Conor MacDonnell
Coastal Agency Liaison
PO Box 110400
Gainesville, FL 32611-0400
cpmacdonnell@ufl.edu
(434) 202-9337
Conor’s passion for ocean life and marine science inspired him to pursue a career in aquatic restoration and marine policy. Through NSF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program, Conor first became involved in restoration research working to return a healthy clam population in New Jersey through Rutgers University. During his master’s degree, he studied mangrove ecology to determine their role in methane production and water quality improvements. During a subsequent PhD at the University of Florida, Conor studied multiple seagrass restoration techniques in various subtropical environments in Florida, coordinating efforts between academic, governmental, and non-profit organizations.
Currently, Conor continues to channel his passion for ocean conservation and drive to connect like-minded individuals through his position as a coastal agency liaison for Florida Seagrant. This new position will help connect FSG to other environmentally minded governmental, academic, and non-profit groups to help environmental efforts and those connected to our water resources recover from the current COVID-19 epidemic.
Education
B.S., Biology, College of William and Mary, 2014
M.S., Environmental Science, Florida Gulf Coast University, 2016
PhD, Soil and Water Sciences, University of Florida, 2021