Dr. Heather (Schrum) Burton is currently Chair of the the Marine Science, Safety & Environmental Protection Department at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She teaches Earth Science, Oceanography, Coastal Ecology, Communicating Ocean and Climate Science, and several marine biology courses. She has coordinated and taught Experiential Learning field courses in St. John, Maine, and Bermuda. Dr. Burton received her B.A. in Geology (Mathematics minor) from Hamilton College and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island. Her research interests include marine biogeochemistry, particularly the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Dr. Burton has participated on oceanographic research expeditions to the Southern Ocean, Equatorial Pacific, Atlantic Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Education: Ph.D. Marine Science, University of Massachusetts Boston • M.S. Marine Science, University of Massachusetts Boston • B.S. Marine Science and Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Background: Associate Professor, Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection (MSSEP) Department • Administrative Manager, Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative • Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC) Volunteer Coordinator, MA Office of Coastal Zone Management • Ascidian Taxonomist for Rapid Assessment Surveys of Marine Species in the Northeastern United States, MA Office of Coastal Zone Management Research/Teaching Interests: • Ecotoxicological impacts of marine pollution on ascidians • Changes in New England invasive marine species distribution and abundance • Impacts of climate change on marine invertebrates and ecosystems • Integrating high-impact practices in coursework to improve student retention and success • Expanding research and experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates.
Courses taught: General Biology, General Biology Lab, MSSEP Freshmen Experiential Learning in Bermuda, Tropical Marine Ecology, Marine Invertebrate Zoology, Marine Botany, Principles of Aquaculture
