2025 Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Ocean and Climate Change Intern Erinn Bell joined the Global Ocean Forum in July as the 2025 Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Ocean and Climate Change Intern. She is a second year Master’s student in the School of Marine Science and Policy at the University of Delaware and a recipient of the University Graduate Scholar Award. Originally from Bellwood, Illinois, she earned her B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, graduating with summa cum laude distinction and University Honors. At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she was also a Ronald E….
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain (PhD in political science, UCLA, postdoctoral training, Harvard University) was President of the Global Ocean Forum, and past Director of the Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy and Professor of Marine Policy at the University of Delaware. An expert in the field of integrated coastal and ocean governance, she has authored over 100 publications in the field, including publications on ICZM widely used around the world (Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management: Concepts and Practices, The Future of US Ocean Policy, Handbook on National and Regional Ocean Policies including 15 nations and 4 regions). As Founder and President of the Global Ocean Forum, she has forged international collaboration among all sectors of the international community to advance the global agenda on oceans and coasts. Dr. Cicin-Sain has led the mobilization of the Roadmap to Oceans and Climate Action initiative to advance the issues related to oceans, coasts, and climate change within the UN Framework on Climate Change and other relevant international fora. Dr. Cicin-Sain’s international work on oceans, coasts, and climate change has been recognized through a number of awards, including: 2019 Prince Albert I of Monaco “Grand Prix des Sciences de la Mer;” 2018 Pioneer of the High Seas, French National Sea Center, France; 2017 Champion of the Ocean award, Monmouth University; 2010 Laureate for the Elizabeth Haub Award for Environmental Diplomacy; 2010 honorary doctorate in maritime law by Korea Maritime University; 2007 Coastal Zone Foundation Award, USA; 2007 Elizabeth Mann Borgese Meerespreis (Prize of the Sea), Germany; 2002 co-recipient of the Ocean and Coastal Stewardship Award (US).