Gretchen C. Coffman, Ph.D.

Gretchen is a Senior Lecturer at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Geography, Assistant Director of its Environmental Studies Programme, and a National Geographic Explorer.

Her work focuses on ecosystem conservation and restoration; her research includes biogeography and exploring the factors that limit ecosystem recovery, to aid in developing effective conservation strategies. She engages university students and community members in research in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, including Malaysian Borneo, Indonesia, Laos, and Singapore. Film is an integral part of her teaching. Recent projects include 360-degree filmmaking to take students on virtual field trips to Borneo and show Borneo communities the wonder of rivers, mangrove ecosystems, coral reefs, and wildlife where they live.

Gretchen is an avid scuba diver, open-water swimmer, rower, kayaker, paddleboarder, and ocean lover. She has been on the IOFF Screening Committee and a Dolphin Club member for over 15 years.