CERF 2025 Collab Session B

Tuesday, 11 November 2025  |  1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Transitioning to High Frequency Sensors For Monitoring Water Quality


Description 

As technology becomes more accessible, more groups choose to monitor water quality with high frequency sensors. This transition provides a wealth of new data but raises questions about data analysis and interpretation, the most effective way to use sensors, and how to maintain the benefits and consistency of existing water quality monitoring practices. We invite those working in water quality to gather to brainstorm, to share successful techniques for making this transition, and to highlight areas that require future research and refinement.

Facilitators

  • Kristin Huizenga, Woodwell Climate Research Center
  • Rachel Jakuba, Buzzards Bay Coalition
  • Christopher Neill, Woodwell Climate Research Center

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.

CERF’s Inclusive Leadership Program: Cohort 1 Reflections

Description 

The Inclusive Leadership Program (ILP) brings together a diverse cohort of coastal and estuarine professionals in a dynamic learning community where all members participate in expert-led training while also learning from each other. ILP provides current leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship needed to be more inclusive leaders and affect culture change. This collab session will provide an overview of the program and bring together a panel of the first ILP cohort. This will be an interactive panel where cohort members share experiences, present their leadership projects, and answer questions from those interested in the program.  

Facilitators

  • Danielle Perry, NOAA

Microbes in Coastal Restoration: Networks Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice

Description

Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive yet threatened systems on the planet. Integrating microbial ecology into restoration efforts offers an exciting frontier for improving outcomes, yet significant knowledge gaps and logistical challenges remain. This unique networking session aims to catalyze interdisciplinary discussions among restoration scientists, microbial ecologists, policymakers, and coastal resource managers, with the goal of building a collaborative network that shares a common goal of advancing restoration science. Through a combination of lightning talks and interactive breakout sessions, participants will share knowledge, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for integrating microbial ecology into coastal restoration efforts.

Facilitators

  • Ashley Bulseco, University of New Hampshire
  • Kylea Garces, Northeastern University

Global Synergy in Modeling Coastal Protection by Oyster Reefs

This collaborative session will align global efforts in oyster reef modeling for coastal protection, focusing on standardizing methods to measure wave attenuation, bathymetric modification, and the ecological requirements for oysters. Participants will discuss the use of different models, which models are best suited to answer specific questions and examine approaches to data gathering, aiming to harmonize methodologies and enhance their application across research, restoration, and management contexts.

Facilitators

  • Karinna Nunez, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  • Evan Hill, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Co-Production 

Description

This session will build on topics presented during the adjoining scientific session related to the co-production of knowledge and recommendations for coastal restoration and management. Exploration of key strategies to effectively engage end-users, a reflection on lessons learned, and a discussion of key outcomes will be facilitated through small and large group discussions and interactive activities to encourage idea exchange. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and strategies to apply in their own work, including a network of others conducting similar efforts.

Facilitators

  • Jennica Moffat
  • Miranda Madrid