Chelsea Fowler

Chelsea Fowler is a Master’s student and graduate research assistant in the Plough Lab. Chelsea graduated from The University of Tampa in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in marine science and biology. After she graduated, she joined the United States Peace Corps as a Coastal Resource Management Specialist in the Philippines. In the Philippines Chelsea engaged with local communities to better understand coastal resource use, carry out baseline assessments, and support local restoration efforts. These experiences motivated Chelsea to find a research program that had strong ties to management and improved the accessibility of science. With her advisor Louis Plough, Chelsea is investigating the efficacy of novel environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring techniques to generate accurate fish run counts for spawning river herring populations.  Genomic tools like eDNA monitoring have the potential to give us a deeper understanding of important fish populations. Outside of research, Chelsea enjoys a variety of creative endeavors. Her research is supported by the Maryland SeaGrant Fellowship Program which provides her with ample opportunities to hone her creativity and engage with the public.