Featured Speakers
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Heather Judkins
University of South Florida St. Peterburg
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Dr. Heather Judkins is a marine biology professor in the Integrative Biology Department at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and has been working in the Gulf since the BP oil spill in 2010, collecting deep-sea animals and conducting a variety of projects surrounding cephalopods- squid, octopus, and their relatives. She will be discussing the DEEPEND Program of which she's a part of and highlight some fascinating adaptations of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans that allow them to survive in the dark, cold waters down to 1500 m deep.
Session Speakers:
Jasmin Graham
Minorities in Shark Sciences
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Making Change Happen: Policy Advocacy for Youth explores how laws and local action can protect sharks and our oceans—and how you can be part of that change. This presentation breaks down key environmental policies like CITES and the Endangered Species Act, explains how local fisheries management works, and introduces the concept of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). We’ll dig into the major threats facing sharks today and walk through concrete ways to advocate for them at the local, state, and federal levels. You’ll also learn how policies are created and defended, and how to make your voice count through public comment periods, commission meetings, and community action.
Laura Engleby
NOAA Fisheries (Retired)
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This presentation tells the remarkable story of one of the most rare and endangered whales on earth- the Rice's whale. With likely fewer than 100 remaining, these whales live their entire lives in the Gulf-- our backyard. The Rice's whale story is about scientific discovery, survival, resilience, and today's challenges.
Stephanie Jones
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
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Discussing the plight of Right whales, the challenges they face and some of the ways we can save these whales
Trish Riley
Cinema Verde
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We plan to screen/stream the Florida film Emerald Sanctuary and would like to interview/Q&A the film director afterward if possible (either in-person or via zoom)
Ayi Ajavon
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
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This session will be a presentation on the efforts of the Coral Health and Disease Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Topics will include the International Coral Gene Bank, our Coral Workforce Development Lab, and more!
Mia McCormick
Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation
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Researching the complex ecosystems, inhabitants and challenges of our oceans is fascinating, but research alone is not enough. As the generation that will be the last line of defense for some of our most precious ecosystems, we have to make science matter. Learn how to connect people outside of the scientific community with your research in this activity based session.
John Parkinson
University of South Florida
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As reef ecosystems decline globally, come learn more about what Tampa Bay scientists are doing to promote coral heat tolerance and advance restoration goals. This presentation will touch on the devastating 2023 marine heatwave, molecular investigations into resilience genes, and the potential role of stress-tolerant algal symbionts in coral conservation.
Ashley Burd
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
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Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful will lead participants in a cleanup of the Eckerd Campus. Spend some time beautifying the place you live & learn! All supplies will be provided. Please wear close-toed shoes if you plan to participate.
Izzy Avalos
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
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This session will be a presentation on the efforts of the Coral Health and Disease Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Topics will include the International Coral Gene Bank, our Coral Workforce Development Lab, and more! I will be speaking alongside with Mote about my experience working in their coral lab as a student.
Veronica Morejon
Ocean HQ
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In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how scientists monitor sea turtle nesting activity, identify tracks, and support conservation efforts. Because excavation protocols vary by state and permitted location, we’ll be replicating the current procedures used on Anna Maria Island to survey both Green Sea Turtles, Ridley Sea Turtles and Loggerhead Sea Turtles.
Participants will walk through the full mock process — from locating and staking a nest, to securing, excavating, and properly logging data just as permitted surveyors do in the field.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only understand the science behind sea turtle nest monitoring, but also gain practical insight into how conservation work is carried out in real coastal communities. All participants will also receive a certificate recognizing their hands-on experience! To lean more about the event and to stay up to date on what to expect please visit https://breachthesurface.org/events.
Tampa Bay Watch
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This tour is all about our favorite estuary: Tampa Bay! Learn about bay ecology and biology and observe wildlife such as birds and fishes. Guests will be able to observe an otter trawl net pull and learn about ways to get involved with our organization.
Madison Wurthner
Student PIRGs
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In this hands-on workshop, participants will build their own vertical oyster garden while exploring the powerful role oysters play in marine conservation. We’ll break down how oyster reefs help restore biodiversity, protect shorelines from erosion, and strengthen coastal resilience in the face of climate change. Participants will learn about oyster life cycles, water filtration capacity, and how community-based restoration projects contribute to healthier harbors and estuaries. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a functional vertical oyster garden structure, practical knowledge about oyster-based restoration, and a deeper understanding of how small-scale local action supports broader marine ecosystem conservation.
Dan Xie
Student PIRGs
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Whether you’re responding to new environmental threats like a proposed data center or cruise ship terminal, or organizing to advance policies that promote renewable energy, you need a good plan. This training will equip participants with practical tools to respond to environmental threats and proactively advocate for solutions. You’ll learn how to map and understand decision-makers, recruit and turn out supporters for impactful events, and strategically leverage your community’s collective voice to protect our natural heritage and win meaningful change.
Rory Caskey
The University of Tampa
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Learn about how the Everglades are critical to freshwater and ocean health in Florida, the famous invaders that call this ecosystem home, and how we are working to understand why some of these invaders are so successful.
Jenna Byrne
Water Warrior Alliance
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Water shapes our cities, our coastlines, and our future. But when we ignore how pollution moves through our communities, it has the power to erase everything in its path.
In this dynamic and data-backed session, environmental founder Jenna Byrne reveals how pollution actually travels—from storm drains to waterways to the ocean—and how one grassroots idea grew into a measurable movement preventing tens of thousands of pounds of trash from entering local waters.
This is not just a talk about trash.
It’s a blueprint for change.
Students, educators, and community members will learn:
• Where marine debris really begins
• How policy and youth leadership create measurable impact
• Why small system changes produce massive environmental results
• How to build something powerful in their own community
If you care about clean water, this session will challenge you to move from awareness to action
Shanice Piango-Brown
Eckerd College
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As seaweed ecosystems face threats from climate change along with the rapidly growing seaweed aquaculture industry, germplasm conservation emerges as a key strategy for preserving biodiversity and supporting aquaculture. Germplasm conservation is instrumental in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services, and improving the aquaculture of highly economical seaweed species like Macrocystis pyrifera. My investigation delves into the challenges of declining gametophyte fertility over time, investigating gene expression differences between sexes and what genes play major roles in successful reproduction, examining the role of microbiome interactions and antibiotics in germplasm health, and assesses strategies to enhance the longevity and viability of stored seaweed germplasm. I plan to apply these skills to the aquaculture cultivation of two Florida native genus' Gracilaria and Ulva. Cultivation will also help to explore research on bioremediation and applied uses of algae in things like biofuels and bioplastics.
Devon Francke
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
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Sea Turtle Nesting Conservation: Join us to learn all about the sea turtles that live right here in Pinellas County, Florida! You'll learn about their life cycles, how they nest, the dangers they face, and what YOU can do to help protect them!
Monica Wilson
University of Florida
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Operation TRAP (Trash Reduction for Aquatic Preserve) uses interceptor devices to capture litter at its source. For the past 2.5 years we have been conducting monthly cleanouts and collecting data on the types and amounts of trash we are capturing. I will share information about the project, present our results thus far, and inform the audience on how they can get involved.
Kelly McAdams
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
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This presentation will provide a brief description of manatee biology and their habitat, with a deeper focus on current anthropogenic threats and mitigation strategies.
Eniko Olah
Sans Market
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We all know that plastic isn't great for the environment, but we are learning more and more about the havoc it is wreaking in our homes and our bodies. Come and learn about easy action steps you can take to start to live with less plastic. From simple tips and tricks to local resources and more, come find out how to live a healthier, plastic-free life!
Manny Rin
Student PIRGs
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The documentary tells the story of the North Atlantic right whales – one of the most critically endangered whale species on Earth. Climate change, boat strikes, and fishing gear entanglements threaten their existence. In the film you will see how activists race against the clock to save the North Atlantic right whales before they go extinct.
Panelists:
Abiel Lubin
Student PIRGs
Plastic Pollution and Waste Reduction Panel
John Humphreys
SCUBAnauts International
Youth Leadership and Environmental Action Panel
Lindsay Cross
Florida House of Representative
Plastic Pollution and Waste Reduction Panel
Devon Francke
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Plastic Pollution and Waste Reduction Panel
Kelly McAdams
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Marine Conservation & Ocean Health Panel
Harmony Dawson
Shellphone Podcast Host
Youth Leadership and Environmental Action Panel
Karen Smith
Restore America's Estuaries
Plastic Pollution and Waste Reduction Panel
John Parkinson
University of South Florida
Marine Conservation & Ocean Health Panel
Eniko Olah
Sans Market
Plastic Pollustion and Waste Reduction Panel
Kathryn Manoulian
University of Tampa
Youth Leadership and Environmental Action Panel
Max Fondren
Florida International University
Youth Leadership and Environmental Action Panel
Justus Davis
Restore America's Estuaries
Marine Conservation & Ocean Health Panel
Danielle Lindsay
American Conservation Coalition - FL
Marine Conservation & Ocean Health Panel
Veronica Morejon
Ocean HQ
Marine Conservation & Ocean Health Panel
Katalina Swartz
Earth Echo
Youth Leadership and Environmental Action Panel
