Kailani Acosta

Kailani Acosta, Ph.D., is currently serving as a Science Program Associate at OceanX since April 2024, after completing a PhD in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography at Columbia University, where Kailani also held the position of PhD Candidate from September 2018 to April 2024, focusing on biological oceanography and nutrient cycling in the Gulf of Mexico. Additional experience includes roles as a Science Advisor for Latino Verde, Climate Resilience Associate at Catalyst Miami, and various research positions, including Staff Assistant Scientist at Roux Associates and Research Assistant at the University of Miami, among others. Educational credentials include a Master of Arts from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science from Brown University, along with an internship at the Marine Biological Laboratory. Kailani also contributes as an Early Career Liaison for the US National Committee for the UN Ocean Decade.