Research
My research explores the dynamic intersection of marine ecology, conservation, and ocean equity, with a particular focus on mangrove ecosystems and the diverse communities they support. Through stakeholder engagement, biodiversity assessments, and ecosystem health indicators, I investigate the cultural and ecological value of mangroves in Bocas del Toro, Panamá. My work integrates both natural and social sciences, emphasizing the role of local perspectives in shaping conservation strategies.
Beyond field-based research, I am committed to broadening participation in STEM and supporting underrepresented voices in marine science. As a founding member of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), I actively promote mentorship and visibility for Black women in these fields. My experience spans molecular biology, marine habitat complexity studies, and strategic advising, with a continuous focus on creating meaningful, community-driven solutions for ocean sustainability.
Speaking Engagement Highlights
Organizations I’ve Worked With
Selected Publications
Giron, A., Spalding, A.K., Cisneros-Montemayor, A., De Vos, A., Scott, C.P., Naggea, J., Alava, J.J., Milloway, Ol., El Zaghloul, R.M. 2025. 2024's Top Ocean News Stories. Mongabay: Global.
Strand, M., G. Retter, M. Khan, A. Frid, M.Hudson, K. Leonard, K. Paul, C. Baron-Aguilar, R.Boswell, A. Cisneros-Montemayor, A. E. Copenhaver, Y. Costa, L. Hiwasaki, N. J. R. Jones, B. P. Kelly, J. Kosgei, V. K.Metcalf, A. Moshani, G. Y. Oduro, C. P. Scott, and V. Rakotondrazafy. 2024. Co-producing Sustainable Ocean Plans with Indigenous and traditional knowledge holders. Washington, DC: World Resources Institute.
Collin, R., Adelson, A.E., Altieri, A.H., Clark, K.E., Davis, K., Giddings, S.N., Kastner, S., Mach, L., Pawlak, G., Sjögersten, S., Torres, M. & Scott, C.P. (2024) Using Forty Years of Research to View Bahía Almirante on the Caribbean Coast of Panama as an Integrated Social-Ecological System. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science; 306.
Kim, A., Scott, C.P. & Swartz, W. (2024) Local perspectives on marine ecotourism development in a water-insecure island region: the case of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Front. Mar. Sci. May 17; 11.
Scott, C.P., Mach, L., Lucas, K. & Myers, A. Whose Cultural Ecosystem Service Values Matter? Exploring Power Inequities in Diverse Mangrove Communities. Human Ecology. Published.
Spalding, A., Grorud-Colvert, K., Amon, D., Suman, D., de Vos, A., Allison, E., Cisneros-Montemayor, A.M., Scott, C., Collin, R., Friedlander, A.M., Fiorenza, M., Mangubhai, S., Mayora Genao, J.S., Harris, J., Mana’oakamai Johnson, S., Paris, C., Pouponneau, A., Naggea, J., Obura, D., Palacios, J., & Hicks, C. (2023) Engaging the Tropical Majority to Make Ocean Governance and Science more Equitable and Effective. NPJ Ocean Sustainability. Published.
Datchoua-Tirvaudey, A., Martin, A., Scott, C.P. (2023). Racial-Gender Disparities, and the Impacts of Coloniality in Ocean Science on BIPOC Women. In: Obaidullah, F. (eds) The Ocean and Us. Springer, Cham.
Scott, Cinda. “Changing the Narrative in Marine Science and Conservation Is the Responsibility of Us All.” www.waterlust.com, 21 July 2020.
Selected Speaking Engagements for Research
“Environment, Sustainability and Society Speaker Series” at the College of Sustainability at Dalhousie University.
New England Science and Sailing, “Notes from the Field: Career Strategies, Life Journeys and Working in the Field”, Invited guest speaker, Stonington, Connecticut via Zoom.
Our Ocean Conference, “Towards an Equitable Approach to Marine Plastic Pollution”, Invited Panelist Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center OOC side event, Panama City, Panamá.
Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5), “Mainstreaming Equity in Marine Protected Areas: a Global Outlook from Local Perspectives”, Invited Panel Speaker, Vancouver, Canada.