Meghann McDonald

Education

M.A. Zoology, Miami University, 2013

Marine and Coastal Ecology, California State University Monterey Bay, 2005

Global Partner: Baja

Meghann McDonald grew up on the shores of the Gulf of California, snorkeling, dissecting marine creatures, and absorbing her father’s lectures on ocean ecology before she could even crawl. This deep connection to the sea led her to earn a B.S. in Marine and Coastal Ecology from CSU Monterey Bay and a Master’s in Zoology as one of the first Global Conservation Fellows in the GFP.

Now, as Executive Director of the Vermilion Sea Institute, Meghann leads programs like Aventureros, fostering leadership, conservation action, and community-driven science. Passionate about making field studies more inclusive, she works to remove barriers that have historically excluded many communities from conservation. Whether diving into ichthyology, tackling statistics, or supporting young leaders, she is committed to empowering the next generation of ocean stewards.