Marcy Cockrell

Background

About Marcy Cockrell

I'm an early career doctoral-level marine scientist with a proven track record of research, mentoring, advocacy, and leadership. My experience includes science communication, science policy, environmental education, community organizing, and policy and regulation of marine fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture. All of my work is grounded in a strong ethic of environmental sustainability, social and economic equity, and using the best available science in regulations and policy decision-making. Professionally, I am broadly interested in understanding how changing regulations impacts marine resources as well as the people living and working in coastal communities. I am particularly interested in ecosystem-based management and marine spatial planning from the perspective of coupled human-natural systems; the co-production of knowledge and adaptive co-management of resources with coastal stakeholders; and ocean-based solutions to climate change and global sustainability challenges. My ultimate goal is to work with diverse stakeholders to develop forward thinking, scientifically-sound, and equitable tools for coastal management and resilience that can simultaneously promote sustainability and empower communities. I am also passionate about integrating and uplifting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM, empowering girls and women through science, and breaking down systemic oppression and barriers in both science and society. I believe that we can only achieve true change for society and the planet when we include all voices and perspectives in the conversation. I have worked diligently to enhance DEI in STEM and my community through a range of personal and professional activities, including working for several years as a labor organizer for graduate students and faculty, being an active member of the National Science Policy Network’s DEI committee, starting a local chapter of 500 Women Scientists in 2020, completing the Alan Alda Center's Women in STEM Leadership Program in 2022, and acting as a founding member and co-director of the Women of the Water aquaculture network. I earned my Ph.D. in marine science from the University of South Florida in 2018, was a National Academies Gulf Research Program Science Policy Fellow from 2018-2019, and now work with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture to help sustainably grow the aquaculture industry and bring the best available science into management at a national scale.