About Us
LISOC’s mission is to connect students, researchers, entrepreneurs, the business community, and non-governmental and governmental affiliates with one another to inclusively pursue, promote and develop opportunities for knowledge and value creation in a sustainable Blue Economy for Long Island Sound and beyond. In doing so, LISOC will:
Establish
A network of sustainably-minded individuals within and outside of ocean and maritime industries to encourage and support conservation and sustainable ocean-based innovation in the Blue Economy
Equip
The next generation of ocean-minded people with the skills needed to engage in ocean conservation and stewardship.
Foster
Future ecological ambassadors and leaders to protect the ocean
Create
New opportunities for exchange between communities and cultures in and around the Long Island Sound region
Develop
Strategies to create more inclusive knowledge, sustainable value, and economic opportunities from the ocean and its resources.
Our Team
Michaela Garland, CEO
“After spending time at the Iceland Ocean Cluster in Reykjavik, Iceland, I became passionate about bringing their innovative model to Long Island Sound to advance the region’s blue economy.”
Michaela is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geography at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on the blue economy, marine social science, and sustainable transitions. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and as a Research Member for Project Blue at SCSU, Michaela helped organize the 2020 Coastal Transitions Conference and was responsible for research on the Iceland Ocean Cluster Model. She also helped aid student innovation teams by providing support, oversight, and knowledge in kelp innovations, product development, and sustainability practices. Inspired by the Iceland Ocean Cluster, Michaela is motivated to bring the Iceland model to the Long Island Sound region to foster the emerging seaweed industry.
Dr. Patrick Heidkamp, Co-Founder & Research Advisor
“ I started the Long Island Sound Ocean Cluster with the aim to create a space that allows us to focus on just and sustainable solutions for the Blue Economy through transdisciplinary action research.”
Dr. Patrick Heidkamp’s is an economic geographer with an interest in transdisciplinary engagement and innovation in the Blue Economy. He holds academic appointments at Southern Connecticut State University and the University Centre of the Westfjords in Iceland and is an affiliate of the Economic Rights Research Group at the University of Connecticut. He has international teaching, research and consulting experience in Africa, Central America, and Europe. His work has been published in leading journals such as the Annals of Regional Science, Applied Geography, Geography Compass, Geoforum, GeoHumanities, Political Science Quarterly, and Urban Geography. In addition, he is a co-editor with Dr. John Morrissey of Towards Coastal Resilience and Sustainability (Routledge: 2019).
Dr. Colleen Bielitz, Co-Founder
“We all need to remember that the ocean is an important part of a more sustainable approach to feeding the planet’s growing human population. If no one else will defend the ocean, then I must, for the ocean is vital to life on Earth and our very existence.”
Dr. Colleen Bielitz has been transforming institutions through strategic initiatives, creative entrepreneurship, and visionary leadership. She currently oversees Strategic Initiatives and Outreach for Southern Connecticut State University and her driving force has been the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals which provide a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and leaves no one behind.
Dr. Bielitz’s latest project is ProjectBlue@SCSU which pursues opportunities for knowledge and value creation in a sustainable Blue Economy by connecting all stakeholders. With a passion for Life Below Water, she is committed to protecting marine habitats and in developing future leaders to protect the ocean.