From Polyps to Policy: A Marine Biologist Finds Her Niche in D.C.

“What we found is that some corals can turn on anaerobic metabolism when oxygen is low and we discovered the molecular pathway by which they do this,” says Linsmayer. “It’s analogous to how humans make energy when our muscles are taxed.” The discovery that some corals can create energy in the absence of oxygen might help explain why some species are more resilient to bleaching than others.

During bleaching events, warm ocean waters cause corals to expel their symbiotic algae. Without algae, corals are colorless and can only make a fraction of the energy needed to survive. Linsmayer investigated the linkage between coral bleaching and anaerobic metabolism in a subsequent research study, which is in the process of being prepared for submission for publication. 

“Corals are expected to experience more hypoxia in a climate-changed future,” says Linsmayer, “but if they can hang on long enough [through anaerobic energy production], they can re-intake algae when conditions are right.”

To Linsmayer, scientific research is just part of the work in terms of combating environmental change. “My paper is hard for people to understand,” she says. “There need to be more translators of science so that a study like mine can have meaning to a layperson.” Adding to this challenge is the politicization of scientific research and our current culture of misinformation. 

In the last year of her Ph.D., Linsmayer was awarded a Knauss Fellowship by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “That was a really special experience, similar to Maine Coast Semester, that completely changed my career and life,” she says. The program sets up graduate students in federal agencies and congressional offices for a year to gain direct policy experience.

Linsmayer moved to Washington D.C. and remained on the Hill after her fellowship ended in 2019. As a staff member on the House Science Committee, she helps draft new science legislation, shepherd bills through the political process, prepare for hearings, and meet with stakeholders – like politicians, agency representatives, and scientific groups. “I love working on ocean issues,” says Linsmayer. She recently helped pass a bill funding innovative ocean research through the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP), for example.

“There are a lot of new roles for people who can translate science in different sectors and industries, like sustainability and environmental officers,” says Linsmayer, who derives great pride from her work. “It’s been a privilege to work on issues of upholding scientific integrity and making sure federal scientists can freely research and share their findings; that federal scientists have a voice.”