Chris Cornelisen

Chris Cornelisen has a diverse work experience in the field of marine science and research. Starting in 1992, Chris worked as a Marine Educator at the John G. Shedd Aquarium until 1994. They then moved on to work as a NOAA CSC Coastal Mgt Fellow at Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management from 1996 to 1998. In 2003, Chris became a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Otago for a period of two years. From 2005 to 2014, Chris worked as a Marine Scientist at Cawthron Institute. Following this role, they became the Coastal & Freshwater Group Manager at the same institute from 2014 until 2021. Currently, Chris holds the position of Chief Science Capability Officer at Cawthron Institute, starting in December 2021.

Chris Cornelisen began their education journey by earning a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Business from Drake University, which they completed between 1987 and 1991. Chris then pursued further studies at the Florida Institute of Technology, where they obtained a Master's degree in Oceanography and Coastal Zone Management from 1994 to 1996. Continuing their academic pursuits, Chris attended the University of South Florida from 1999 to 2003, earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marine Biology.