Dr. Sharon
C. Cilano

About

Originally from Louisiana, she studied archaeology and anthropology in New York with a focus on environmental issues. Sharon’s past experience includes formal and informal education, curriculum and workforce development, community engagement, and aquaculture regulation and grant management across multiple Gulf state agencies. She remained drawn to the complexities of coastal communities and explored the seafood literacy of Florida’s Gulf Coast residents during her doctoral research. In her free time, Sharon enjoys spending time with family, going to zoos and aquariums, and traveling.

Sharon holds an Ed.D. in Adult Education and Workforce Development from Northwestern State University, Ed.S. in Leadership and M.N.S. from Louisiana State University, M.A. in Science Education and Special Education from Northwestern State University, B.A. in Anthropology from Hartwick College, and A.G.S. from Northwestern State University.

Franklin County, located in the Panhandle, is bordered by Gulf, Liberty, and Wakulla Counties as well as the Gulf. Local communities include Apalachicola, Eastpoint, and Carrabelle. The county has over 200 miles of coastline, including St. George and St. Vincent barrier islands. This piece of the Forgotten Coast maintains a rich maritime and seafood processing history that blends well with the robust tourism industry.

Sharon’s major programs focus on shellfish, aquaculture, and seafood literacy, producing content and programming in youth and workforce development, sustainable seafood, and environmental education.