Oregon State University names new leader of its Sea Grant Program in Newport, Corvallis

By OSU News Service

Karina Nielsen, the leader of a marine science center at San Francisco State University and an Oregon State University alumna, has been named director of Oregon Sea Grant, an OSU-based program that supports marine science, education and outreach in Newport and Corvallis.

Neilsen

Nielsen, who earned a doctorate in zoology from OSU in 1998, will start her new position June 1 and oversee a staff of about 40. She plans to split her time between OSU’s campus in Corvallis and the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, where Oregon Sea Grant runs a K-12 marine education program as well as a public education facility.

She replaces Shelby Walker, who was appointed to a senior leadership position with the National Science Foundation in September. Dave Hansen has been serving as interim director.

Nielsen is a biology professor at SFSU and executive director of the university’s Estuary and Ocean Science Center, which is dedicated to enhancing public engagement with marine science and developing solutions to environmental problems confronting coastal communities.

Nielsen is a marine ecologist whose research focuses on the ecology, oceanography and biogeochemistry of ecosystems at the edge of the sea. She has been a science adviser to California’s Ocean Protection Council since 2008 and a member of the governing council of the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System since 2010. In 2017, she was named a fellow of the California Academy of Sciences, a group of more than 400 scientists who have made notable contributions in natural science fields.

Prior to joining SFSU in 2014, she was a biology professor at Sonoma State University for 11 years.

Nielsen earned her doctoral degree from Oregon State while working in the lab of Jane Lubchenco and Bruce Menge, studying the influence of nutrients, herbivores, and wave exposure on the structure of tidepools.

“I am interested in the issues confronting natural resource managers, fishermen, Indigenous tribes, conservationists, and others; and collaborating to develop and support evidence-based solutions that are equitable, practical and sustainable,” she said. “The Oregon coast is blessed with bountiful natural resources and extraordinary beauty, and we want to sustain these for future generations.”

She also wants to focus on helping communities adapt to new realities, including climate change, and related phenomena such as ocean acidification, low oxygen in the ocean, shifting distribution of species; and to the opportunities and challenges associated with the growth of renewable marine energy.

“Karina Nielsen is an experienced leader with a strong background in research, policy and outreach and deep knowledge of the issues Oregon is facing,” said Irem Tumer, Oregon State’s vice president for research.

Pioneer Connect Premium Wi-Fi Mobile Phone Home Business Lincoln County Oregon Coast
ACE Hardware Walport Oregon Coast
Lincoln City Local Government Working for You We Want Your Feedback Lincoln County Oregon Coast
Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center Newport Oregon
Sweet homes vacation rentals Help Wanted Oregon coast
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Volunteers Join our team Lincoln County Newport Oregon
David Gomberg State Representative Oregon
Samaritan House Family Shelter Dancing with the Coastal Stars Newport Performing Arts Center Newport Oregon Coast
Tanner Insurance Devoted Health Plans Medicare Advantage Lincoln County Oregon Coast
Yachats Lions Club Thrift Store Yachats Oregon Coast
Literary Arts Timothy Snyder Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Portland Oregon
Yachats Chamber of Commerce Visit Yachats Oregon Coast
Charlotte Lehto Insurance Agency Farmer's Insurance Lincoln County Oregon Coast
Newport Farmers Market Newport Oregon Coast
Dahl Disposal Better Bark and More Waldport Oregon Coast
Lincoln City Cultural Center Turkish Rugs Show and Sale Lincoln County Oregon Coast
Waldport Chamber of Commerce Memberships Lincoln County Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast Aquarium Puffin Plate Newport Oregon
Samaritan Health Services Samaritan Orthopedics Program Lincoln County Oregon Coast

Obituaries

Civic Calendar