Dr. Mary Allen | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Social Scientist at Lynker, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States

Dr. Mary Ella Allen is an accomplished researcher specializing in coastal and marine ecosystem management. With a Ph.D. in Coastal Resources Management from East Carolina University, her work integrates ecological and socioeconomic dimensions, focusing on coral reef conservation and sustainable resource use. She has extensive experience in academia and federal environmental initiatives, contributing through research, technical reports, and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Currently, she serves as Socioeconomics Coordinator at Lynker Technologies, contracted to NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program.

professional profiles

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Mary Ella Allen holds a Ph.D. in Coastal Resources Management from East Carolina University, earned in 2018. Her dissertation, Integrative Complexity of Coastal Resources Management: Examining Tradeoffs Between Ecosystem Protection and Resource Use, highlights her interdisciplinary approach to balancing ecosystem preservation with human resource needs. She earned her M.S. in Marine Resources Management from Texas A&M University, Galveston, in 2009. Her thesis, Adaptive Management of Coastal Margins in Galveston, Texas: Post-Hurricane Ike, reflects her focus on sustainable management strategies in the wake of natural disasters. Dr. Allen began her academic journey with a B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University, Galveston, in 2005. Her strong foundation in marine sciences, combined with advanced research skills, equips her to address complex coastal and marine resource challenges. Her education emphasizes applied solutions for biodiversity conservation and coastal resilience.

work Experience

Socioeconomics Coordinator, Lynker Technologies for NOAA (2019–Present)
Dr. Allen leads efforts to integrate socioeconomic dimensions into coral reef conservation initiatives, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, West Virginia University (2018–2019)
She investigated visitor perceptions of marine ecosystems and their implications for policy and management, contributing to sustainable tourism strategies.

Research & Teaching Assistant, East Carolina University (2012–2018)
Dr. Allen supported interdisciplinary research on ecosystem services and coastal resource trade-offs while mentoring students in environmental sciences.

Coral Reef Research Technician, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean (2010–2011)
Her role involved monitoring coral reef health and assisting in restoration projects, fostering an understanding of marine biodiversity and its challenges.

Algebra Teacher, Galveston Independent School District (2006–2010)
Dr. Allen bridged science and education through mathematics instruction, highlighting the interconnectedness of STEM fields.

Dr. Allen’s career blends technical expertise with education and outreach, emphasizing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

Awards and honors

NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Achievement Award (2023)

Outstanding Dissertation Award, East Carolina University (2018)

Excellence in Research Recognition, Texas A&M University (2009)

NOAA Office of Coastal Management Partnership Recognition (2022)

Galveston Historical Foundation Education Leadership Award (2005)

Dr. Allen’s accolades highlight her significant contributions to marine science, conservation, and education. These honors recognize her dedication to addressing socio-environmental challenges and advancing coral reef management.

Research Focus

Dr. Allen’s research integrates socioeconomic and ecological perspectives to promote sustainable marine ecosystem management. Her key areas of focus include:

Understanding human dimensions of coral reef conservation.
Valuing ecosystem services provided by coral reefs.
Assessing impacts of climate change and stressors on marine ecosystems.
Exploring community engagement in marine protected area management.

Her interdisciplinary research bridges science and society, offering actionable insights for policymakers and conservation practitioners.

Skills

🌊 Socioeconomic Research in Marine Conservation
Dr. Allen specializes in understanding the human dimensions of marine conservation, analyzing how socioeconomic factors influence public attitudes and behaviors toward ocean protection. Her research bridges the gap between environmental science and policy, ensuring that conservation initiatives are socially and economically sustainable.

📊 Ecosystem Service Valuation
Through detailed studies, Dr. Allen quantifies the economic and social benefits provided by ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Her work provides critical insights for decision-makers, enabling the development of policies that recognize and preserve these invaluable services.

🪸 Coral Reef Monitoring and Restoration
Dr. Allen is actively involved in assessing the health of coral reefs and developing restoration strategies to counteract the effects of climate change and human activities. Her contributions to monitoring programs and restoration projects help safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Conclusion

Dr. Mary Ella Allen is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive contributions to marine conservation science, her ability to integrate socio-economic dimensions into ecological research, and her leadership in national and global conservation initiatives. Strengthening her global reach and policy advocacy efforts could further amplify her already significant impact on the field.

Publications to Noted

Norm power of scuba diving and snorkeling behaviors in the Florida Keys

Authors: Allen, M.E., Loomis, D.K., Vaske, J.J.

Journal: Ocean and Coastal Management

Year: 2022

Citations: 2

A National Status Report on United States Coral Reefs Based on 2012–2018 Data From National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program

Authors: Towle, E.K., Donovan, E.C., Kelsey, H., Viehman, T.S., Williams, I.D.

Journal: Frontiers in Marine Science

Year: 2022

Citations: 11

Investigating crowding at the lower Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Authors: Burns, R.C., Allen, M., Arnberger, A., Kainzinger, S.

Journal: Journal of Park and Recreation Administration

Year: 2021

Citations: 1

Resident perceptions of ecosystem services provided by U.S. coral reefs: Highlights from the first cycle of the national coral reef monitoring program’s socioeconomic survey

Authors: Allen, M.E., Fleming, C.S., Gonyo, S.B., Zito, B.M., Edwards, P.E.T.

Journal: Water (Switzerland)

Year: 2021

Citations: 2

Blue water visitor monitoring potential: A literature review and alternative proposal

Authors: Andrew, R.G., Burns, R.C., Schwarzmann, D., Allen, M.E., Moreira, J.C.

Journal: Water (Switzerland)

Year: 2021

Citations: 3

Conceptualizing the National Marine Sanctuary visitor counting process for marine protected areas

Authors: Burns, R.C., Andrew, R.G., Allen, M.E., Schwarzmann, D., Cardozo Moreira, J.

Journal: Journal of Ecotourism

Year: 2020

Citations: 9

Understanding Pacific Northwest (U.S.) mountain climbers’ motivations: Mount Baker, Washington, and Mount Hood, Oregon

Authors: Burns, R.C., Chuprinko, T., Allen, M.E.

Journal: Eco.mont

Year: 2020

Citations: 3

The influence of location on water quality perceptions across a geographic and socioeconomic gradient in Appalachia

Authors: Andrew, R.G., Burns, R.C., Allen, M.E.

Journal: Water (Switzerland)

Year: 2019

Citations: 10

Mary Allen | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mary Allen | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

professional profiles

Education

work Experience

Awards and honors

Research Focus

Skills

Conclusion

Publications to Noted

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