Dr. Geret DePiper Announced as Endowed Chair in Resource Economics for HRI
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) announces the appointment of Dr. Geret DePiper as Endowed Chair for Resource Economics. DePiper began his role on Sept. 2.
As one of 10 chairs at the institute, DePiper’s expertise will strengthen HRI’s research in economics and social sciences, providing tools to address issues of conservation and sustainable growth.
DePiper, 48, joins HRI from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where he served as a research economist. He also serves as a member of the Scientific and Statistical Committee for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
DePiper’s career in resource economics spans more than 15 years. He holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland, and a B.S. in Biology from Davidson College.
At HRI, DePiper’s work will focus on how people interact with and benefit from natural resources. He has published extensively on the economics of fisheries and applied ecosystem science, including assessments of the value of nonmarket ecosystem services. DePiper will also serve as a professor in TAMU-CC’s College of Business.
“Most of my work as a researcher has been interdisciplinary, and the fact that HRI’s Model and system are so integrated really drew me here,” said DePiper, a native of Framingham, Massachusetts. “Most real-world problems are not single-facet, so you need to have a collaborative approach to truly understand the problem and determine how best to address it. Our goal is to identify ways Gulf resources can be used sustainably and generate the greatest benefits possible to society, particularly to Texans.”
That philosophy reflects the vision HRI was founded on. Including economics was a key tenet of HRI’s creation 25 years ago, and establishing an economics chair was an integral part of the institute’s mission — laying the foundation for today’s efforts to link science, policy, and community well-being. DePiper’s appointment strengthens those efforts.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. DePiper to HRI,” said HRI Senior Executive Director Dr. Greg Stunz. “His expertise strengthens one of our core disciplines and helps ensure that HRI remains a leader in linking science, economics, and policy to build a more sustainable future for the Gulf.”
That vision aligns closely with the interdisciplinary foundation laid by HRI founder Ed Harte — one that continues to guide the institute’s mission today.
“The vision that Ed Harte had was really unique in that it identified that most problems are complex and have multiple issues that are intertwined,” DePiper said. “Without truly understanding the physical, biological, and social components of the system, you can’t determine how best to address the challenges we face as a society.”
With his background and expertise, DePiper will play a vital role in advancing HRI’s mission to ensure a resilient and sustainable Gulf for generations to come.