
Who We Are
Texas Sea Grant staff display a variety of expertise in marine science, aquaculture, coastal resilience, community planning, weather and fisheries, among others.
About Texas Sea Grant’s Team
Texas Sea Grant’s team is a dynamic group of professionals dedicated to enhancing the state’s coastal and marine resources through research, outreach, and education. Comprised of experts in marine science, policy, and sustainable development, the team works closely with local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to address coastal conservation, fisheries management, and environmental challenges. Their efforts aim to promote environmental stewardship while fostering economic and social resilience along the Texas coast.
Living in coastal communities themselves, Texas Sea Grant personnel serve as a vital link to local industries, governments, and residents, helping to identify emerging issues that could benefit from scientific investigation. This close connection fosters a two-way flow of knowledge, ensuring that the research they fund or participate in leads to the development of innovative tools and services with real-world applications and a clear public purpose. Through this collaborative approach, Texas Sea Grant effectively addresses both local concerns and broader challenges.
Administration

Laura Picariello
Interim Director, Texas Sea Grant College Program- lpicariello@tamu.edu
- (979) 845-3902

Prisilla Berndt
Assistant Director, Fiscal and Grant Management- berndt@tamu.edu
- (979) 845-3930

Mia Zwolinski
Associate Director, Research Coordinator- mzwolinski@tamu.edu
- (979) 458-0449

Mallory Shetley
Administrative Coordinator- mshetley@tamu.edu
- 979-458-2503

Joana Rocha
Research Program Coordinator
Xiaoping Li
Sr. Data Analyst, Reporting Coordinator- xli68@tamu.edu
- 979-845-3855

Selena Mares
Administrative Coordinator II- mares@tamu.edu
- (979) 845-3854
Communications

Megan Towery
Communications Director Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station, Texas- megantowery@tamu.edu
- (979) 845 -1245

Nicolas Perez
Communications Specialist- nperez15@exchange.tamu.edu
- (361) 825-6210
Extension

Christine (Chris) Hale
Extension Director Corpus Christi, Texas- chris.hale@tamu.edu
- 361-825-6215

Madgellen Cleary
Coastal Resilience Specialist- gellen1@tamu.edu
- (979) 845-3857

Pat Cruz
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Aransas County
Nikki Fitzgerald
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Jefferson-Chambers County- nikki.fitzgerald@ag.tamu.edu
- (409) 835-8461

Matthew Kammann
Fisheries Specialist- mkammann@tamu.edu
- (361) 825-6216

Brandi Keller
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Galveston County- Brandi.Keller@ag.tamu.edu
- (281) 534-3413

Mario Marquez
Aquaculture Specialist- mmarquez42@tamu.edu
- (850) 583-6801

Amy Nowlin
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Matagorda County- amy.nowlin@ag.tamu.edu
- (979) 245-4100 Ext. 146

John O’Connell
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Brazoria County- john.oconnell@ag.tamu.edu
- (979) 864-1558

Alexis Sabine
Assistant Program Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture- asabine@tamu.edu
- (361) 825-3460

Sara Stewart
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Cameron County
R.J. Shelly
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Calhoun County- rj.shelly@tamu.edu
- (361) 552-9747

April Taylor
Coastal Resilience Specialist- april.taylor@tamu.edu
- (361) 825-3225
Want to join the team?
View open positions.
Current Open Positions
Communications Specialist