Megan Mach

Megan Mach, Ph.D., is an Early Career Fellow at the Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, where she focuses on bridging marine science and coastal management. Previously she was a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Ph.D. student at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) and Department of Resource Management and Environmental Studies (RMES).

Her research examines how estuarine ecosystems—particularly the Salish Sea—respond to biological invasions and other anthropogenic stressors. By integrating field-based analyses with theoretical modeling, she develops adaptive management strategies that embed scientific insight directly into policy and decision-making processes. A hallmark of her work is fostering co-development of research agendas among scientists, managers, and stakeholders to ensure ecological outcomes align with evolving social values.

Education

• Ph.D. – Resource Management and Environmental Studies (RMES), University of British Columbia. Supervisors: Kai M. A. Chan (RMES, UBC) and Colin D. Levings (DFO).

Research Focus

Between 2007 and 2012 at UBC, Dr. Mach led investigations into the ecological consequences of exotic species in Salish Sea estuaries. This work produced empirical datasets and predictive models now used to refine management protocols. She continues to advance frameworks that couple ecological monitoring with iterative policy revision, ensuring that coastal governance remains responsive to new scientific evidence.

Contact

• Email: mmach@stanford.edu
• Location: Center for Ocean Solutions, Monterey, CA 93940