Matt Huelsenbeck
Marine Scientist
Washington, DC, USA
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, aka “the Burgh”, with an affinity for the outdoors, travel and wildlife. I became interested in marine life after I caught my first marine fish, a striped bass, on a beach in Cape May, New Jersey where I spent many summer vacations.
My interests in earth sciences led me into an Environmental Studies major at Miami University. I received an interdisciplinary education and I had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Auckland, New Zealand where I took a selection of courses that included fascinating marine science field work and environmental policies.
After college, I worked in climate change advocacy, political campaigning and marketing for a residential energy-efficiency company. I returned to school to specialize in marine issues with a focus on ocean acidification and climate change impacts by attending graduate school for a Masters in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
My favorite ocean animal has got to be the colossal squid, because it is a gigantic, living sea monster that represents how much we are continuously discovering about the marine environment.
At Oceana, I am the marine scientist for the climate and energy campaign focusing on the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification and oil spills for marine life. I appreciate being able to pursue my passion in working for ocean conservation and I am inspired by Oceana’s talented team of scientists, lawyers and advocates.
