Emily Shumchenia Email & Phone Number

The mission of the RWSC is to collaboratively and effectively conduct and coordinate relevant, credible, and efficient regional monitoring and research of wildlife and marine ecosystems that supports the advancement of environmentally responsible and cost-efficient offshore wind power development activities in U.S. Atlantic waters. As director, I manage the overall operation of the RWSC, including developing and implementing the Annual Work Plan; managing and overseeing all RWSC staff, contractors, budgets, and fundraising activities; facilitating communication among the Steering Committee and Sector Caucuses on articulating offshore wind and wildlife research priorities and identifying funding for those priorities; engaging expert Subcommittees, stakeholders, and the public to obtain input on priorities; and convening and coordinating with partners and synergistic initiatives to advance the mission of the RWSC.

I'm the Manager of the Northeast Ocean Data Portal and ocean data scientist for NROC. In these roles, I support a variety of ocean planning functions including Portal operations and maintenance, marine life data product development and other data development projects, and general support for the activities of the NROC Ocean Planning Committee.

Rhode Island

My overall goal is to help individuals and groups use the best available science when making decisions about coastal and ocean resources. I do this by contributing to the science itself as well as making it accessible and understandable. On any particular project, I might be:- Leading interdisciplinary teams- Analyzing and synthesizing data- Making sense of large complex datasets- Developing GIS data and documentation- Writing, editing, reviewing- Writing for broad audiences- Developing scientific charts, figures, infographics, and other presentation material- Facilitating meetings and workshops- Managing contracts- Fundraising

I used marine benthic environmental and biological data to understand the consequences of resource management decisions, including marine spatial planning, through mapping and monitoring. I developed models of ecosystem value, standardized protocols for baseline assessments and monitoring of human impacts, such as offshore renewable energy developments.

My dissertation examined species-environment relationships to support marine habitat mapping and assessment. I studied the spatial and temporal variability in benthic communities and the influence of natural and human disturbances...using really cool acoustic sensors and underwater cameras. I developed quantitative thresholds in biological parameters that help us understand water quality changes, maps of benthic habitat, and models of how benthic ecosystems respond to human pressures.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Oceanography

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Marine Biology And Biological Oceanography