With over 30 years of professional career experience in environmental science, oceanography, and conservationism, Mary Jo Barkaszi has made many valuable contributions in her field.
Below are some of the highlights of the research projects she has worked on and the various professional roles she has taken on throughout her career.
- Biological Technician at Mote Marine Laboratory (1985-1987).
In her first role upon earning her undergraduate degree, Mary Jo Barkaszi began as a Biological Technician collecting and analyzing data for various projects including:
- Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton entrainment studies
- Submerged aquatic vegetation mapping
- Marine mammal aerial surveys
- Benthic fauna sorting and identification
- Snook and redfish capture and captive breeding stock maintenance
- Graduate Research Assistant at FIT (1987-1990)
While earning her Master of Science degree, Mary Jo Barkaszi conducted extensive research while also performing teaching duties in the departments of Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, and Environmental Sciences.
- Conservation Biologist for Life Sciences Support Contracts at NASA (1990-1995)
In this role, Barkaszi was responsible for collecting, monitoring, and interpreting wildlife data to be used for management activities, long term monitoring, and environmental assessments. She also completed wide-ranging field research on threatened and endangered species.
- Founder, Owner, and Ecologist at ECOES Consulting, Inc. (1995-2008)
Having built a strong background in her studies and research, Mary Jo went on to find ECOES Consulting, Inc., an ecology-based consulting firm focused on environmental protection and imperiled species assessment.
During this time, she put in efforts to grow the marine offshore oil and gas division of ECOES, leading to the establishment of GeoCet LLC. With GeoCet, Barkaszi stood as a Protected Species Coordinator overseeing protected species observer programs in U.S. waters consisting of over 100 personnel.
- Vice President of Protected Species Compliance at RPS Group (2008-2010)
Working with the RPS Group, she was responsible for both visual and acoustic protected species observer programs in the United States as well as global regions in Canada, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- President and Protected Species Specialist at ECOES Consulting, Inc. (2010-2012)
With ECOES, she worked to implement the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, developing services for traditional and alternative energy industries that would address issues of impact assessment, risk assessment, and permitting of protected species. Through field surveys and other studies, she helped increase protection of marine species in the U.S. and all across the globe.
- Marine Mammals Program Manager at CSA Ocean Sciences
As the Marine Mammals Program Manager Mary Jo Barkaszi has managed a diverse range of projects related to the impact of natural and man-made sound on marine communities. Marine mammals use sound over their other senses to perform many major ecological functions such as communicating, navigating, and foraging.
Mary Jo Barkaszi takes great pride in her work in protecting marine mammals and is eager to continue developing new technologies and practices to help marine ecosystems continue to thrive.