Bridging the Gap Between Science and the Community

Last year, the Galveston Park Board introduced a lecture series aimed at educating the public about careers in coastal science. Specifically about women’s roles in those careers. The series was a success – attracting dozens of interested audience members and even garnering a prestigious regional award.

“When we think of coastal science, many people think of marine biology or maritime business,” Galveston Park Board Environmental Coordinator Elizabeth Schneider said. “Those are certainly important career paths, but there are so many more. The Women in Coastal Science series will help shed light on some of the lesser known opportunities.”

The idea for the series originated from Park Board staff members, women, who wanted to bring attention to successes in the many fields available pertaining to coastal science. Park Board Guest Experience Manager Ann Hobing said the series aligns with the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and its mission to be stewards of the coastal environment.

“When it comes to scientific pursuits, women can be a minority in the industry,” Hobing said. “We want this series to help women share their journeys to success and fulfillment and to inspire other women to consider entering the science realm, too.”

The series caught the attention of the Houston Galveston Area Council, or HGAC. As part of the council’s Parks and Natural Areas Awards, Women in Coastal Science was the winner in the programming category. HGAC awards recognize outstanding practices across the HoustonGalveston region and the winning projects serve as models for the rest of the region to consider.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by HGAC,” Park Board Executive Director Kelly de Schaun said. “I applaud the creative thinkers on the Park Board staff for coordinating the series and salute the women who play such an important role in conserving our marine environment.”

The Park Board will bring back the series for 2023 beginning April 28. To date, speakers include Karla Klay from the conservation organization Artist Boat; Annie Mercer from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, Tiffany Staten from the PEA Engineering Group, Theresa Morris with the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Anna Deichmann from the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, and Virgie Greb who is a student pursuing her Ph.D. in Marine and Coastal Management at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Presentations will run through September and take place at East Beach on the last Friday of each month. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be available starting at 9 a.m., with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m.

“We hope members of the Galveston community will come and meet the women who tackle the challenges our coastal environment faces,” Schneider said. “From rescuing marine mammals and sea turtles to understanding the impacts of extreme conditions on our Gulf shores, these women demonstrate the diversity of careers found here and will share their journeys in their fields of expertise.”