Claire S. Gonzales MN'18

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I’m an explorer and marine scientist by day, dedicated to investigating the relationship between humans and the environment. Currently, I am assessing alternate uses for offshore structures, helping them to live on even after being decommissioned. Through mapping the essential fish and invertebrate habitat on the California oil rigs, I am aiming to determine the most sustainable decommissioning options for these structures.

I received my B.S. in Biology from Duke University and am a former NSF Research Fellow. I have conducted fieldwork and managed projects in the United States Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico, and along the California coast, where I developed my knowledge for marine habitat dynamics. My experience in the field has included monitoring and genetically tagging sea turtle populations and working with the Center for Marine Resource Studies to investigate the health of coral reef systems and survey the abundance of local shark populations. Now, I work as a marine scientist for the Blue Latitudes Foundation, where I focus on project design, data management, statistical analysis and public outreach.

I was born and raised in Northern California, but I currently live in sunny San Diego. In my free time, you can find me on the trail, in the ocean or drinking coffee somewhere.

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