Caroline McLaughlin

As the National Coral Disease Coordinator, Caroline provides enhanced leadership and coordination to U.S. nationals effort to respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, working across U.S. coral reef states and territories and serving as a liaison between federal agencies to facilitate communications, identify information and resource gaps, and efficiently allocate resources. Caroline has more than a decade of experience in the conservation sector, an academic background in environmental science and policy, and significant experience working to enhance the resiliency of coral reefs. Originally from the great state of New Jersey, Caroline received her B.A. from the University of Miami in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Geography. While in Florida, she worked on invasive species management with the National Park Service and participated in shark research in Florida and Biscayne Bays. She then earned a dual M.A. in Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, and International Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C., and the United Nations’ University for Peace in Costa Rica.

After completing her Master’s, Caroline worked with the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium to promote the sustainable use of coastal resources among the state’s coastal communities. She also helped implement environmental programs along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and worked with the Government of Ecuador’s Yasuní-ITT Initiative to promote Amazon conservation and climate change mitigation policy. Most recently, Caroline worked with the National Parks Conservation Association as the Associate Director of the Sun Coast Region, covering Florida, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Louisiana, where she worked in a leadership role to advance policies to protect marine and coastal ecosystems in and around national parks. An avid traveler and lover of the outdoors, Caroline has a passion for the oceans (especially sharks!) and is thrilled to be working with Florida Sea Grant and NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program to conserve and protect America’s coral reefs.

Education

• B.A., Ecosystem Science and Policy, Geography, minor in Political Science, University of Miami, 2008
• M.A., International Affairs, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development, American University, United Nations University for Peace