Our People

Abby McCarthy

Water Quality Program Manager

WaterScience@oars3rivers.org (978) 369-3956

Service & Expertise

Community Engagement
Data Analysis
Environmental Policy
Project Management
Water Quality Monitoring

Abby joined OARS as the Water Quality Program Manager in 2025. Abby brings expertise in hydrology and data analysis.

Before joining OARS, she conducted river and hydrothermal monitoring as Geology Assistant in Yellowstone National Park. Abby earned her Master’s in Earth Science from Syracuse University, where she developed a remote sensing method to assess flood risk and taught undergraduate courses on water and geohazards. Abby has completed research on groundwater fluctuation with the Kansas Geological Survey, rock glaciers at Portland State University, and ocean geochemistry with Pomona College. She speaks Spanish and is passionate about making river science accessible to all. Besides working at OARS, she is a yoga instructor and an outdoor trip leader, and she enjoys skating, travel, and spending time with friends and family.

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues

Our People

Abby McCarthy