Chelsea Koch

Dr. Chelsea Koch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at American University, where she leads the Arctic & Marine Ecogeochemistry Lab. Her research focuses on marine ecogeochemistry in the rapidly changing Arctic environment, with particular emphasis on sea ice biomarkers and their applications for understanding ecosystem changes.

Dr. Koch is actively involved in several professional organizations and initiatives:

• Co-production team member with the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (ARCH)
• Board of Directors for ARCUS (Arctic Research Consortium of the United States)
• Co-founder of the Early Career Forum with the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee
• Board member for the US Association of Polar Early Career Scientists
• Former Science Officer for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

Dr. Koch's research program centers on understanding Arctic marine ecosystems through innovative chemical and biological tracers. Her work combines analysis of sea ice biomarkers (particularly IP25), fatty acids, stable isotopes, and DNA metabarcoding to investigate how declining sea ice is altering food web structures and ecosystem functions. A distinctive aspect of her approach is the co-production of knowledge with Indigenous communities, ensuring that research addresses community priorities and incorporates traditional ecological knowledge.

Her educational background includes a Master's degree from the University of South Carolina and a PhD from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in Marine Science. Dr. Koch's expertise spans Climate Mitigation, Conservation, and Indigenous Sovereignties, with research areas focusing on Climate and Sustainability, Environmental Equity and Justice, and Water, Oceans, Fisheries.