Kerr to lead UMaine fisheries research from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute
In October, Dr. Lisa Kerr joined the University of Maine’s School of Marine Science as Associate Professor of Fisheries Science. In her new role, Dr. Kerr will lead research that informs sustainable management of marine fisheries and ecosystems. Her current work is focused on integrating climate information into fishery stock assessment and management to support climate resilience of fisheries and ecosystems. She will be teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in fisheries science and mentoring students.
After leading the Quantitative Fisheries Research Lab at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for over a decade, Dr. Kerr now joins the University of Maine as one of two faculty members based at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, Maine. These positions are part of an ongoing partnership between the two institutions designed to advance scientific understanding of the effects of climate change and ecosystem shifts on fisheries in the Gulf of Maine.
“I am excited to contribute to the training of fisheries scientists at the University of Maine and connect students with the extensive expertise at UMaine, GMRI, and the Maine Department of Natural Resources,” said Dr. Kerr. “There is a great potential to draw on the strengths of each organization and provide students with hands-on training and understanding that will benefit our state’s fisheries resources and prepare UMaine students to assume the next generation of fisheries science and management roles.”
As a part of the University of Maine’s sea grant mission, Kerr will also liaise strongly with blue economy stakeholders across the state and abroad.
“Maine has a robust network of organizations dedicated to promoting the resilience of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Collaborations with these groups enhance our ability to fulfill our land-grant mission. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Kerr to UMaine and strengthening our partnership with GMRI,” says Heather Hamlin, director of the School of Marine Sciences at UMaine.
Kerr earned her doctorate from the University of Maryland, her master’s degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories-California State University, and her bachelor’s degree from Tufts University.