Susan Cochran
About Susan Cochran
Susan Cochran serves as the Assistant Deputy Center Director and Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey, where she has worked since 1998. She specializes in coastal and marine science, contributing to projects such as the California State Waters Mapping Project and the Pacific Coral Reefs Project.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Susan Cochran serves as the Assistant Deputy Center Director and Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey. She has held this position since 1998, contributing to various projects and initiatives within the organization. Her work primarily focuses on supporting the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center team, where she is involved in publication workflow and the documentation of outside funding agreements. Cochran's extensive experience at the U.S. Geological Survey spans over 26 years, during which she has developed expertise in coastal and marine geology.
Previous Experience at U.S. Geological Survey
Prior to her current role, Susan Cochran worked at the U.S. Geological Survey as a Geologist for 11 months in 1996 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Additionally, she served as a Student Contractor for 11 months in 1997 at the Menlo Park, California location. These early roles provided her with foundational experience in geological research and project implementation, contributing to her professional development in the field.
Education and Expertise
Susan Cochran earned her Master of Science in Ocean Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she studied from 1996 to 1999. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology, graduating summa cum laude from Baylor University between 1992 and 1996. Her educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in geological sciences, which she applies in her current research and projects.
Involvement in Key Projects
Cochran is actively involved in the California State Waters Mapping Project, a collaborative effort aimed at creating a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for California's State waters. In this role, she acts as a co-editor for the publication of pamphlets and map sheets, coordinating the publication process. Additionally, she focuses on the Pacific Coral Reefs Project, utilizing remote sensing techniques to map coral distributions and study geologic processes.
Teaching and Research Experience
Before her tenure at the U.S. Geological Survey, Susan Cochran worked at UC Santa Cruz in various capacities. She was a Teaching Assistant from 1996 to 1997 and later served as a Graduate Research Assistant from 1997 to 1999. During this time, she also coordinated as a Student Teaching Assistant Coordinator for one year. These roles allowed her to develop skills in education and research, further enhancing her expertise in geological sciences.