Dr. Sharon Herzka

Biography

Sharon Herzka’s research focuses on the dynamics of marine ecosystems, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico basin. She investigates early life history, habitat use, and dispersal of marine fishes, especially larval communities. Herzka's work explores how physical oceanographic features, such as eddies and currents, affect fish distribution and connectivity. As a stable isotope ecologist, she utilizes bulk compound-specific stable isotope ratios to trace nutrient sources in food web dynamics, map migratory fish feeding areas, and understand nitrogen sources that support secondary production. Her interdisciplinary approach combines marine biology, chemistry, and physical oceanography, collaborating with ecologists, molecular biologists, and oceanographers. After earning her Master's and Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of Texas at Austin, she returned to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in 2023 after 22 years, where she served as a professor and director. Herzka has actively contributed to large-scale ocean monitoring and modeling efforts as part of the Gulf of Mexico Research Consortium. She is also the president-elect of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) with terms running from 2025 to 2027.

Research Interests