Martha Nizinski , PhD

Martha Nizinski is a zoologist for NOAA/NMFS National Systematics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. Dr. Nizinski earned a BS in biology at West Virginia Wesleyan College, a MS in zoology at University of Maryland, and her Ph.D. in marine science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. She has been employed by the Systematics Laboratory since 1987, first as a technician, then as a zoologist. After completion of her doctoral degree in 1998, Dr. Nizinski began her research program studying the biodiversity, biogeography, taxonomy, and systematics of marine invertebrates, particularly decapod crustaceans. She has participated in 20 offshore cruises, four as Chief Scientist. Additionally, she was Co-PI for three major BOEM/USGS Gulf of Mexico research initiatives (Lophelia I, Chemo III, Lophelia II). Her current research interests include biodiversity, biogeography and community structure of decapod crustaceans, and biodiversity and community structure of invertebrate fauna associated with deep-water coral reefs. Dr. Nizinski will be part of the invertebrate team, investigating the biodiversity, taxonomy and systematics of primarily the mid-water shrimp assemblage.