Dr. Elena Keen

Dr. Elena Keen has spent the past 10 years involved in the details of coastal zone management issues, taking an interdisciplinary approach through law, marine science, and community engagement. She completed her PhD in Coastal and Marine System Science at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her dissertation research reviewed offshore oil and gas decommissioning strategies and rigs-to-reefs programs in the Gulf of Mexico, with an emphasis on financial liability and cost estimation. She holds a master’s degree in marine and environmental science from the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior to her time in the Virgin Islands and Texas, she spent six years working in environmental litigation at the law firm of Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. in Washington, D.C. She is currently a Principal at Elena Keen Consulting, LLC, which provides expert assistance on complex coastal zone management matters on a national and international level. In addition to owning her own business, Dr. Keen is an Adjunct Professor in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, and a Science, Engineering and Math (SEM) Faculty Advisor at Austin Community College.

Department Office:

Highland Campus (HLC)

6101 Airport Blvd

Suite 2344

Austin, TX 78752

512-223-7475

Earth and Environmental Sciences