CERF 2025 Collab Session A

Monday, 10 November 2025  |  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM ET 

Bringing Science to Capitol Hill: How to Make Your Voice Heard

Description

Decisions made on Capitol Hill directly affect coastal and estuarine scientists and managers, as well as the communities we serve. Yet many of us feel uncertain about how, or even whether, to engage in the policy process. If our voices are absent from these conversations, others with differing perspectives will fill the space. This session is designed to demystify the policy process and empower attendees to engage effectively with Congress.

A panel of science policy experts will share insights into how Congress works and offer practical guidance for effective engagement. Participants will learn the essentials of arranging and preparing for meetings with congressional offices; developing clear and compelling talking points; and making the most of interactions before, during, and after a visit. Panelists will also share candid insights into the realities of working with policymakers. While the focus of the session is US Congress, lessons learned may apply to other countries and levels of government.

Facilitators

  • Jes Watts
  • Susan Park, CERF

Affinity Group Welcome Event


Description

A chance for people across various affinity groups to learn more about the targeted resources and activities offered at CERF as well as meet, mingle, and connect with some friendly faces before the conference gets into full swing.

More About Affinity Groups

Early Career Networking Event


Description

The Early Career Networking Event provides a space for students and those early in their careers to converse with one another and with professionals who are already established in their careers. Attendees will be able to meet a variety of professionals spanning four broad career paths: 1) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits; 2) Academia; 3) Private industry/Consulting; and 4) Government (federal and/or state). Overall, this event will provide an opportunity to meet others across various career stages and to build professional connections.

Facilitators

  • Lesley Baggett, AKRF, Inc.
  • Sohaib Alahmed, Halff Associates, Inc.

Navigating Turbulent Waters: Leading Through Conflict, Crisis, and Change


Description 

Change, conflict, and uncertainty are inevitable and are impacting coastal and ocean researchers and practitioners at a more rapid pace than ever. Navigating these challenges effectively requires thoughtful and intentional communication, leadership, and conflict management. This session will incorporate key social science theory and transdisciplinary practices to build participants’ leadership capacity through crises. Topics include a Science of Team Science framework, identifying conflict types, conflict interventions, barriers to effect conflict management, case studies, and more!

CERF understands the importance of creating learning spaces in professional societies that engage with the critical issues of the day. This workshop is intended for members at all career levels to come together as a learning community

Facilitators

  • Kristy Lewis, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography
  • Danielle Perry, NOAA

Evaluating Your Co-Production Process: Strategies and Tools

Description

Co-production is the collaboration of researchers and stakeholders throughout the research process. The co-production process endeavors to bring researchers closer to a specific issue and generate more useful and relevant research outputs. Co-production is widely supported, but monitoring and evaluation of co-production is less common. This Collab Session includes evaluation professionals and team leaders to share their experiences in assessing co-production efforts. We will discuss the opportunities and barriers to creating actionable science and inclusive and equitable spaces for science co-production to occur and identify concrete strategies and tools for implementing co-production processes.

Facilitators

  • Miranda Madrid, NOAA RESTORE Science Program / CSS, Inc.
  • Wendy-Lin Bartels, University of Florida (UF), Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute
  • Carrie Furman

All Things Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

Description 

This dynamic session brings together researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts from all career stages to explore topics related to Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV). Featuring partner updates, interactive discussions, and innovative facilitation techniques, the session encourages active engagement and meaningful networking, especially for early-career attendees. Participants will drive the conversation by selecting discussion topics and engaging in structured activities to foster collaboration and generate actionable insights. Join us to share updates, build connections, and shape the future of SAV research, conservation, and restoration.

Facilitators

  • Jessie Jarvis, University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • Brooke Landry, Maryland DNR
  • Jamie Vaudrey, University of Connecticut

Collaborative Research at all scales: Working WITH communities, from NERRS to Internation

 

Description

Join a panel of collaborative science practitioners who will share their experiences working beyond their own communities to address community-identified priorities. Panelists will tackle questions such as: what do you wish you’d known when you began this type of work; and how do you identify who your community collaborator will be? Participants will come away with a better understanding of better practices for truly collaborative and impactful research with communities that are not their own. They will have an increased appreciation for the challenges and benefits of this work, so they can move beyond “aspiration” to take the first steps.

Facilitators

  • Jennifer Read, UM Water Center
  • Douglas George, NOAA
  • Katie May Laumann, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science