New Oil Spill Outreach Specialist Joins Texas Sea Grant

Danielle “Dani” Bailey joins Texas Sea Grant College Program as an oil spill outreach specialist, one of four members of a Gulf-wide oil spill science outreach team. Bailey and her team members are located in different Gulf of Mexico states but work together to conduct workshops in coastal communities, share oil spill research and produce oil spill-related publications

The Oil Spill Science Program was created by the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant programs and is funded by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI), an independent organization created in 2010 following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to support oil spill research in the Gulf.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Texas Sea Grant and the Oil Spill Outreach team. I look forward to connecting with my community locally and throughout the Gulf of Mexico,” Bailey said.

Bailey comes to Texas Sea Grant from Marine Education Center at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she served as a marine education specialist. In this role, she created and coordinated marine-based education programs focused on marine organisms and ecosystems, scientific careers and community sustainability. 

Bailey holds a master of science in coastal science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor of science in biology from Roger Williams University. In her studies, she focused on understanding and researching sportfish and sharks.

“I grew up in New Jersey with a passion for understanding sharks. I continued along that path but always enjoyed outreach and education,” Bailey said. “I recently learned about science communication as a career option and wanted to help spread my love of the ocean effectively and with enthusiasm.” 

“We are delighted to have Dani as part of our team,” said Cindy Lyle, senior associate director and extension leader at Texas Sea Grant. “Her background and education make her an integral addition to both the Oil Spill Science Program and Texas Sea Grant, and we know she will provide much-needed services to her community.”