Deborah Brosnan
President

SEI Oregon
Marine Ecology, Science and Policy

B.S. National University of Galway, 1978
M.S. National University of Galway, 1982
Ph.D. Oregon State University 1994

email: brosnan@sei.org

Founder and President of SEI, Dr. Brosnan is an expert in marine ecology and environmental policy. Born in Limerick, Ireland, she grew up exploring the tidepools and kelp beds of Galway. After gaining her masters degree in fisheries science, she moved to the U.S., receiving a Ph.D. in marine ecology under the direction of Bruce Menge and Jane Lubchenco at Oregon State University. In 1992, she founded SEI to promote the use of science in environmental issues and to encourage scientists to become involved in real life conservation. Passionate about marine ecology and her work in the environmental arena, Dr. Brosnan strongly advocates the use of sound science as a foundation for cooperative, community- based environmental problem solving. As president of SEI, she provides leadership, energy, and outreach for the organization.

The author of over 30 papers and articles in marine science, Dr. Brosnan is well known for her work on the ecology and conservation of marine life, speaking frequently at scientific conferences and meetings. In 1998 she received the New England Biolabs award in recognition of her achievements in marine science and conservation. She also sits on the board of Oregon State University's College of Forestry, as well as holding adjunct professorships in biology at Lewis and Clark College and Portland State University.

Dr. Brosnan's own research ranges from the tropical Caribbean, where she directs a major SEI marine program, to the Pacific shores of North America, where she is involved in whale and coastal conservation. Her recent work has included the establishment of a marine reserve off of St. Barthelemy's in the French West Indies, research on the effects of volcanic eruptions on coral reefs in Montserrat, and attempts with the Makah tribe of Washington State to find viable, culturally relevant alternatives to whaling. Her work on rocky intertidal communities in the Pacific northwest formed the backbone of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan, and has continued to influence management of coastal resources throughout the region. Additionally, she has been active in the Conservation Peer Review Program and co-chairs SEI's semi- annual Science and Policy Forum, which brings together members of the academic, government, environmental and business communities to discuss environmental issues.

In her spare time, she loves sailing her 24 San Juan "Loligo," something she "doesn't do often enough." She also plays African marimba music, runs, hikes, and Scuba dives.