Ally Lowell has extensive subject matter expertise across marine science and policy. She worked both domestically and abroad to advance ocean priorities in the Northeast as well as in Europe and the Caribbean. Most recently, she served in the Office of U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on her oceans and fisheries portfolio.
Where does your interest in the ocean come from?
I grew up 45 minutes from the coastal beaches of Maine in a family that loves the ocean. I spent my summers going to the beach and exploring tide pools, fishing, sailing, and jumping waves. My dad started his career in marine geology, so I always had a listening ear to answer questions and encourage my curiosity. When I entered college at the University of Maine, it was a no-brainer for me to major in marine science. I was able to study abroad on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and closer to home on the Gulf of Maine. My education ignited a career-long passion for the ocean that led me to pursue a doctoral degree in marine ecology and biogeochemistry.
During my graduate work at Stony Brook University, I studied ecological connectivity across a variety of systems, ranging from seagrass meadows in the Sub-Arctic to coral reefs off the coast of Panama and Colombia. This work was driven by a deep desire to improve restoration efforts in critically important habitats. These experiences were transformative and fostered a deep commitment to conservation and advancing our understanding of the natural world.
What path took you into ocean policy?
As a graduate student, I frequently engaged with undergraduates as both a mentor and professor. It was important to me to instill a belief in my students that they could impact actionable change in their communities. As I neared the end of my doctoral work, applying for the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship was a clear next step in advancing my own commitment to advancing ocean stewardship. This launched my career into marine policy and fostered a deep commitment to smart, scientifically sound, bipartisan solutions for ocean priorities.
What are you looking forward to in your work with ESP Advisors?
I am thrilled to continue working in ocean advocacy for ESP Advisors. It is a real privilege to continue working in this space on issues I care very deeply about. ESP’s expert team and stellar clients make this a unique opportunity to keep advancing wins for oceans!
What’s something that blows your mind about the ocean?
So many things! I studied coastal systems, but the deep ocean is something else entirely. The array of life living in these environments will never cease to amaze me. Vampire squid? The extraordinary, if not alien, form of octopus intelligence? I love night diving and watching coral polyps hunt. Something about a small creature selecting its prey from the ether is fascinating. The physiological adaptation of a sperm whale diving to 2,000 m? I can go on!
