Texas Sea Grant Welcomes New Student Assistant, Abi Westerlin

College Station, Texas — Abigail Westerlin joins Texas Sea Grant as the new Student Assistant with the Texas Sea Grant Communications Team.

Westerlin will collaborate with the communications team by writing and editing content for the web, social media and publications. In this role, Abi will be providing assistance for video and photography projects, supporting social media planning and scheduling as well as, using her experience in graphic design, creating one-pagers, infographics, flyers and materials within the Sea Grant brand. She will work alongside a team of two Communications Specialists and their Communications Director to support the overall mission of Texas Sea Grant.

While previously working as a Communication Assistant with the Oregon Sea Grant Program, Abi has bolstered her skills as an effective communicator with experience from other roles as well. As a Junior Graphic Designer for Satori Marketing, Westerlin was responsible for designing digital and print marketing materials and producing brand-consistent assets under tight deadlines. She brings with her the skills to direct creative projects and campaigns through marketing efforts and outreach from her position as Vice President and PR Director of Sophomores Leading on Promoting Equality or SLOPE.

In her role as a student coordinator with the Texas A&M SPRITE team, Westerlin took and edited headshots, event photography and video content. She designed flyers and promotional materials while collaborating with her team to brainstorm and execute campaigns. All the while, Abi also does freelance photography and design providing services such as senior portraits, professional headshots, marketing designs and more.

Westerlin is currently in the Communication program at Texas A&M University College Station pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Communication with a minor in English. She has a focus on Conflict and Leadership Management with an expected graduation in May of 2026.

Surrounded by the Gulf in Galveston, Abi thought she would grow up to spend her time in a lab, studying her first love, marine biology. However translating science to the public is where she found her calling laid. “Sea Grant matters because it takes the complexity of science and returns it to the community it serves.” said Westerlin,” I want to be part of that cycle. Learning how to tell stories that connect research to real lives.”

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About Texas Sea Grant
Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas. It is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is one of 34 university-based Sea Grant Programs around the country. Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research center at Texas A&M University. The program’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.