Jenna Sullivan-Stack
Research Associate, Oregon State University
American living in Corvallis, United States
Dr. Jenna Sullivan-Stack is a marine ecologist who combines her extensive experience in science and policy with a strong commitment to improving ocean conservation through collaboration. Currently, she is a Research Associate at Oregon State University (OSU) working on The MPA Project. She focuses her work on using the best available science and knowledge to help guide decisions about how to manage ocean areas in ways that benefit both marine biodiversity and human well-being. Jenna’s research background is rooted in rocky intertidal community ecology — she spent many early mornings counting baby sea stars at low tide during her PhD at OSU with Drs. Bruce Menge and Jane Lubchenco. Jenna’s research explored how human-driven changes—like marine diseases, ocean acidification, and warming—affect individual species and their interactions.
She also has experience extensive experience sharing her research with diverse audiences and teaching at various levels, including university, high school, and educational non-profits. These experiences give her a deep appreciation for the role of clear, thoughtful communication in her work. Jenna contributes to several expert groups, including those organized by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, the National Ocean Protection Coalition, and the Marine Conservation Institute, lending her expertise to help ensure that ocean conservation efforts at local to global scales are based on solid evidence and can truly make a difference for the future of the ocean and the communities that depend on it.
Outside of work, Jenna loves spending time outdoors with her family, including two young children who keep her on her toes and motivated to protect and improve the world for future generations.
