Ms. Susan Gardner has over two decades of experience in science and environmental policy working for both the Mexican and United States governments. She was a senior official in the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration focused on fisheries science and ocean conservation. Prior to this position, she was a senior official at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and worked for the Mexican Federal Government as an environmental scientist at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste.
As Deputy Director of the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation, Dr. Gardner led the U.S. Department of State’s efforts on Advancing Women and Girls in Science and established the annual ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women. Ms. Gardner’s work on multilateral agreements included the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, the Global Mercury Partnership and the Stockholm Convention. Based on her contributions to the Minamata Convention on Mercury she was awarded the Gold Medal for Exceptional Services from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ms. Gardner created the first Ecotoxicology Program at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste where she earned the distinction of membership in the Mexican Sistema Nacional de Investigadores and board certification as a fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.
Dr. Gardner is a dual national of Mexico and the United States of America. She has a Doctoral Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Washington, a Master’s of Science Degree in Toxicology from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science from Long Island University. Her research has generated over 30 publications including a book and book chapters on topics related to ecology, toxicology, fisheries management and species conservation. She recently led the facilitation team of the Nature-Based Solutions track for the Secretary-General Climate Action Summit 2019.