Mona Behl

Virginia Sea Grant, William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS

Mona Behl is the Director of Virginia Sea Grant and Research Professor at William and Mary’s Batten School and Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Previously, she served as Associate Director of Georgia Sea Grant, and Senior Public Service Faculty at University of Georgia. Behl is also a Non-Residential Policy Fellow with the American Meteorological Society's (AMS) policy program.

Through her many administrative, research, and public service roles, Behl promotes the co-production and use of scientific knowledge for improved decision-making. Her research interests include building the adaptive capacity of local communities to manage the impacts of weather and climate, preparing people for the future of work, and broadening participation in geosciences.

A national award-winning educator, Behl earned her bachelor's and master's degree in physics from Panjab University in India, and doctorate in physical oceanography from Florida State University. She was elected a fellow of the AMS in 2025.

Panelists

Brandon Jones

25-26 American Geophysical Union President

Brandon Jones is the President of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the world’s largest professional society for Earth and space scientists. His responsibilities include chairing the AGU Board and providing leadership for activities and efforts that promote AGU’s strategic plan. Brandon is a former Federal scientist who oversaw programs that focused on impacts of ecological services in a changing climate, talent development, and broadening participation efforts to optimize human capacity in the Earth system sciences.

Brandon holds a BA in biology from The Lincoln University (PA) and graduate degrees in Marine Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE).

He continues to be a mentor and advocate for early-career STEM scholars who are members of historically excluded communities.

Tuba Ozkan-Holler

Oregon State University

H. Tuba Özkan-Haller is Dean and Professor at Oregon State University‘s (OSU) College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Her expertise is at the intersection of physical oceanography, marine geology, and coastal and ocean engineering. Her research focuses on transdisciplinary approaches and utilizes various tools including numerical, field, laboratory, and analytical methods to arrive at a predictive understanding of the nearshore and coastal ocean. She has a record of engaging with stakeholders and co-producing solutions to problems related to navigational planning, the development of wave energy conversion devices, and forecasting of beach-goer hazards. Özkan-Haller the recipient of the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, the Outstanding Faculty Member Award at the University of Michigan as well as the Pattullo Award for Excellence in Teaching Award at OSU. She holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Bogaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey, and a M.C.E. and Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Delaware.

Dayne Buddo

Discover70

Dr. Dayne Buddo is an internationally recognized marine scientist from Jamaica, an environmental strategist, and an executive leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing ocean conservation, environmental policy, and sustainable development across the Caribbean and globally. He is Founder and President of the Discover70 Foundation and serves as a Technical Environmental Specialist with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), supporting environmental initiatives worldwide.

Throughout his career, Dr. Buddo has held senior leadership positions with the Georgia Aquarium, the University of the West Indies, the Government of Jamaica, and the Alligator Head Foundation. He also served as Regional Project Coordinator for a US$48 million United Nations Blue Economy programme spanning 17 Caribbean nations. His work has influenced global conservation efforts through collaborations with the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO, The Nature Conservancy, and other international partners.

A respected scientist and strategic advisor, Dr. Buddo has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, including contributions to Nature and Science. Recognized for bridging science, policy, and implementation, he is passionate about building partnerships that deliver innovative, scalable solutions for ocean conservation, biodiversity protection, and resilient communities. He is a PADI Master Instructor and has conducted over 8,500 scientific dives across 40 countries. 

Session Chairs

Ivy Jeffries and Mona Behl