Staff and Contact Information

Sean Rafferty
Phone: 814-217-9013
E-mail: sdr138@psu.edu

Sean received his B.S. in Biology from the Pennsylvania State University at Erie, The Behrend College in 2002 and his M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Gannon University in 2007. Sean served as a student assistant with Pennsylvania Sea Grant for 12 months, during which time he developed an Identification Guide to the Invertebrates of Presque Isle Bay, assisted with various environmental educational programs, and gained experience in the various techniques of environmental monitoring. Following graduation, Sean served as a part-time employee with Sea Grant, assisting in the Presque Isle Bay fish tumor monitoring program and in the development of the Fish Tumors Related to Great Lakes Areas of Concern Conference proceedings.

As of July 2003, Sean serves as Lake Erie Coastal Outreach Specialist for Pennsylvania Sea Grant. His duties include:

• Conducting and facilitating ecological studies related to the coastal areas and tributaries of Lake Erie.
• Conducting, facilitating, and providing educational programs, conferences, and support to Sea Grant activities.
• Provide communications support, including: maintaining the Pennsylvania Sea Grant Web site, and developing and updating publications.
• Providing active extension leadership on behalf of Pennsylvania Sea Grant focused in several key areas: aquatic invasive species, nonpoint source pollution, land use and water quality, aquatic biology, fisheries science, areas of concern, geospatial information, and boater safety.
• Provide Geographic Information Systems support.
• Provide educational and technical support for the Pennsylvania Lake Erie NEMO program.
• Provide administrative support including grant writing and submittal, and oversight of interns.