Jean Cowan
Director of Ecosystems Restoration Programs
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council)
New Orleans, LA USA
“You make change no matter what—and it’s your choice what energy, what ripples, you’re putting out into the world.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationJean Cowan
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I loved being outdoors and was passionate about the environment, so I knew I wanted to make a career out of that.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia, followed by a master’s degree in marine sciences from the University of South Alabama.
I spent time working at marine research stations doing water quality research—I liked collecting data but I wanted to move into the management aspect and learn to make decisions about the data.
I moved to Louisiana in 2001 and got the opportunity to work for the state at the main agency working on the massive land loss issue.
When the BP oil spill happened in 2010, the entire Gulf of Mexico was affected, causing all five Gulf states to jump into restoration work.
I now work for the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council where I collaborate with others to conduct large-scale, multi-purpose, multi-agency ecosystem restoration.
Education
High School
Career
Director of Ecosystems Restoration Programs
I conduct large-scale ecosystem restoration in the Gulf Coast.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Science
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
I lead a staff supporting the RESTORE Council. I collaborate with diverse groups to conduct large-scale, multi-purpose, multi-agency ecosystem restoration. I lead a team that manages the monitoring and adaptive management strategies for the Council. I communicate our work to other agencies, partners, and stakeholders. I mostly work from my home in Florida. Our home office is in New Orleans and our Council members and stakeholders are all over the Gulf, so I do spend a lot of time traveling.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
My educational path was a great path into this work but you don't necessarily have to follow the exact same path to get into this. I would recommend a Ph.D. these days. Education in the sciences, and particularly any natural sciences, would be valuable. A combination of education and experience is crucial.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I could make more money if I just pivot and take this other job."
Interviewed By
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