NOAA-EPP LMRCSC Doctoral Graduate
Ph.D., Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Jennifer Gil-Acevedo earned her M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida International University in May 2019. She has participated in prestigious internship and research programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, NASA Ames Research Center, Qualitas Health, Inc., the AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the American Museum of Natural History, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Jenny has received multiple grants and fellowships, including the Fulbright–National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, the Meridian Grant from the National Geographic Society, and the NASA Puerto Rico Space Partnership for Research, Innovation, and Training (PR-SPRINT) Grant. Her work focuses on science communication, algae-based products, community workshops, and ecotoxicology research.
In January 2026, she began studying for her Ph.D. in the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences (MEES) program at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, where she works with Dr. Judith O’Neil and Dr. Eric Schott. Her research includes studying the interaction of a toxic dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus toxicus with the disruptive macroalgae, sargassum, in the Caribbean. Gambierdiscus toxicus is a benthic species that lives attached to surfaces. This can include macroalgae like sargassum.
After completing her Ph.D., Jenny plans to continue combining research and education by founding her own NGO or company focused on algae, sustainability, and community engagement.
Research theme: Climate & Ecosystems
NOAA LMRCSC Fellows attain the NOAA Core Competencies detailed in this rubric.
NERTO Project Title: TBD
NOAA Mentor: TBD
Academic Advisors: Dr. Judith O’Neil & Dr. Eric Schott
NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Lead Institution)
(410) 651-7870
Award numbers: FY 2021 Award #NA21SEC4810005
Funding Agency: NOAA Educational Partnership Program (EPP/MSI)
