Deidre Gibson

Dr. Deidre Gibson is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine and Environmental Science at Hampton University. She holds a B.S. in Oceanography from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of Georgia/Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Her research focuses on trophic ecology, reproductive biology of zooplankton, and oyster restoration. She has led NOAA-funded projects training African American marine scientists and serves on advisory boards including the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). Notable roles include ASLO Board Member (2010-2013) and mentor for the UCLA/HU Diversity Project since 2013.

Research interests emphasize gelatinous zooplankton ecology and their ecological roles. Her work integrates experimental studies with field observations, notably cultivating Dolioletta gegenbauri for trophic interaction analyses. Publications span microbial food web dynamics, Chesapeake Bay restoration science, and innovative educational tools for ocean data literacy.

Grant leadership includes NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) as Project Director, fostering partnerships between academia and federal agencies. Her mentorship and outreach efforts aim to diversify marine science through collaborative education programs and real-time data integration in curricula.