAMAR team as an Environmental Technician in October 2022. With expertise in field preparation, data analysis/interpretation, and technical documentation, he excels at gathering accurate field data, maintaining an organized workplace, and supporting project mobilization/demobilization. His broad knowledge of ecological sciences and keen attention to detail contribute to his effectiveness in data collection and analysis. Mr. Aukerman’s passion for marine biology and commitment to environmental conservation drive his impactful work at ANAMAR.

Joseph Cake

Joseph B. Cake

Office Manager/GIS Specialist

Mr. Cake has a degree in Network Services Technology and is proficient with a range of hardware and software including ArcGIS, database development, and ToxCalc. As ANAMAR’s GIS analyst, Joseph supports all the technical staff with their mapping needs and assists in managing electronic data, specialty reports, and a variety of IT issues. Joseph also has the distinction of being ANAMAR’s first employee, having joined the company in 2001.

Ricardo Mehu

Environmental Technician

Mr. Mehu joined the ANAMAR team in July 2025 as an Environmental Technician. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environment and Sustainability with minors in Biology and Geographic Information Systems from Catawba College. Mr. Mehu has contributed to a wide range of research projects, including investigations into soil biodiversity, mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic invertebrates, and ecological restoration. He has also gained valuable experience in water quality advocacy and land surveying, where he supported efforts that connected environmental science with community and policy outcomes. Throughout his academic and professional career, Mr. Mehu has developed strong skills in ecological fieldwork, data collection, GIS applications, and environmental analysis. With a passion for conservation and sustainable resource management, he is eager to apply his technical expertise and commitment to science-based solutions in support of ANAMAR’s environmental projects.

Michael Mantone

Environmental Technician

Mr. Mantone is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences with a specialization in Soil Science. While at UF, he worked in the Urban Ecosystems Laboratory, supporting research through sediment and water sampling, water quality monitoring, equipment calibration, and laboratory analysis. He also conducted research examining copper tolerance in freshwater algae and cyanobacteria across multiple pond systems.

At ANAMAR, Michael applies his field and laboratory experience to support environmental monitoring and consulting projects. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring new hiking trails, and learning more about Florida’s diverse wetland ecosystems.

Gabriella King

Marketing, Business Development, Office Coordinator

Ms. King joined ANAMAR in 2026 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Florida, with concentrations in Natural Science, GIS, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. During her time at UF, she served as a research assistant in an Environmental Toxicology Laboratory within the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, supporting research on pesticide use and environmental impacts. She also gained experience in science communication as Communications Director for the University of Florida chapter of an international nonprofit organization.

At ANAMAR, Gabriella supports client and partner relationships, business development initiatives, marketing efforts, and day-to-day operational coordination. She is passionate about connecting science, communication, and business to support meaningful environmental projects and informed decision-making. Outside of work, she enjoys learning about coastal and marine ecosystems and spending time at Florida’s beaches.

Miguel Perez Porras

Environmental Technician

Mr. Perez Porras joined ANAMAR as an Environmental Technician in 2026 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. During his time at UF, he gained hands-on research experience in both the Morrison Lab, focused on sediment and environmental monitoring, and the Oh Lab, focused on freshwater quality and molecular analysis. He also conducted independent research examining the effects of soil composition on microbial communities across multiple Thin Layer Placement projects and served as a Teaching Assistant for Environmental Analysis.

At ANAMAR, Miguel applies his experience in environmental sampling, data analysis, water quality, wastewater treatment, and soil science to support a variety of environmental consulting projects. He is passionate about fieldwork and using science-based approaches to address real-world environmental challenges while helping clients achieve practical, sustainable solutions.