Kathryn Mengerink PhD

Bio

Dr. Kathryn Mengerink earned her PhD in marine biology from UC San Diego, where she studied the molecular mechanisms of fertilization in sea urchins.  She graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a BS in Zoology.  After her PhD, Dr. Mengerink obtained her JD from UC Berkeley with a specialization in environmental law.  Throughout her career, Dr. Mengerink has worked at the interface of science, law and policy.  Today Dr. Mengerink serves as a consultant, supporting science, law, and policy, as well as capacity-building and training. She is member of the Science Advisory Board for Citizens of the Sea, in support of the use of eDNA and other technologies by seafarers to generate ocean data and support ocean health through citizen science. From 2016 to 2025, she served as Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, leading a team of ocean experts in developing and implementing blue prosperity programs, including marine spatial planning, sustainable fisheries, and blue economy projects.  From 2005 to 2016, she led the Environmental Law Institute’s Ocean Program where she developed and oversaw projects integrating law, policy and science, to improve environmental systems and decision-making. During this time, Dr. Mengerink also served as a lecturer at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and an advisor to its Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.