Chanda is a Coastal Ecologist with an interest in estuarine ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship. She holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida. She is most interested in applied research that can inform decision-making, but her work to date has spanned topics including population biology, seagrass ecology, wetland policy/regulation, coastal ecosystem services, environmental compliance, and habitat restoration. In her current position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), she serves as the Corps’ Science Lead in the Columbia Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Program and spearheads regional efforts to evaluate the beneficial use of dredged material and determine how to maximize potential habitat benefits. Chanda coordinates the environmental compliance needed to facilitate ongoing maintenance of the federal navigation channels along the Oregon coast and works with state and federal partners to maximize opportunities for shared learning. As a member of the CEERP Steering Committee and in support of ongoing adaptive management, she collaborates with researchers, restoration practitioners, and project sponsors to improve habitat conditions for juvenile salmonids in the Columbia River estuary.