Mattei Posthumously Awarded Professor Emerita Status

Late professor founded Project Limulus, a horseshoe crab monitoring program

Sacred Heart University has posthumously awarded the status of professor emerita to the late Jennifer Mattei, a dedicated teacher, research advocate and environmental champion who passed away in December 2022.

During Mattei’s 27 years at SHU, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to teaching, scholarship and service to the University and community. Mattei loved engaging students, faculty, community partners and the public in the critical work of restoring and conserving coastal species and habitats. “Jennifer was known throughout the University community for her passion about the environment and engaged anyone who would listen,” said Mark Beekey, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

A driving force in shaping SHU’s biology department, Mattei instilled it with values that embody the University’s mission. She was a dedicated teacher who played a key role in developing the coastal & marine science major, and she chaired the biology department from 2003 to 2009. “Jennifer’s legacy will continue to have a significant impact on the biology department well into the future,” said Provost Robin L. Cautin.

Mattei founded Project Limulus, a large-scale, citizen science effort to tag and monitor horseshoe crab populations in Long Island Sound. Jo-Marie Kasinak, a SHU biology instructor who was Mattei’s research mentee, friend and collaborator, has taken over the program. “I am excited to see my colleague and friend honored in this way. Dr. Mattei was a strong advocate for undergraduate research, education and student mentorship, and she channeled these passions through her development of Project Limulus,” Kasinak said.

During Mattei’s long career at SHU, she recruited many students to participate in her research. Collectively, her students delivered more than 75 presentations at internal, national and regional research conferences and received at least five awards. Many of her students went on to pursue careers in science and education.

Kasinak hopes people remember Mattei’s passion for protecting the environment and her tenacity in fighting for what she believed. “She had a way of bringing out the best in those around her and worked to help them reach their full potential. She was instrumental in shaping me into the scientist and educator I am today,” Kasinak said.