Sean P. Powers, Ph.D.
spowers@disl.org
Senior Marine Scientist III
Professor and Chair, Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama
BIO
Dr. Sean Powers currently serves as Chair of the Marine Sciences department at the University of South Alabama and is a Senior Marine Scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Dr. Powers research lab, personnel, and graduate student are located in the Shelby Center for Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Dr. Powers grew up in New Orleans and received his Bachelors of Science at Loyola University and a Master of Science degree from the University of New Orleans. He then moved to Texas to pursue his Ph.D. in biology and oceanography from Texas A&M University. Dr. Powers joined the faculty at the University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in 2003.
Dr. Powers’s research focuses on the ecology of marine fish and invertebrates, particularly those that support commercial and recreational fisheries. The ultimate goal of his research program is to provide scientifically sound information to direct conservation and restoration efforts of marine fisheries and habitats. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles, many in leading journals in the field (Science, Ecology, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, PLOS One); Served as PI or Co-PI on over 28 million dollars in extramural grant funding; advised 14 graduate students (7 PhD. And 7 MS); and engaged a variety of groups including national non-governmental organization (NGOs), regional conservation and sportsman groups in an effort to develop sustainable management practices for marine resources.