Anoushka Concepcion is a PhD student in the Marine Affairs program at the University of Rhode Island. Her dissertation research examines the motivations of seaweed farmers, the impacts of aquaculture on farmer wellbeing and retention in the industry, and how communication strategies shape decision-making in the sector.

She holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and an M.S. in Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. She began her career in the shrimp farming industry and later spent 14 years with Connecticut Sea Grant and the University of Connecticut Department of Extension as an Aquaculture Associate Extension Educator, followed by service as a Regional Aquaculture Coordinator with NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office.

Her work supporting shellfish and seaweed producers informed her decision to pursue a PhD to contribute to the equitable and sustainable growth of U.S. aquaculture. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys exploring nature with her children.