Dr. Jenn Burns, a marine physiology and ecology expert, will serve as the next director of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES).
Starting Oct. 1, Burns will lead the institute and oversee it’s marine and environmental biotechnology programs, which seek to preserve and improve coastal marine systems, promote sustainable use of resources, and enhance human health.
“Since its inception, IMET has consistently demonstrated that combining innovative scientific research, high-quality education, community engagement, and economic development advances fundamental knowledge and produces new tools and technologies to address pressing scientific and societal needs,” said Dr. Burns. “I look forward to collaborating with IMET’s stellar faculty, students, and staff to strengthen its partnerships across the University of Maryland System, advance entrepreneurship, engage with a wider constituency, and expand the impact of the amazing science that occurs beneath the sails of The Rita Rossi Colwell Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.”
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, IMET is a collaboration among the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and the University of Maryland Baltimore. Scientists research marine biomedicine, sustainable aquaculture, environmental remediation, marine bioenergy, and other areas.
In addition to overseeing IMET, Burns will also help the institute build new relationships with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to address environmental challenges with science-backed solutions.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jenn Burns to UMCES as the new Director of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology,” said UMCES President Dr. Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm said in a statement. “Dr. Burns brings an exceptional track record as a scientist and a leader, with extensive experience in polar marine mammal research that aligns perfectly with IMET’s mission of exploring diverse marine systems for innovative solutions. Her vision, deep scientific expertise, and history of collaborative leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our understanding and stewardship of the environment.”
Most recently, Burns served as a biological sciences department chair and professor at Texas Tech University.
Previously, she served as a program officer in the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs and has been a member of the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council’s Science and Statistical Committee.
Burns’ work has explored how polar marine mammals adapt to environmental challenges, and seal foraging behavior and reproductive success in the Antarctic, among other topics.
The author of more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and hundreds of scientific presentations, Burns is committed to mentoring undergraduate researchers and graduate students.
Burns earned her doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies (Marine Biology) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, her Master of Science degree in Fisheries from the University of Washington, and her Artium Baccalaureus degree in Biology (with a concentration in Marine Biology) and Zoology from the University of California, Berkeley.
