About

Mark Rains is an ecohydrologist with a B.A. in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, an M.S. in Forestry, and a Ph.D. in Hydrologic Sciences. He is a Professor of Geology at the University of South Florida and Chief Science Officer for the State of Florida. His research is focused on hydrological connectivity from ridges-to-reefs; the roles that hydrological processes play in governing ecosystem structure and function; and the roles that science plays in informing water-related law, policy, and decision-making. As the Chief Science Officer, he is charged with ensuring that science underlies sound environmental policy and protection, including working with stakeholders to build a shared knowledge informed by common values and then focusing that knowledge on the most pressing statewide environmental needs. Though charged with a broad portfolio, he is primarily focused on protecting and restoring water quality, enhancing flood resilience, and developing the data and analytics strategy necessary to support these and other statewide environmental needs. He has been the recipient of numerous distinctions, including receiving three Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and being elected a Fellow in the Society of Wetland Scientists.