Alicia Berlin, Ph.D.

Alicia M. Berlin, Ph.D., is the Acting Deputy Center Director at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC), bringing over 20 years of experience as a strategic scientific leader, wildlife biologist, and research manager. She is nationally recognized for advancing avian ecology, environmental health, and coastal habitat science while guiding the operational, financial, and research direction of one of USGS’s flagship ecological research centers. 

As acting Deputy Center Director, Dr. Berlin oversees daily operations, strategic planning, and compliance with research management policies, ensuring scientific quality and alignment with Department of the Interior priorities. She supervises senior scientists, coordinates competitive funding strategies, and leads organizational development to enhance EESC’s science delivery. Her management roles include representing EESC to Congressional staff, OMB, and interagency partners, increasing visibility and support for mission priorities. 

Previously, as Research Manager, Dr. Berlin supervised 15 senior wildlife biologists, coordinated scientific portfolios across multiple capability teams, and led the complex reorganization during the merger that formed EESC. She guided center-wide strategic initiatives, coordinated facility optimization projects, and managed high-level funding proposals, ensuring alignment of research with USGS and partner priorities. 

As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Berlin has led groundbreaking seabird research: 

• Energy Initiatives & Seabird Ecology – Designed and led one of the most comprehensive seabird satellite tracking studies in the Atlantic, tracking over 400 birds across three species to inform offshore wind energy siting and conservation planning.
• Auditory Sensitivity in Diving Birds – Pioneered the first underwater auditory research methods to assess diving bird hearing. Co-developed a psychoacoustic testing apparatus and auditory brainstem response approach. Results influenced U.S. Navy sonar protocols and supported acoustic deterrent development to reduce gillnet bycatch.
• Black Duck Habitat Modeling – Developed a bioenergetics-based model assessing habitat quality across Chesapeake Bay refuges. Integrated prey value and foraging energetics research into refuge management planning to address sea-level rise and land-use change.
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Diving Ducks – Evaluated virus pathogenesis, infectious dose, and transmission dynamics in seaduck species, providing critical data to inform surveillance and management strategies. 

Dr. Berlin also established and leads the only captive seabird colony in North America, supporting research on surf scoters, red-throated loons, and other waterfowl. She designed and oversaw the construction of two large dive tanks, enabling pioneering research on foraging energetics, seabird physiology, telemetry, and underwater hearing.