Growing up along the California coast, Jenn Caselle’s fascination with marine life evolved into a lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems. With over 25 years of experience studying kelp forests and coral reefs, she has dedicated her career to unraveling the complex ways these vital ecosystems respond to human impacts and environmental change. For Jenn, conservation has always been more than just science; it’s about forging connections between people, policy, and actionable solutions to create lasting ocean impact.
As a Research Professor with the Marine Science Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Jenn leads groundbreaking research on the ecology of coastal marine organisms and nearshore ecosystems. She serves as the Principal Investigator for the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO), where her work focuses on key areas such as marine population connectivity, demographic variation, and resilience to environmental pressures. Her studies on larval dispersal and fish movements have provided invaluable insights into how marine populations adapt and thrive, shaping the foundation for Marine Protected Area (MPA) management across California and beyond.
Jenn’s influence extends far beyond her lab. Known for her collaborative spirit, she partners with conservation organizations, government agencies, and policy groups to translate scientific research into real-world impact. Her role in initiatives such as the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC) and her close work with entities like the California Ocean Protection Council exemplify her ability to connect cutting-edge science with actionable policy. Her lab at UCSB has become a hub for applied research, driving decisions that sustain marine biodiversity and foster ecosystem resilience.
Jenn acknowledges the structural inequalities that persist within conservation efforts and believes the global challenges of the past few years—including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the urgent need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion—present an opportunity for transformative change. She views this as a pivotal moment to reevaluate conservation systems and drive forward solution-oriented science. Jenn remains committed to exploring new approaches that are both inclusive and impactful, ensuring that science-based conservation adapts to meet the rapid changes facing our planet.
For Jenn, documenting the ocean’s changes is only part of the mission. Her true goal is to bridge science with community-driven action, protecting marine environments not just for today, but for generations to come. She hopes to inspire the next wave of women ocean scientists, divers, and advocates to view conservation as a shared responsibility, one that blends scientific research, policy innovation, and local knowledge to create thriving ecosystems that stand the test of time.