Jennifer Vreeland-Dawson is a Marine Biologist with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. Her research has focused on phytoplankton taxonomic behavior in the Gulf of Mexico, including red tide events. Prior positions include Senior Biologist and Analytical Lab Manager with Mote Marine Laboratory’s Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program, Sarasota, FL. Her duties included sample analysis and product development, field work and managerial oversight of the lab’s daily processing and monitoring activities.

Currently, Vreeland-Dawson is Program Coordinator for the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS), where her position includes a variety of responsibilities including serving as coordinator for the Gulf Coast Ocean Acidification Network (GCAN), grant writing, events coordination and assisting the GCOOS Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

Vreeland-Dawson is also a faculty member at Ringling College of Art and Design, teaching “Ecology of Water,” which focuses on the value of integrating art, design and science.