Jennifer L. Mc Gee, Ph.D., M.Sc.
About Jennifer L. Mc Gee, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Jennifer L. McGee, Ph.D., M.Sc., is a Manatee Health Assessment Technician with extensive experience in marine conservation and research. She currently serves as the Chair of the Marine Debris Cross-PIT Initiative at the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and holds multiple roles within various organizations focused on marine life and environmental protection.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Jennifer L. McGee, Ph.D., M.Sc. serves as a Manatee Health Assessment Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Gainesville, Florida. She has held this position since 2007, accumulating 17 years of experience in this role. Her work involves assessing the health of manatees, contributing to research efforts aimed at understanding and protecting this vulnerable species.
Work at Gulf of Mexico Alliance
Since 2018, McGee has been the Chair of the Marine Debris Cross-PIT Initiative at the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. In this capacity, she leads efforts to address marine debris issues in Florida. Her role includes coordinating initiatives that focus on research, removal, and prevention of marine debris, demonstrating her commitment to environmental conservation.
Education and Expertise
McGee holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Florida, where she was a PhD candidate from 2007 to 2012. She also earned a Master of Science from Bangor University between 2003 and 2005. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Long Island University, Southampton Campus, completed from 1999 to 2002. This diverse academic foundation supports her extensive expertise in marine biology and conservation.
Professional Experience in Marine Conservation
McGee has a diverse professional background in marine conservation, having worked in various roles across multiple organizations. She served as the FWC Marine Debris Coordinator at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission from 2019 and previously held positions such as Associate Research Scientist at Sea to Shore Alliance and Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Her experience includes animal tracking, handling, and sampling, contributing to her proficiency in marine mammal research.
Volunteer and Community Engagement
Throughout her career, McGee has engaged in volunteer work and community initiatives. She was a Volunteer and Student Representative at Sea to Shore Alliance from 2007 to 2012. Additionally, she has served as the Research and Data Lead on the Florida Marine Debris Planning Team, focusing on collaborative efforts to mitigate marine debris impacts. Her commitment to community involvement reflects her dedication to environmental stewardship.