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

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
Selena Mares

Selena Mares

Senior Administrative Coordinator I
Joana Rocha Headshot

Joana Rocha

Program Coordinator II – Research

Communications

Megan Towery headshot

Megan Towery

Director, Communications Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station, Texas
Headshot of Anna Weis

Anna Weis

Communications Specialist Galveston, Texas
Abi Westerlin

Abi Westerlin

Communications Assistant College Station, Texas

Extension

Chris Hale Headshot

Christine (Chris) Hale

Associate Director and Extension Lead Corpus Christi, Texas

Chloe Dannenfelser

Healthy Coastal Ecosystems Research Fellow Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station, Texas
Contact Areas of Expertise
Headshot of Madgellen Cleary

Madgellen Cleary

Coastal Resilience Specialist
Contact Areas of Expertise
Pat Cruz

Pat Cruz

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Aransas County
Headshot of Nikki Fitzgerald

Nikki Fitzgerald

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Jefferson-Chambers County
Contact Areas of Expertise
Headshot of Brandi Keller

Brandi Keller

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Galveston County
Mario Marquez

Dr. Mario Marquez

Aquaculture Program Manager Palacios, Texas
Contact Areas of Expertise
Headshot of Amy Nowlin

Amy Nowlin

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Matagorda County
Contact Areas of Expertise
Headshot of John O'Connell

John O’Connell

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Brazoria County
Contact Areas of Expertise
Headshot of Alexis Sabine

Alexis Sabine

Assistant Program Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture Corpus Christi, Texas
Contact Areas of Expertise
Headshot of RJ Shelly

R.J. Shelly

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Calhoun County
Contact Areas of Expertise
April Taylor

April Taylor

Coastal Resilience Specialist Corpus Christi, Texas
Contact Areas of Expertise

Want to join the team?

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