Schery Umanzor

Dr. Schery Umanzor, a respected marine ecologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, enhances the aquaculture field with her focus on seaweed ecology, physiology, and farming. With diversified experiences spanning from nearshore ecology in tropical locales to selective breeding in temperate climates, she brings a holistic perspective to her work. In collaboration with her students, Dr. Umanzor turns research into action by crafting cultivation protocols for red seaweeds — species of high commercial and cultural significance — while developing an innovative farming program for pinto abalone, and revolutionizing kelp farming strategies in Alaska. Alongside these cutting-edge projects, she looks to the bigger picture by exploring ecosystem services and the impacts of glacial melt on nearshore systems. Dedicated to cooperation between researchers and stakeholders, Dr. Umanzor actively supports facilitating tools grounded in meticulous scientific research and is committed to diversifying mariculture in Alaska by utilizing existing salmon hatchery infrastructure. Since 2022, she has been part of the Western Regional Aquaculture Center (WRAC), contributing to our goal of ensuring efficient resource use while enhancing industry capabilities through collaborative project development and integration of novel aquaculture research.

Expertise

Seaweed ecology, physiology, and farming