- 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
Captain Elizabeth Simmons, LP.D is the Vice President of External Affairs encompassing both the Enrollment Management and Advancement departments at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of short and long range strategies, goals, and objectives for the Office of Enrollment while managing relationships with the Academy’s external stakeholders at the local, state, and federal level.
A 1997 Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (MSEP) graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she worked in both the environmental and human resources fields before coming back to the academy in 2002. Since returning, she has succeeded in increasing women and minority enrollment while exceeding the strategic goals of growing the overall student population. Elizabeth has earned a masters in facilities engineering, holds a doctorate degree in law and policy from Northeastern University and enjoys volunteering and giving back to multiple community organizations.
Currently she is the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) USA New England Chapter President, immediate past President and Board Chair for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, serves on the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Steam Engineering Advisory Board, and is a member of Congressman Keating’s Service Academy Nomination Committee. Elizabeth is proud to serve as a mentor and role model in promoting women in the maritime and associated trades.
A native of Yarmouth, Massachusetts Elizabeth grew up sailing the waters of Lewis Bay in iconic Beetle Cats and Cape Cod Knockabouts. Currently, Elizabeth lives in Onset, MA.
