Marissa McMahan, Ph.D.
It is incredibly important to Marissa that her research addresses real-world problems and is applied to help create solutions to those problems. Much of her research focuses on restoring ecosystem productivity and strengthening and diversifying fisheries resources through diverse fishing industry partnerships, community engagement, and knowledge co-production. She also works to advance adaptive fisheries co-management and elevate the importance of fishing industry participation in decision-making processes.
Marissa received a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology from Northeastern University in 2017, and an M.Sc. in Marine Biology from the University of Maine in 2011. She has studied marine ecology and fisheries in the Gulf of Maine for two decades. Much of her life has also revolved around working as a commercial fisher. She grew up on her father’s lobster boat and spent much of her young adult life lobstering. As a fisheries scientist, she has relied heavily on her industry background and collaborative partnerships with commercial fishermen.
Marissa is an avid Scuba diver and spends as much time as she possibly can underwater. She uses Scuba for research and as a hobby, but she is also a Scuba instructor. Introducing students to the wonders of the underwater world is one of her greatest joys in life.
Why Manomet?
Much of what drives my scientific curiosity is a deep connection to coastal ecosystems and fishing communities in the Gulf of Maine. Being exposed to commercial fishing as a child and young adult is what ultimately led me to marine science. As a result of my family’s history in commercial fisheries, and my career as a scientist, I strive to bridge the gap between scientists and fishermen and create productive collaborative partnerships. Manomet provides the perfect platform to achieve this goal.
