All are welcome to join the DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program’s free virtual Women in Science winter speaker series. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and learn from scientists, community leaders, and environmental educators who work at the intersection of research, education, and environmental and social justice. Guests will also have a chance to engage in discussions about data literacy, sea level rise and sediment accumulation, wetland restoration, oysters, and field-based research.

Interested parties can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions: January 19, January 26, February 2, or February 9. All sessions run from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

To register for the winter speaker series, click here. 

Details about each session can be found below.

 January 19, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Featuring Michelle Velho, Samantha Gordon & Dr. Grace Sanvictores

Women in STEAM: Let’s Talk Data!

Learn how this STEAM team integrates data literacy into their classrooms, using a Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor field experience as a model. They will share how “talking data” creates environmentally literate critical thinkers.

January 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Featuring Ashley Alred & Maija Niemisto

Inclusive Summer Research with Young Scientists:

The Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientists (MH-YES) Program and The Institute Discovering Environmental Scientists (TIDES) are designed for inclusion of historically underrepresented communities in the field of environmental sciences, including women, people of color, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and neuro-diverse individuals. Students in these programs are paid to conduct valuable research together while also building a strong foundation of friendship.

February 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Featuring Clara Chang

Understanding the Past, Present, and Future of Hudson River Tidal Wetlands: Piermont Case Study

Coastal wetlands are being lost at increasing rates due to sea-level rise and saltwater inundation. It is essential to understand fundamental processes of mineral sediment accumulation to inform
restoration and preservation.

February 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Featuring Tatiana Castro

Oyster Restoration in New York Harbor:

Oyster reefs provide habitat for countless species, slow down shoreline erosion, and even help us clean up our waters! Learn how field science, restoration and education can further our coastal communities toward a more sustainable future.

To get on the NYS DEC’s mailing list, please contact Rebecca Houser at hrteach@dec.ny.gov.

Photo at top provided by Rebecca Houser, Education and Outreach Specialist, Hudson River Estuary Program and NEIWPCC.