
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
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
Selena Mares
Senior Administrative Coordinator I- mares@tamu.edu
- (979) 845-3854
Joana Rocha
Program Coordinator II – Research- joana1@tamu.edu
- (979) 845-3048
Communications
Megan Towery
Director, Communications Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station, Texas- megantowery@tamu.edu
- (979) 845 -1245
Anna Weis
Communications Specialist Galveston, Texas
Abi Westerlin
Communications Assistant College Station, TexasExtension
Christine (Chris) Hale
Associate Director and Extension Lead Corpus Christi, Texas- chris.hale@tamu.edu
- 361-825-6215
Chloe Dannenfelser
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems Research Fellow Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station, Texas
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
Brandi Keller
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Galveston County- Brandi.Keller@ag.tamu.edu
- (281) 534-3413
Dr. Mario Marquez
Aquaculture Program Manager Palacios, Texas- mmarquez42@tamu.edu
- 979-845-3855
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 Corpus Christi, Texas- 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 Corpus Christi, Texas- april.taylor@tamu.edu
- (361) 825-3225
Want to join the team?
View open positions.
