Candace Oviatt is a Professor Emerita of the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Dr. Oviatt has decades of experience in coastal ecology with research focused on whole systems and experimental marine ecosystems, examining nutrient, carbon cycling, and benthic-water column interactions. Her recent interests include the impact of climate trends on estuarine ecosystems and changes in production with changes in nutrient loadings. Dr. Oviatt has also served the CI as a consistent source of wisdom for the CI advisory group. In addition to her data-based decision-making, which is of great value to Narragansett Bay and its watershed, she is an inspiration to women in science. In the community, she is well-regarded for her skills with horses and for her care of them.