Dr. Pradnya Sawant is an oceanographer by training and has over fifteen years of professional experience in Marine Science Research and Policy, Environmental Consultancy, and Education and Outreach. She has worked with different stakeholders in North America and South Asia on integrated coastal management, climate change adaptation, and marine living resources management projects funded by federal governments, Global Environment Facility, and the World Bank. 

With a keen interest in bridging the gap between science and policy, she has also volunteered extensively for environmental awareness and advocacy, including for water quality and watershed management programs, working with several regional, national and international environmental organizations. Along with her scientific expertise and non-profit leadership experience, she brings her passion and strong commitment to supporting and building equitable and sustainable use and conservation of aquatic resources through research, education, and stewardship. 

Pradnya Sawan holds a doctoral degree in Marine Science (Oceanography) from the University of Southern Mississippi, USA and a Master’s Degree in Zoology (Marine Science) and Bachelor’s in Zoology from the University of Mumbai, India. 

She is honored to work on the traditional and unceeded territories of the Lekwungen-speaking Coast Salish Peoples.