A.I.S., Inc. provides scientific, technical, and programmatic personnel to advance marine and environmental research. Through our support of ecosystem studies, data analysis, and assessments, AIS helps scientists and regulators generate the environmental intelligence required for informed, science-based decision-making.

AIS has an established record of supporting NOAA and other federal and state research programs, supplying specialized scientists and technical experts across a wide range of disciplines, including genomics, marine biology, environmental science, and ecological modeling.

With this multidisciplinary foundation, AIS delivers comprehensive scientific and technical support services that address complex environmental challenges. Our commitment to collaboration and quality enables us to strengthen the capacity of our partners while contributing to the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems.

GEONOMICS/eDNA

We have supported federal agencies in advancing the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomics to study marine species and fish populations. Through this work, AIS personnel have helped develop and refine techniques to assess species presence and abundance in challenging marine environments.

At NOAA’s Milford Laboratory, AIS staff have provided hands-on support across all stages of eDNA research, from field sample collection and processing to DNA extraction, amplification, and next=generation sequencing. These contributions enhanced our customers’ capacity to monitor marine ecosystems, improve species detection, and inform habitat modeling efforts.

PROTECTED SPECIES LIFE CYCLE MODELING

We have supported federal scientists in collecting, managing, and analyzing habitat and life history data that informed life cycle models for protected marine species. Working alongside government researchers, AIS personnel applied advanced field methods, remote sensing, and analytical modeling to improve understanding of how environmental factors influenced species distribution and population dynamics.

Our staff assisted in integrating diverse datasets and applying statistical and geospatial tools that enabled

OCEAN/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

We have supported ocean and mechanical engineering initiatives designed to enhance the safety and sustainability of fishing and aquaculture operations. Working in partnership with federal researchers and stakeholders, AIS personnel contributed to the development and testing of next-generation aquaculture gear aimed at reducing entanglement risks for protected species.

Our staff utilized modeling tools such as OpenFOAM and MATLAB to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses, simulate hydrodynamic performance, and assess structural integrity. AIS also supported projects focused on developing ropeless fishing technologies, modeling 3D oyster cage designs, and

OCEAN ACIDIFICATION RESEARCH

We support federal researchers in investigating the effects of ocean acidification on economically and ecologically important marine species. Our personnel assist with laboratory and field experiments that evaluate physiological and chemical responses under varying ocean conditions.

AIS staff contribute to sample collection, preparation, and analysis using advanced instrumentation such as spectrometers, elemental analyzers, and flow cytometers, and perform pH and alkalinity measurements to ensure accurate and consistent results. We also assist in maintaining detailed laboratory records, ensuring rigorous quality control, safety compliance, and data integrity throughout all stages of research.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY/HATCHERY SUPPORT

We have supported federal research hatcheries through comprehensive hatchery lifecycle management, including microalgal culture production, spawning, larval rearing, broodstock maintenance, and seawater system operation. Our personnel assisted with all aspects of animal husbandry, from microbiology and species rearing to monitoring and maintaining electronic control equipment that ensured optimal water quality and environmental conditions.

AIS staff helped develop and implement detailed Standard Operating Procedures, followed customer work plans, and maintained meticulous records

QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGY AND BIOENERGETICS

We have supported federal and academic researchers in conducting shellfish population health studies designed to assess ecosystem conditions and inform sustainable management strategies. Our personnel assisted scientists in designing and implementing surveys, applying molecular techniques for disease characterization and ecological data analysis.

AIS staff supported research on probiotic bacteria which was investigated for its potential to enhance larval oyster survival and reduce antibiotic use in hatchery settings. We also helped manage population structure and disease surveillance across oyster beds in Long Island Sound, coordinating with government and industry partners to collect and analyze biological data.

Our technical support included field sample collection, histopathological, microbiological, and molecular processing, along with data entry, quality control, and statistical analysis. AIS personnel contributed to preparing reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and scientific presentations that disseminated findings and advanced understanding of shellfish health and ecosystem resilience.

MARINE HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH

We have supported federal scientists and research programs in conducting quantitative ecology and bioenergetics studies that integrate laboratory and field data with mechanistic models. Our personnel assisted with bivalve sample processing, ecological data management, and the development and validation of bioenergetic models used to understand species growth, reproduction, and energy allocation under varying environmental conditions.

VESSEL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTRUMENT SUPPORT

We support federal research programs by providing technical and logistical assistance for the operation and maintenance of research vessels and oceanographic instrumentation. Our personnel assist with vessel readiness, equipment deployment and recovery, and day-to-day field operations that enable scientists to collect high-quality environmental data.

AIS staff help maintain and calibrate oceanographic sensors and sampling equipment, ensuring that all systems function safely and efficiently in diverse field conditions. We also support small-boat operations, deck machinery use, and the upkeep of emergency and safety equipment to meet federal safety standards.

AIS enhances the reliability and efficiency of ocean-based research missions, helping federal scientists carry out their work effectively while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and technical performance.

EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, AND OUTREACH

We support federal programs in communicating scientific research and regulatory information to diverse audiences, helping ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement in marine and environmental science initiatives. Our personnel assist with drafting and editing outreach materials, preparing scientific content for public release, and maintaining communication platforms.

AIS staff help coordinate virtual and in-person events, including workshops, stakeholder meetings, and scientific conferences. We assist with content development, logistics, and information dissemination to ensure that technical findings are communicated accurately and effectively.

science-based conservation and management decisions. Through this collaborative support, AIS helped strengthen the capacity of federal programs to develop and refine models that guided long-term strategies for the protection and recovery of vulnerable marine populations.

conducting gear performance evaluations under a range of environmental conditions.

These efforts advanced the design and regulatory understanding of gear systems that balance operational efficiency with marine conservation goals. The methodologies and technical expertise established through these projects enhance AIS’s capacity to support future ocean engineering and technology development efforts.

AIS staff contributed to coding and analyzing datasets using Excel, R, Python, and GitHub, ensuring accuracy through detailed workflows, laboratory notebooks, and quality assurance procedures. Our employees also participated in field sampling, seawater data collection, and laboratory experiments, supporting research teams in producing high-quality data for publication and presentation at scientific conferences.

to document experimental parameters and outcomes. Using advanced techniques, our employees managed heated and filtered seawater systems to raise larvae and grow post-set individuals to maturity, supporting research objectives, and improving the efficiency of aquaculture operations.

Leadership

Lucas Curci
Department Head

Lucas Curci leads the Scientific Research and Technical Services (SRTS) Department at A.I.S., Inc., where he manages a diverse portfolio of environmental and marine science research programs. Lucas drives strategic program planning, ensures excellence in contract execution, and fosters long-standing partnerships with federal agencies, including NOAA.

With more than 15 years of experience in environmental program management, government contracting, and fisheries science, Lucas brings a balanced perspective of field expertise and executive leadership.

Lucas is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of New England.

Contact:
Phone: 774-762-9915
Email: srtssmgmt@aisobservers.com