Charting Change from Coral Reefs to Climate Science

As an oceanographer with the NOAA Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, Jennifer McWhorter’s work uses her expertise in climate science and coral reef ecology to better understand climate threats to reef ecosystems. McWhorter graduated from the Master of Advanced Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MAS MBC) program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in 2014, and then went on to earn a PhD in Physical Geography/Biological Sciences through a joint scholarship program between the Universities of Exeter and Queensland. 

Why did you choose to study at Scripps? 
Scripps is one of the highest caliber oceanography institutions in the world and I wanted to be able to interact with the top of my field. It was a way to open doors, and it truly has!
 

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Scripps? 
I really enjoyed going to Catalina with my MAS MBC cohort. It allowed us to really connect, get excited about science, and learn about the local ecology. To this day, we all keep in touch and have a very special bond. The small cohort size made it a very special and important part of the experience.
 

What was your first job after graduating from Scripps? 
I worked at Scripps for the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) and the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) where I had the privilege of assisting in the management and development of research efforts across the ocean observing systems and programs, aided in securing federal and state funding efforts, developed technical reports, led outreach events and various fieldwork operations.
 

What is your current role?
I currently work for NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory as an oceanographer. My current research spans from climate modeling over coral reef environments—from my PhD research—to exploring biogeochemical datasets under hurricane intensification and marine heatwaves in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Ultimately, my end research goal is to better inform ecosystems of climate impacts for conservation, coral reefs and fisheries applications.
 

What is your favorite thing about your current role?
I have a lot of creative freedom in terms of carving out science questions, this drives my passion and keeps me curious!
 

What was most helpful in transitioning to your role?
The ability to network while being at Scripps was extremely helpful. I applied many skills from the MBC program to my position. Environmental economics really opened my eyes, but I also really enjoyed the summer course lectures and gauging my interests across various presentations/people to drive the direction of my future career.
 

What advice do you have for current students?
Focus on acquiring useful skills and great mentors!
 

What do you like to do for fun?
A few of my favorite things include being with my family and friends, traveling, surfing and trail running. I have also started doing some ocean swim races now that I live in Florida where the water is calm and the weather is hot.