Christina L. Goethel, PhD, has built a successful career in academia, specializing in marine science. She currently excels as a visiting assistant professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she leads courses for undergraduate students. Her professional journey is enriched by her involvement with several industry-related organizations. She is a student member of the American Geophysical Union and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Additionally, she is a U.S. board member of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists.
Dr. Goethel’s path in environmental science began with a solid educational foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from Smith College in 2013, followed by a Master of Science in marine and estuarine environmental science from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in 2016. Additionally, she completed her PhD at the same institution in 2021.
Dr. Goethel’s academic achievements are complemented by notable publications related to the understanding of marine ecosystems. In 2020, she co-authored “Changes in Abundance and Biomass of the Bivalve Macoma Calcarea in the Northern Bering Sea and the Southeastern Chukchi Sea, 1998 to 2014, Tracked Through Dynamic Factor Analysis Models.” Earlier, in 2017, she published “Implications of Ocean Acidification in the Pacific Arctic: Experimental Responses of Three Arctic Bivalves to Decreased pH and Food Availability.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Goethel was inspired by her aunt, a marine biologist, and developed a passion for the ocean at an early age. One of her most significant career achievements is her Fulbright Fellowship in Iceland in 2022, highlighting her dedication to international collaboration and research excellence. Additionally, she collaborated with Dr. Dawn Heimer on “Determined to Be Extraordinary,” a collective memoir featuring the stories of 27 women in STEM fields. The book showcases diverse paths and experiences, from immigrants to scientists overcoming personal challenges. She values the project’s focus on breaking stereotypes.
Dr. Goethel attributes much of her success to the influential women in her life, including her mother and aunt, who nurtured her love for the ocean despite personal challenges. Her high school chemistry teacher and college mentors also played pivotal roles in shaping her career. With a motto that emphasizes open-mindedness—”A mind is like a parachute. It works best when open.”—she aspires tp continue to inspire those around her with her dedication to education and scientific exploration.
Moreover, Dr. Goethel distinguishes herself through her “let’s find a way” approach to teaching and research. At St. Mary’s, her students have undertaken diverse projects, from designing marine science curricula for middle schoolers to studying the effects of low oxygen on oysters and examining California’s policies on transitioning harbor boats from gas to electric power. While these topics may not always align with her expertise, she encourages students to pursue their passions, fostering flexibility, creativity, and adaptability.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Goethel enjoys swimming, traveling, and reading. Looking to the future, she envisions engaging more directly with students. While she loves teaching, she aspires to more one-on-one work, guiding students through research and hands-on learning experiences. She hopes to secure a tenure-track position and is particularly inspired by experiential learning and getting students out in the field, on boats, or in different countries. Recognizing that traditional education may not suit everyone, she aims to highlight her students’ strengths through technician roles and internships, helping them build careers beyond academia.