13-51-SLP| May 3, 2013
BILOXI, Miss. —The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) announced today that Kelly Lucas, Ph.D., would be joining its staff as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective May 7. Dr. Lucas will be responsible for the management of research and scientific projects, the development of collaborative programs with other agencies and assistance with planning processes to best utilize the agency’s scientific resources.
“With the addition of Dr. Lucas to our staff, we are taking our agency’s expertise in scientific research and program planning to the next level,” said Jamie Miller, MDMR executive director. “In her role as CSO for the agency, she will have an immediate impact on the science we provide to policy makers and enhance our strategic partnerships with the scientific community.”
Dr. Lucas is a Mississippi Gulf Coast native and holds a doctorate degree in coastal science from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Business Administration from University of Alabama Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from Mississippi State University. She has most recently worked as deputy director of the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Geospatial Center at Stennis Space Center. Dr. Lucas has written and co-authored numerous scientific publications and presentations and has been instrumental in securing grant funding for regional geospatial modeling.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am excited to join the agency,” said Kelly Lucas, who will be joining MDMR staff next week as CSO. “I am committed to the mission of the MDMR and I look forward to working with everyone at the agency and with the scientific community to provide the best available science for managing our marine and coastal resources.”
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the MDMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov.
PHOTO CAPTION: 13-51-SLP: Dr. Kelly Lucas will join MDMR as Chief Scientific Officer on May 7.
Contact: Susan Lepoma Perkins, APR
Phone: (228) 523-4124
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