Chris Pickerell has been working for Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County for 30 years and has been the director of the marine program for the last ten years. In this role, Chris oversees the work of more than 70 scientists and educators working throughout Long Island on marine-related issues ranging from water quality monitoring and youth education to habitat restoration and support of the commercial fishing industry. Throughout his career, Chris’s work has focused on coastal habitat restoration and management including dune, salt marsh, eelgrass, and shellfish habitats. He currently co-chairs the New York State Shellfish Restoration Council working towards a shellfish restoration plan for New York and also sits on the New York State Ocean Acidification Task Force. In 2022, Chris received the “Pearl of a Person” award from the Long Island Oyster Growers Association for his work in helping to support the industry during COVID.