Marine science communications expert Darlene Trew Crist joins Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences as director of communications in February

East Boothbay, Maine  — Darlene Trew Crist, a science communications professional with more than twenty years of experience in marine-related communications, has been named director of communications for the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay.  She will begin her duties on February 10, 2014.

Crist leaves her role as principal of Crist Communications, a firm specializing in science communications, to lead Bigelow’s communication efforts.  Previously, she served as the director of News and Communications at Brown University and as Communications Director for the international Census of Marine Life.

Crist will be responsible for the Laboratory’s relationships with local, national, and international news media, and will develop stories, photographs, and video for Bigelow’s website, in addition to overseeing strategic communications efforts to help advance Bigelow’s reputation.  Crist will succeed Tatiana Brailovskaya.

“Darlene Trew Crist has an impressive track record of translating complicated science so that is easily understandable and interesting to broad audiences, ” said Graham Shimmield, executive director of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, to whom Crist will report. “She brings a wealth of communication experience that will serve the Laboratory well.  We were impressed by her work leading an international outreach team for the Census of Marine Life, where she helped transform the program into respected and reliable source of information about life in the world’s oceans that was sought out by the global media. ”

Crist began her career as a communications and public relations consultant in Rhode Island after graduating from American University (B.A., political science and environmental studies). Among other positions, she was corporate spokeswoman for Ciba-Geigy in Cranston, RI, and co-director of public relations at Duffy & Shanley Inc. In 1987, she founded and was co-principal of Collins and Crist Public Affairs in Providence, specializing in health care, environmental, and crisis communications. She launched Crist Communications in 1992, providing writing, editorial, and strategic communications services to a variety of clients. She has also authored three non-fiction books, including one about the Census of Marine Life.

“Bigelow scientists are contributing to what we know about how the ocean works in important ways and on a global scale,” said Crist. “I am very excited to be part of this team and look forward to having the opportunity to share their scientific discoveries and significant contributions to what is known about the global ocean.”

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences conducts research ranging from microbial oceanography to large-scale ocean processes that affect the global environment. Recognized as a leader in Maine’s emerging innovation economy, the Laboratory’s research, education, and technology transfer programs are spurring significant economic growth in the state.