Marine Ecosystems Institute

The Marine Ecosystems Institute (MEI) is a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Organized Research Unit established in Fall of 2024 under the UTRGV Division of Research. In the RGV and beyond, humanity relies on marine ecosystems for numerous ecosystem services, including food, medical resources, recreation and tourism, transportation, climate regulation, coastal infrastructure protection, renewable energy, cultural heritage, and economic value. Marine ecosystems sciences encompass numerous disciplines to study marine life, marine environments, marine processes, and human dimensions of marine ecosystems from watersheds to the coasts to the deep sea. 

The MEI is dedicated to student access and success and will advance integrative education, training, research, and community engagement across biology, chemistry, geology, physics, engineering, paleoceanography, human dimensions, natural resource management, climate change, among other marine ecosystems sciences. The MEI goals are aligned with UTRGV’s mission of championing high profile research and applying University discoveries in support of sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being.

The MEI is dedicated to student access and success and will advance integrative education, training, research, and community in marine ecosystems sciences. The following MEI goals are aligned with UTRGV’s mission of championing high profile research and applying University discoveries in support of sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being in relation to marine ecosystems sciences.

Goal 1: Advance marine ecosystems research

Advance marine ecosystems research at UTRGV by facilitating collaborative extramurally funded projects.

Goal 2: Build capacity through education and training

Enhance capacity building through supporting graduate and undergraduate training and education.

Goal 3: Expand public service and outreach

Increase community engagement and awareness of marine ecosystems through formal and informal learning opportunities and public outreach events.

Goal 4: Extend dissemination

Produce and disseminate scientific results, such as peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, and policy recommendations, to the scientific community, natural resource managers, and stakeholders.

Director: Erin E. Easton

Assistant Director: Hudson DeYoe

Outreach Lead: David Hicks

Outreach and research support: Leticia Contreras

Administrative support: Maria Infante

Research and discoveries

Sustainable development

Community engagement

Student access and success

Education and training

Build capacity