Degree program: PhD

Year accepted: 2024

Advisor: Dr. Emily Diamond

Research: Seaweed aquaculture

Background: B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, M.S. in Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences from the University of Rhode Island

Anoushka Concepcion is a PhD student in the Marine Affairs program. Her dissertation work is focused on understanding the motivation factors for farmers to engage in a new aquaculture sector, specifically seaweed aquaculture. She will be working with Dr. Emily Diamond as her advisor on this research. Before pursuing her PhD, Anoushka earned her Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2000 and a Master of Science degree in Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences from URI in 2005. After graduation she worked for Connecticut Sea Grant and the University of Connecticut’s Department of Extension as an Aquaculture Associate Extension Educator for 14 years, where she focused on emerging challenges to the shellfish and seaweed aquaculture sectors. Anoushka currently works as a Regional Aquaculture Coordinator with NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region Fisheries Office. Her work there inspired her to return to URI to obtain her PhD so she can better help to expand the aquaculture sector of the United States. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature with her kids.