Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2025

Along South Mississippi’s vibrant coastline, science is always in motion—and more often than not, it’s women leading the way.
At the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), women across multiple divisions are advancing marine
science, guiding conservation efforts, and strengthening public stewardship. From fisheries management and coastal permitting to estuarine research, policy development, and environmental education, they play a vital role in protecting the natural resources that define the state’s coastal identity.
In the Office of Marine Fisheries, women support sustainability through programs focused on shellfish safety, species conservation, and the management of South Mississippi’s working waters. Their contributions help ensure that local seafood industries remain viable while protecting the marine ecosystems that support them—balancing tradition with
innovation along the Gulf Coast.
In the Office of Coastal Resources Management, women take
on key responsibilities related to wetlands permitting, habitat restoration, policy enforcement, and long-term resilience planning. Their work helps balance responsible development with environmental preservation—safeguarding critical coastal habitats for future generations and supporting communities that rely on them.
At the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, women lead efforts in field research, ecological monitoring, stewardship, education, and public engagement. From conducting water-quality studies and biodiversity surveys
to developing school programs and hands-on outreach initiatives, they help translate scientific data into meaningful, measurable impact. Even the Reserve’s beloved educational
104 | September 2025
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presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Front Row Left to Right: Jennifer Wittmann, Jillianne Craft, Kat Glover, Allison Faggard, Jenny Stout, Traci Floyd and Katie Nelson.
Back Row Left to Right: Courtney Walker, Willa Brantley, Kristina Broussard, Becky Hardgrove, Alicia Carron and Ellen Coffin.
The Women in Science at
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources