Marissa Levinson

Marissa Levinson is originally from Sacramento, California, and has an interdisciplinary background in ecology, ocean policy, and science communication. She holds a B.S. in Marine and Coastal Science from the University of California, Davis, and an International MSc in Marine Biological Resources through a consortium of European universities. During her studies in France, Portugal, Spain, and Ireland, she focused on fisheries science and ecosystem-based management. Her thesis examined spillover in Mediterranean marine protected areas, strengthening her expertise in MPA effectiveness and social-ecological systems. She also contributed to EU-funded fisheries research, collaborating with an international consortium of scientists to evaluate MPAs and support evidence-based approaches to sustainable fisheries management.

Her research and professional experiences emphasize the connections between ecological, social, and governance dimensions to evaluate conservation outcomes and inform equitable solutions. Her long-term goal is to work as a translational ecologist, bridging the gap between science and policy to address complex conservation challenges. This internship supports that path by integrating research, policy evaluation, and advocacy. Beyond her passion for marine conservation, she enjoys exploring nature, experimenting with new recipes, and getting lost in a good book.