University of Delaware associate professor Kathryn Coyne has been appointed director of Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) effective April 1, announced Estella Atekwana, dean of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.

An associate professor of marine biosciences in the School of Marine Science and Policy, Coyne has had a long-standing relationship with the program as a Delaware Sea Grant-funded researcher. Her research is broadly focused on the molecular and biochemical ecology of coastal phytoplankton populations, with an emphasis on harmful algal bloom species.

“Kathy is a high-caliber researcher who has played an active role in the professional community surrounding her specialty and has long been engaged with our Sea Grant program as a principal investigator,” Atekwana said. “I look forward to Kathy bringing the same enthusiasm and expertise to her new role as director of Delaware Sea Grant as we work to develop relationships across the state's other institutions of higher education.”

Coyne began her career at UD in 1998 as a postdoctoral research assistant in what was then the Graduate College of Marine Studies, now the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. In 2005, Coyne was appointed an assistant professor of marine biosciences. She also is an affiliated faculty member in UD’s Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

“It’s a privilege to serve as director of Delaware Sea Grant,” Coyne said. “For over 40 years, Delaware Sea Grant has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and education here at UD, as well as the substantial value of ‘putting science to work’ for Delaware communities. I look forward to joining the Sea Grant team as we work to develop new opportunities for engagement with other institutions here in Delaware and to strengthen the ties between researchers and our local partners and stakeholders.”

Throughout her career, Coyne has worked closely with the professional community surrounding her specialty, including serving on review panels, editorial boards, conference organizing committees. She is a member of the Phycological Society of America and the International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae.

A UD alumna, Coyne earned her doctoral degree in biochemistry and her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1997 and 1986, respectively.

In making the announcement, Atekwana thanked Ed Lewandowski for serving as DESG acting director since July 2017, citing his expertise in advancing the DESG mission and forging new partnerships with outside agencies among his professional accomplishments.

About Delaware Sea Grant

The University of Delaware was designated as the nation’s ninth Sea Grant College in 1976 to promote the wise use, conservation and management of marine and coastal resources through high-quality research, education and outreach activities that serve the public and the environment. UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment administers the program, which conducts research in priority areas ranging from aquaculture to coastal hazards.