Morgen Ayers, an experienced environmental scientist with a background in local government and academia, joined Texas Sea Grant in July 2018 as the program’s Natural Resources Specialist.
“I most look forward to the face to face conversations in coastal communities to help solve unique environmental and natural resource needs,” Ayers states. “Whether I am planting marsh, leading students to science initiatives, or identifying resource gaps for water quality and conservation – I believe Texas Sea Grant has the functionality to meet those needs. I am thankful to be here with such a motivated group of specialists and program leads.”
Ayers worked for several years in the hill country of Bandera County, Texas, where she monitored water quality, facilitated programs on riparian health education and flood risk awareness, and assisted with the management of other natural resource needs. She also assisted with an awarded application on behalf of Bandera County for a 2016 Flood Protection Grant project from the Texas Water Development Board.
Ayers has participated in the Texas Clean Rivers Program in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority and in invasive species management with the Nueces River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. While completing undergraduate courses, she worked as a research assistant on a toxicological toolset via contract with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish from West Texas A&M University.
“We are thrilled to bring Morgen on as a Natural Resource Specialist at Texas Sea Grant,” said Heather Wade, Texas Sea Grant’s Senior Associate Director for Planning and Extension. “Morgen’s experience with watershed science and outreach is invaluable and her certification in floodplain management brings a new expertise to Texas Sea Grant and the Community Resilience Collaborative. Morgen is a leader in the state of Texas for floodplain management and we are excited to see where she takes our healthy coastal ecosystems program into the future.”