I grew up in coastal Connecticut and have been been trying to figure out "how the ocean works" for as long as I can remember. My parents instilled in me a deep sense of stewardship for the ocean and a tremendous appreciation for the power of science.  That union has driven my passion for ocean research and conservation, both professionally and personally.  I spent a great deal of time traveling with my family growing up, usually for some combination of rock climbing, diving, cultural exploration, or nature photography. I have been very fortunate to have turned that lifestyle into a career. I now reside in Santa Cruz, California though my passport suggests I may spend more time abroad than at home.  My research has taken me all over the world, from the tropics to the Arctic poles and nearly everywhere in between. When I'm not ensconced in research, education, and outreach, you can usually find me doing one of the many outdoor activities I love, be it rock climbing in Yosemite, snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, or playing beach volleyball at Santa Cruz Main Beach.

My full CV can be found here: McMahon CV