Kathryn Coyne looks back on her time as director of Delaware Sea Grant

Dr. Kathryn Coyne (right) pictured in the lab with University of Delaware doctoral student Yanfei Wang

Three years ago, Kathryn Coyne was looking for a chance to move beyond conducting research on phytoplankton ecology, specifically harmful algal bloom species, what stimulates blooms and what can be done to mitigate or prevent blooms.

Instead of only focusing on her research, Coyne sought an opportunity to engage in more outreach activities. At the same time, Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) was in search of a new director.

Having been funded as a DESG researcher for the previous 10 years, Coyne was approached by Estella Atekwana, dean of the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment (CEOE), and Mark Moline, director of UD’s School of Marine Science and Policy, about taking on the role of director of DESG. Coyne jumped at the opportunity and said that she was looking forward to exploring more outreach-centered work.

“I was really happy to be able to accept the position while still maintaining my role as a researcher,” said Coyne.

Now, having led DESG since 2018 and steering the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, Coyne is stepping down as director as she looks towards retirement. Reflecting on her time as director of DESG, Coyne said that she is particularly proud of how DESG is positioned for the future, with many talented staff to take the organization forward.

Over the last three years, Coyne noted that DESG has expanded its internship program; a workforce development goal of her predecessor, Edward Lewandowski, who had served as acting director before Coyne came on as director.

“This effort was led by Chris Hauser, who took Ed’s vision and expanded the internship program to nearly 30 undergraduate and graduate students in 2019,” said Coyne.

Coyne said that she is also proud of how the DESG staff is integrating outreach and research activities at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.

“We invited some of the outreach staff to present at our seminars in the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, for example, to make their expertise more available to the researchers and the students,” said Coyne. “There is great value in placing our staff with faculty and student researchers so they have a better understanding of the significance of the research. In return, the researchers can take advantage of the professional outreach expertise that we have in the Marine Advisory Service.”

Lastly, Coyne pointed to DESG’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as being something of which she is particularly proud.

She noted that even though the DESG staff have been working from home since the middle of March 2020, they continue to focus on the needs of stakeholders and the challenges their stakeholders were facing with COVID-19.

“We’ve initiated a number of online programs, for example, linking our fisherman and our shellfish farmers with consumers where they could sell directly, as well as migrating in-person programs to an online format,” said Coyne. “I’m really proud of the work that our staff has done over the past year.”

As for the future, Coyne said that she is thrilled with the selection of Joanna York as the next director of DESG. She has met with York and discussed goals of DESG, where progress has been made over the past three years, and where progress can still be made.

“I’m really excited about the future of Delaware Sea Grant with Joanna at the helm,” said Coyne. “I think that she will do a wonderful job and look forward to hearing more about her own vision for the organization.”

While she is winding down her research, spending her retirement with her grandchildren and taking up some new hobbies, Coyne said that she will very much miss DESG and hopes to stay involved with the organization in a volunteer capacity.

“I’m happy to be retiring, but also sad to be leaving Delaware Sea Grant,” said Coyne. “The staff in the Environmental Public Education office and Marine Advisory Service are just incredible. They are the ultimate professionals, and I have completely and thoroughly enjoyed working with them.”

Article by Adam Thomas