KINGSTON, R.I. — July 15, 2013 — Dennis Nixon, associate dean of the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography and a professor of marine affairs, has been named director of the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program, effective July 1. He succeeds Barry Costa-Pierce, who stepped down from the position last year after 12 years.
As director, Nixon will provide overall leadership for the research, education and outreach activities of the Sea Grant Program, which has a budget of approximately $3.1 million. Rhode Island Sea Grant is one of more than 30 federal-state partnerships that make up the National Sea Grant College Program. Its efforts address issues of importance to the marine environment in the state, including coastal management, fisheries, aquaculture and seafood safety and quality.
“Dennis has an intimate knowledge of Rhode Island's coast and surrounding waters, and is uniquely qualified to bring together the academic and public communities to help solve emerging coastal problems in Rhode Island,” said Bruce Corliss, dean of the Graduate School of Oceanography. “I look forward to working with him as Sea Grant director to address significant scientific, policy, and management issues facing coastal Rhode Island.”
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