Dr. Monica
Wilson

About

Dr. Monica Wilson is the Coastal Debris Project Coordinator for Operation TRAP (Trash Reduction for Aquatic Preserves). Monica grew up in El Paso, TX and fell in love with the ocean on a trip to South Padre Island, TX. She left home to attend Eckerd College to study marine science. Dr. Wilson holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Physical Oceanography from the University of South Florida and a B.S. in Marine Science and Computer Science from Eckerd College.

Projects, Research & Specializations

Monica first joined Florida Sea Grant as the state’s oil spill extension specialist. She was the Florida representative of the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant Oil Spill Science Outreach Team, who’s focus was on the two-way transform of science between the people whose livelihoods depend on a healthy Gulf of Mexico or who are involved in the protection and management of Gulf of Mexico coastal and marine resources.

In her current role as Coastal Debris Project Coordinator for Operation TRAP (Trash Reduction for Aquatic Preserve), Dr. Wilson oversees all aspects of the project. The project focuses on prevention, removal, and research of common debris entering Florida’s Gulf Coast waterways. She coordinates deployment, maintenance, and data collection of litter catchment devices. Recruits, coordinates, and supervises volunteers. As well as plans and executes community outreach events.