René, an Environmental Scientist at NOAA’s NCCOS, develops control technologies for the mitigation of harmful algal blooms and biotoxins in coastal ecosystems. Previously, she led the Aquaculture Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, enhancing national HAB response at aquaculture sites by forging partnerships between the industry and marine biotoxin researchers.
René earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the CUNY- Graduate and University Center, with research focused on tracing nutrient sources in coastal estuaries amplified by stormwater and analyzing the ecological responses of aquatic primary producers. She holds an MS in Environmental Sciences from Brooklyn College, specializing in nature-based treatments for harmful algal blooms and biotoxins, and a BS in Chemistry from York College. She works to improve water quality across the freshwater to marine continuum. Through strategic collaborations with stakeholders, she addresses critical coastal challenges throughout the nation.