Jim McKenna is the newly appointed Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Since earning his Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, Jim has served in a variety of academic and federal agency positions. Academic appointments include Assistant Professor of Geosciences at Williams College where he taught and served as Associate Director for the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program; Professor of Marine Biology and Chair of the Ocean Studies department at Maine Maritime Academy; and Associate Dean for the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics at Bridgewater State University. Jim’s agency work includes serving as a National Park Service Research Learning Center coordinator in Acadia National Park and as Associate Director of Research for the Maine Sea Grant Program. Jim’s interest in the marine world extends into his personal life; he is a passionate sailor and enjoys vacationing with his wife and two children along the coast of Maine and Cape Cod.
- Associate of Arts from San Antonio College
- Bachelor of Arts from University of California
- Master of Arts from Chapman University
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
