I am a marine scientist who believes in the value of local knowledge, prioritizes creative communication, and is always seeking out opportunities to explore our world.
I recently graduated from the dual-degree masters program at the University of Maine where I studied both marine biology and marine policy. My research focused on the management of the Maine soft-shell clam fishery, a unique case of co-management wherein local municipalities work in concert with the State Department of Marine Resources to regulate the commercial and recreational harvest of clams.
I am an experienced scientific diver (current AAUS member) and divemaster. Always excited to get in the water and explore, I have enjoyed the purposeful nature that that scientific diving provides. Maine is one of my favorite dive locations and has provided a wonderful habitat to continue my skill development.
I have a keen interest in sustainable resource use and management and am dedicated to identifying ways to better incorporate local knowledge and participation into decision-making processes. Local knowledge can make a key difference in developing policy and regulations that will be successful in meeting goals. By finding avenues for stakeholders to participate in the process – we can build better management programs whether they concern fish, water quality, plants, or other natural resources.
I am also invested in science communication and education, particularly when involving marine-related topics and sustainable resource use. Over the years I have had extensive experience presenting scientific information to audiences ranging from 3rd graders to science professionals. More recently, I have been focusing on my writing skills by serving as a writer for the American Fisheries Society Fish Habitat blog and slowly developing my own personal blog.
Photography is a personal hobby that I use to tell stories and convey ideas. Adventure is at the core of my identity which comes hand-in-hand with my curiosity for nature (in all forms). Blend all of this together and you’ll get an optimistic, idealistic, young scientist who still believes that we can build a sustainable society.
~Elisabeth A. Maxwell
Link to CV
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Contact information:
Mobile: 409.659.8216
Skype: elisabethmaxwell
Previous blogs:
If you would like to learn a little more about my South African (2011) or Mozambican (2012) adventures, please follow these links…
South Africa: http://elisabethmaxwell.blogspot.com
Mozambique: http://eamaxwell.blogspot.com
