Texas coast at sunset with marine plants

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

Laura Picariello

Interim Director, Texas Sea Grant College Program
Administrative Contact Mallory Shetley
Prisilla Berndt

Prisilla Berndt

Assistant Director, Fiscal and Grant Management
Administrative Contact Selena Mares
Mia Zwolinski

Mia Zwolinski

Associate Director, Research Coordinator
Mallory Shetley staff profile image

Mallory Shetley

Administrative Coordinator
Joana Rocha Headshot

Joana Rocha

Research Program Coordinator
Xiaoping Li Headshot

Xiaoping Li

Sr. Data Analyst, Reporting Coordinator
Selena Mares

Selena Mares

Administrative Coordinator II

Communications

meg headshot

Megan Towery

Communications Director Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station, Texas
Nicolas Perez

Nicolas Perez

Communications Specialist

Extension

Chris Hale headshot for staff profile page

Christine (Chris) Hale

Extension Director Corpus Christi, Texas
Madgellen Cleary

Madgellen Cleary

Coastal Resilience Specialist
Pat Cruz

Pat Cruz

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Aransas County
Nikki Fitzgerald

Nikki Fitzgerald

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Jefferson-Chambers County
Matthew Kammann

Matthew Kammann

Fisheries Specialist
Brandi Keller

Brandi Keller

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Galveston County
Mario Marquez

Mario Marquez

Aquaculture Specialist
Amy Nowlin

Amy Nowlin

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Matagorda County
John O’Connell

John O’Connell

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Brazoria County
Alexis Sabine

Alexis Sabine

Assistant Program Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Sara Stewart headshot for profile on staff page

Sara Stewart

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Cameron County
R.J. Shelly

R.J. Shelly

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Calhoun County
April Taylor

April Taylor

Coastal Resilience Specialist

Want to join the team?

View open positions.

Current Open Positions

Communications Specialist