Michelle McCrackin
PhD. 2010 (Biology, Arizona State University, USA)
Biographical Information
Dr. Michelle McCrackin is a Science Policy Analyst in the U.S. National Science Board Office. In this role, she advises and assists the 24 presidentially appointed members in their dual roles as a governing Board of the U.S. National Science Foundation and as an independent body of advisors to the President and Congress on science and engineering policy matters. She first joined the Board office through the Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program of the American Association of the Advancement of Science. Previously, McCrackin was a research scientist at Stockholm University’s Baltic Sea Centre in Sweden. Here, she used computer models and large datasets to identify opportunities to reduce anthropogenic nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea and explore nutrient legacies. This position involved bridging the gap between science and society through communication and outreach to policymakers and other stakeholders across the region. Science is a second career for McCrackin. Previously she was a certified public accountant and held finance, budget, and accounting roles at large, multinational corporations. She earned her doctorate in biology from Arizona State University and holds bachelor's and master’s degrees in business from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She volunteers with local watershed not-for-profits in metro Detroit, Michigan, focusing on water quality and advocacy issues.
Candidate Statement
ASLO has been my “home” scientific society since 2006 when I first joined as a graduate student. I have always felt a strong connection to the society’s mission and members. I am honored to have been recognized as an ASLO Fellow and to have served as an Associate Editor for Limnology & Oceanography. Over the years, I have participated in many ASLO-sponsored meetings where I organized special sessions highlighting science communication and eutrophication-related research.
I am running for the position of ASLO Treasurer because this opportunity brings together the varied elements of my career path in service to the society. Before pursuing scientific training and research in limnology, I worked for 15 years in accounting and corporate finance. As a former certified public accountant, auditor, and finance professional, I understand accounting practices and standards and have prepared and monitored budgets ranging from hundreds-of-thousands to hundreds-of-millions of dollars. One could say that I am a “numbers person” because even my scientific work involved creating budgets of nitrogen and phosphorous for watersheds! I have a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the ASLO Treasurer from serving on the Finance Committee for the past several years and from holding similar roles in local community groups. Lastly, I look forward to applying my experience from the National Science Board Office, where I have gained deep familiarity with the operations and practices of governing boards.
As Treasurer, my main focus would be to ensure ASLO’s continued financial health, as well as to support the transition of the new association management company. I also wholeheartedly look forward to contributing to the Board’s work across various topics, including publications, innovative meeting approaches, and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the aquatic sciences. Thank you for your consideration!