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Message from the Senior Executive Director
As I read through the list of organizations and individuals who supported our work in fiscal year 2024, I recalled Ed Harte’s vision nearly a quarter century ago to make a difference for the Gulf of Mexico.
While a quarter century may seem like a long time, the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi is young compared to our peer research institutes. Over the last 24 years we have expanded on Ed’s vision with the help of so many. In this fiscal year, ending in August of 2024, we benefited from the symbiotic relationship between our partners, our sponsored research funders, and our donors.
Symbiosis between HRI and our supporters is the consistent desire to conserve the Gulf and its resources. Individually, we can achieve limited goals, but together, we can make a lasting impact on the Gulf of Mexico, today and for future generations.
It was through generous donations that we were honored to establish a new endowed chair in Coastal Conservation and Restoration, named after former Senior Executive Director Dr. Larry McKinney, held by Dr. Jennifer Pollack, who is a strong leader in coastal restoration. We are also thrilled to welcome Dr. Keisha Bahr as chair of the newly established Coral Reef and Ocean Health program. Dr. Bahr’s research focuses on imperiled coral habitats, further expanding the institute’s work on these critical ecosystems.
Supporting the next generation of scientists through scholarships, fellowships, and hands-on training programs remains one of the institute’s top priorities. Gifts for student support allow us to equip emerging researchers and ensure our legacy of environmental stewardship will continue.
These highlights and other accomplishments showcased in this annual report would not be possible without you, our incredible supporters. Your generosity, whether through donations, volunteerism, or partnerships, fuels our mission and empowers us to make real change. Thank you for your investment in this vision and the worthwhile work it takes to fulfill it.
I invite you to enjoy the following pages focused on our research and community engagement. Your continued contributions support a world-class team of scientists ready to continue to make a difference for the Gulf of Mexico, for which we are truly grateful.
