Bethel Takes on Research Director Duties

Matthew Bethel, Assistant Executive Director of Research

Matthew Bethel has been named the new research director for the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program. He begins his duties on June 18.

“I’m excited about Matt joining our team,” said Robert Twilley, Louisiana Sea Grant executive director. “He brings a great combination of energy, innovation and experience.

“One of his recent endeavors was successfully incorporating geospatial technology into the Pontchartrain Institute’s public outreach and education program,” said Twilley. “That type of integration of natural and social sciences with outreach is a key element of Sea Grant. I see Matt helping further develop that component so it becomes a true hallmark of our program.”

Bethel earned his doctorate from the University of New Orleans in engineering and applied sciences, with a concentration in environmental sciences. He completed his Master of Science degree in geoscience at Murray State University in Murray, Ken. His Bachelor of Science degree is in geography from the University of Tennessee in Martin, Tenn.

Bethel comes to Louisiana Sea Grant from the Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences, UNO, where he worked as a research project manager and postdoctoral scientist since 2006. He also has worked as an image analyst and research project manager at the Institute for Technology Development at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

“I am thrilled about joining the Louisiana Sea Grant team, and am looking forward to working with its staff and stakeholders in contributing to the continued research and outreach success of the organization,” said Bethel.