Dr. William Merrell

Professor

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Biography

William Merrell is a Regents Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M University Galveston, specializing in Marine and Coastal Environmental Science. He has a distinguished career in academia and research, with a focus on hurricane storm surge protection and coastal resilience. Merrell has served in various leadership roles, including Acting President of Texas A&M University Galveston and Director of the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores. His contributions to the field include numerous publications and active participation in conferences addressing coastal engineering and disaster resilience. With degrees spanning mathematics and physics, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography from Texas A&M University, he has also held pivotal positions within the National Science Foundation and has been a prominent figure in advancing marine sciences across multiple institutions. His extensive work includes involvement with communities vulnerable to hurricanes and advocating for improved coastal management practices.

Research Interests

Experience

Regents Professor Emeritus

— Present

Texas A&M University Galveston • Galveston, TX

Emeritus status awarded for significant contributions to university and field.

Acting President

— Present

Texas A&M University Galveston • Galveston, TX

Served as acting president, overseeing university operations.

Director

— Present

Center for Texas Beaches and Shores, Texas A&M University Galveston • Galveston, TX

Directed initiatives on coastal management and research.

Partner

— Present

MerrellKatsouros LLP • Galveston, TX

Co-founded consulting firm focusing on marine and environmental solutions.

President

— Present

H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment • Washington, DC

Led efforts to promote science-based solutions to environmental challenges.

Vice Chancellor for Strategic Programs

— Present

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

Oversaw strategic planning and program development for the university system.

Vice President for Research Policy

— Present

Texas A&M University • College Station, TX

Developed research policies to enhance academic research environment.

President

— Present

Texas Institute of Oceanography • Galveston, TX

Led oceanographic research initiatives.

President

— Present

Texas A&M University Galveston • Galveston, TX

Oversaw university growth and academic programs.

Rear Admiral

— Present

United States Maritime Service • Washington, DC

Served in senior navy position focusing on maritime education.

Coordinator Marine Programs

— Present

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

Coordinated programs aimed at enhancing marine research and education.

Assistant Director

— Present

National Science Foundation • Washington, DC

Led initiatives to support national science and engineering programs.

Professor

— Present

Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University • College Station, TX

Engaged in teaching and conducting research in oceanography.

Director

— Present

Division of Atmospheric and Marine Sciences, College of Geosciences, Texas A&M University • College Station, TX

Led division focused on atmospheric and marine studies.

Awards

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Regents Professor

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President Emeritus

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Outstanding Achievement Award

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Quasar Award

#

Unsung Hero Award

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Distinguished Achievement Award

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Distinguished Alumni Award

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Distinguished Service Award

#

Distinguished Member Award

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Distinguished Service Award

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University Fellow

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NDEA Fellow

#

Graduate Fellow

#

Physics Award

Requirements for Texas A&M University Galveston

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field Undergraduate research experience (recommended)
Application Checklist
  • GraduateCAS Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Chemistry; GRE General and Subject scores are not required or expected for Fall 2026.