2025–2027 Governing Board Election Slate

President-Elect

Ben Walther
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi 

Biography

I am a Professor of Marine Biology in the Department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. I have been a member of CERF since 2009, and I currently serve as a Member at Large on the CERF Governing Board.  In that role, I have been actively engaged with several CERF priorities, including serving as a member of the Publications & Communications Committee, the Search Committee for Estuaries & Coasts Editors-in-Chief, and the Equity in Awards Task Force. I served as a Member at Large for the Gulf Estuarine Research Society (GERS) from 2021–2023. I have also been actively engaged with organizing the biennial meetings of CERF.  I served as a co-chair of the Workshops Committee for the 2019 Biennial Conference in Mobile, Alabama, and I was a co-chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the 2021 Biennial Conference that was conducted virtually. In my academic life, my research focuses on quantifying the movements and ecological interactions of mobile fishes and other organisms in coastal habitats, with an emphasis on using geochemical techniques to reconstruct individual and population responses to environmental stressors such as hypoxia. I am a proud mentor of graduate and undergraduate students and am thrilled to help train and promote their development as independent scientists. I received a BA in Liberal Arts and a BS in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by a PhD in Biological Oceanography from the MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program. I then completed two postdoctoral fellowships in Australia at the University of Adelaide and Australian National University before returning to the United States to begin my faculty positions in 2009.

Vision

There has never been a more crucial time for the federation to passionately advocate for our community.  We conduct vital research that expands our fundamental understanding of the function and value of healthy ecosystems.  Our work is essential for effective policy and management that seeks to conserve or restore resources that support coastal communities.  Our federation is made up of a diverse and vibrant array of students, professionals, scientists, academics, managers, policymakers, community members, and beyond who collectively give voice to the incredible work we all do to understand and protect coastal and estuarine systems. CERF supports this work through its numerous activities that give tremendous value to our scientific community and public audiences. 

I am fully committed to CERF’s Vision V Strategic Plan and the framework for change outlined by the Harris et al. paper “A Socio-ecological Imperative for Broadening Participation in Coastal and Estuarine Research and Management” (2022, Estuaries and Coasts 45:38-48).  Programs such as Rising TIDES have helped diversify our membership through inclusionary practices.  Financially supporting these programs will be challenging in the coming years, and we must find creatively impactful ways to continue broadening our membership and impact.  Our flagship journal, Estuaries and Coasts, is essential for the financial health of the society.  I will prioritize finding ways for the journal to continue publishing scientifically rigorous and cutting-edge research while modernizing its efficiency and sustainability in the rapidly changing landscape of scientific publishing.  Finally, a strength of CERF has always been its welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students and early career members.  I have seen how important CERF is for my own students as they embark on their own careers.  I will work hard to continue making CERF a home for future generations of our strong and vibrant community.

Christine Whitcraft
California State University, Long Beach

Biography

Christine Whitcraft’s research focuses on how human activities impact estuarine and coastal ecosystems and how to design solutions to large-scale challenges facing these ecosystems. Specifically, she investigates restoration strategies, impacts of invasive plants, habitat use by fish and birds, monitoring program design, and climate resilience.  Her publication record includes collaborative manuscripts on inclusive funding programs, hydrology, restoration, oysters, sediment augmentation, and vegetation.

Christine attended Williams College (Massachusetts) to earn a BA in Biology, worked several years on the US east coast, and then headed west for graduate school. After finishing her PhD at the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2007, she completed a CALFED Science post-doctoral position. In 2008, she became an assistant professor at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and is currently a full professor (2019). At CSULB, Christine has served as the Director of Environmental Science and Policy for six years and as the Chair of the Presidential Commission on Sustainability.

Christine has participated actively in CERF since attending her first (C)ERF Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2007. In addition to attending CERF Conferences and co-chairing scientific sessions, she served as Membership Coordinator (2011–2013) and President (2015–2017) of the California Estuarine Research Society (CAERS). She co-organized the CAERS annual meeting at CSULB (2012) and with Restore America’s Estuaries (2018). She served on the CERF Governing Board as CAERS President (2015-2017) and as a member-at-large (2017-2021). She was Co-Chair of the Scientific Program Committee of the Biennial Conference in 2023.

Outside of CERF, she is the proud mother of one son and enjoys volleyball, skiing, traveling, and generally being outside. She is excited to be a greater part of the leadership team of CERF and give back to the CERF community that has welcomed her professionally and personally for many years.  

Vision

We are at a critical juncture where the integrity of scientific research is increasingly under threat. More than ever, it is essential that we stand united in advocating for science-based policies and decisions. From a CERF perspective, I think this science-based approach is even more important for effective coastal and estuarine management for these already threatened ecosystems.

• Strengthen Advocacy Efforts: I am excited to pair with the CERF leadership, CERF experts and members, and fellow professional societies to amplify our voices in policy realms, ensuring that estuarine science is represented and respected in legislative processes. This type of effort is best done with existing collaborations but also by building new partnerships from all sectors.
• Elevate Efforts of Members and Affiliates: By leveraging and enhancing existing initiatives and structures, such as webinars, communities of practice, and the biennial conferences, CERF can serve as a powerful platform to elevate the work of our members. I hope to foster a community that is not only dedicated to advancing science but also to educating and engaging the public in meaningful ways.
• Support and Enhance Inclusive Culture: I have been very excited and proud to have been a part of the community at CERF that is striving to implement programs that promote inclusive participation and increase organizational diversity. From the Inclusive Culture Council through the Rising TIDES program, CERF has committed to fostering an inclusive community. I intend to prioritize and enhance these efforts to ensure that young coastal and estuarine scientists worldwide can succeed and contribute positively to coastal and estuarine research and policy.

All these efforts will be undertaken with the goal of helping everyone find the type of expertise, friendship, and connection to other coastal and estuarine scientists and practitioners that I was lucky enough to find in CERF. 

Secretary

Alex Bijak
Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Biography

I am a coastal ecologist, and my work has focused on ecological monitoring and the impacts of biodiversity on ecosystem functions and services. I am motivated to conduct science that is rooted in ecological theory but also geared toward developing solutions to coastal problems, which is why I’ve found a home within the CERF community. I have done much of my work on seagrasses on the Gulf coast, where I’ve studied the effects of genetic and species diversity on meadow carbon cycling. I have also worked on coastal water quality monitoring with the US Environmental Protection Agency, where I contributed to assessments of the distribution, concentration, and potential ecological toxicity of legacy contaminants in sediments.

The integration of research, monitoring, and policy is a strong theme in the work of CERF members and shapes how I do my science. I’ve used state and federal datasets to answer fundamental research questions about ecosystem health and stability, and I have designed research projects with the intent to inform policy. For example, my dissertation research closed some knowledge gaps on seagrass carbon cycling that inhibit the full implementation of blue carbon credit markets. I am also inspired by CERF scientists and practitioners leading the way in working with local communities to advance both ecological and human outcomes, which is something I continue to learn from and hope to eventually incorporate within my own work. I joined CERF in 2013 and have attended every conference since to find inspiration from impactful coastal science, initiate new collaborations, and connect with colleagues.

Vision

I value the space CERF provides where members spanning research, management, and policy sectors can exchange ideas and best practices. At different stages in my career, whether in academia or government, I have always felt buoyed by CERF and its professional community. I am running as CERF Secretary to welcome others into this community by working to increase the sense of belonging for existing and prospective members. I am proud of CERF’s unwavering commitment to enrich our community by supporting folks who are underrepresented in coastal science and striving to make conferences safer and more inclusive for all. As CERF Secretary, I will continue to support members through conference events. I have organized past student events as the CERF representative on the Student Activities Committee for the Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting in 2022 and am currently serving on the Inclusive Culture Committee for this year’s CERF conference.

In the position of secretary, I will work with CERF staff and board members to identify ways to make our impact on coastal communities more visible to policymakers. Communicating the value of the work we do as coastal scientists and practitioners is especially important in this moment of uncertainty in federal funding and science. I think there are opportunities to expand science communication training for members and to provide more opportunities to engage with policymakers. For example, CERF in partnership with the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies is hosting a program that aims to develop a cohort of skilled science communicators through intensive training in communication and policy. CERF has also recently co-hosted a virtual rally connecting coastal practitioners with US Senators and leaders of federal agencies. I am eager to leverage existing partnerships with other organizations to continue to demonstrate our value to the public and politicians through these types of efforts. 

Shelley Katsuki
Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Biography

I am the Research Coordinator for the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center (ABC) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). My work focuses on selective breeding and genetic research to improve commercially important traits of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Since stepping into this role in 2014, I have taken great pride in enhancing our hatchery’s output, strengthening collaborative projects with other agencies, and improving operational efficiency. Our work at ABC has been instrumental in refining breeding techniques, particularly in tetraploid oyster production, which supports the broader aquaculture industry.

Beyond maintaining and improving hatchery operations, I am passionate about finding new ways to enhance efficiency and productivity. I actively collaborate with other researchers and members of the commercial shellfish industry to address emerging challenges, such as disease resistance, climate resilience, and sustainable aquaculture practices. My goal is to ensure that our research not only advances scientific understanding but also provides tangible benefits to the industry and coastal communities that depend on it.

Prior to working with oysters, I spent several years studying diseases affecting other commercially important shellfish and finfish at VIMS. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on aquaculture health and sustainability, which continues to inform my work today.

Vision

I am honored to be considered for the position of Secretary for the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF). I have been actively engaged in CERF and its affiliate societies for many years, most notably through my leadership in the Atlantic Estuarine Research Society (AERS), where I served as President (2022-2024) and represented AERS on the CERF Governing Board.

My long-standing involvement with AERS and CERF has deepened my appreciation for collaboration and communication within our scientific community. I began my service to AERS as Student Representative in 2007, later became Membership Chair, and served as Secretary (2017-2019). These experiences reinforced my commitment to fostering engagement, maintaining strong organizational records, and ensuring effective communication—critical responsibilities of the CERF Secretary. I also helped with CERF’s biennial conferences as Co-Chair of the Ambassadors program in 2021 and 2023.

I am passionate about supporting CERF’s mission and strengthening connections across our diverse community. As Secretary, I would ensure smooth and transparent operations, facilitate communication between the board and membership, and maintain accurate records to support CERF’s long-term goals. Additionally, I am eager to increase engagement, foster networking, and ensure that students and early-career researchers feel welcomed and supported.

CERF has been instrumental in my own professional growth, and I would be honored to contribute my experience, dedication, and enthusiasm as Secretary.

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Member at Large

Beth Darrow
Bald Head Island Conservancy

Biography

CERF has always been a welcoming and inspiring organization to me, ever since my first ERF 2003 conference in Seattle as a graduate student at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). A few of us first-year VIMS students were sent by our dean, Iris Anderson, to present a class project, “The Fate of the Spring Bloom in the York River.” We got to travel cross country, meet many of our science heroes, learn to network, and take in a huge array of coastal and estuarine science. I was hooked on (C)ERF! I completed my MS at VIMS and worked as a technician there and in Bermuda for a few years. Bermuda doesn’t have many estuaries - and I missed them. When I began my PhD at Dauphin Island Sea Lab in 2010, I became involved with the Gulf Estuarine Research Society (GERS) and CERF again. Since 2014 I have worked in North Carolina, first as a researcher and lecturer at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and now as lead scientist at Bald Head Island Conservancy, a small conservation nonprofit. I have continued to be involved in CERF, working on the Outreach & Education Committee, helping lead an education conference session, attending a conference “abstract sorting party”, serving as a reviewer for Estuaries and Coasts, and leading a few Silent Auctions at conferences. My research portfolio is much more applied and broad now, moving from a focus on estuarine nitrogen sources and shellfish ecology to barrier island sustainability and wildlife conservation. I have supervised dozens of interns and techs and very much enjoy mentoring early career scientists. CERF meetings always feel like a family reunion… and I would like to spend more time with this family!

Vision

I would like to give back to the organization that has been my intellectual home throughout my career. In these challenging political times, nonprofits and private organizations such as CERF will be uniquely positioned to provide opportunities for diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice (DEIJ) when these programs are being slashed throughout funding agencies and universities. We can help where others cannot. CERF has been a leader in DEIJ initiatives for years, and I would be honored to continue supporting this legacy. As a scientist at a nonprofit conservation organization and a founding board member of a STEM education nonprofit, I bring the perspective of a science practitioner, community liaison, and ready mentor for students pursuing non-academic career paths. I would like to help identify opportunities for non-student early career scientists to attend meetings and become members and leaders of CERF or its affiliate societies to encourage continued career growth. More and more young coastal science professionals have seasonal or temporary jobs and are not current students but have not yet had the opportunity to attend a scientific conference. Maybe the timing was not right for them to present at CERF while they were students. Can we find travel funds and/or awards to encourage participation by these individuals? A few colleagues and I are hosting a “Coastal and Estuarine Wildlife” session at CERF 2025 and hope to encourage more overlap between the “megafauna” and “habitat” folks. I appreciate that the breadth and depth of CERF membership has supported my scientific interests throughout my career. Overall, I would love to give my time and perspective and am ready to listen and learn from experienced Board leaders and the general CERF membership.

Kim de Mutsert
University of Southern Mississippi

Biography

I am an Associate Professor in the Division of Coastal Sciences of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. Born and raised in the Netherlands, I moved to the US to pursue a PhD in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University (LSU) after graduating with an MS in Biology from the University of Amsterdam in 2003. I attended my first CERF meeting as a PhD student in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2005, and have been an avid CERF-er since. After I finished my PhD and a post-doc at LSU, I started as an Assistant Professor at George Mason University in Virginia in 2011. I became active in the affiliate society Atlantic Estuarine Research Society (AERS) as a Member at Large from 2018-2021, and I hosted an AERS meeting in 2019 as the Associate Director of the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center. I am active in CERF as well, serving as the Workshops Chair on the Scientific Program Committee of the 2021 and 2023 CERF meetings, as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Award Sub-Committee in 2023, the Chair of the Equity in Awards Task Force in 2024, and the Chair of the CERF Achievement Awards right now. My research focus is fisheries ecology and ecosystem modeling in coastal and estuarine systems. I have always been fascinated with how organisms can thrive in these dynamic environments and how changing environmental factors affect fish and shellfish in areas where salt and freshwater mix. To have a welcoming professional society focused on these ecosystems is such a gift. I regularly moderate sessions at CERF meetings, which I will be doing again for the CERF 2025 Biennial Conference. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Vision

I am an advocate for equal opportunity and a believer that work is to be done to make that a reality. At my own institution I am the Chair of the Coastal Sciences Graduate Fellowship in Support of Diversity and the Chair of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I’ve realized that sometimes small changes can have big impacts, and that paying attention to what is needed to provide equitable solutions is important. This could mean providing between-campus transportation, increased access to healthcare, creating a stronger support system, or providing a sense of belonging by organizing social events. I try to apply this mindset in my work and my service, and I am constantly learning. As the Chair of the CERF Equity in Awards Task Force, I presented new Standard Operating Procedures to the CERF Governing Board, meant to ensure greater fairness, transparency, and accessibility to recognition with CERF Achievement Awards for all CERF members. The suggested changes are a work in progress, and I believe I can be of greatest help implementing them in the position of Member at Large on the CERF Governing Board. I envision these changes to be implemented incrementally from 2025-2029. I furthermore would like to work on increasing awareness of our Federation and a sense of belonging with students and professionals from more institutions and disciplines. As an ecological modeler, I often find myself looking for collaborators that can model other parts of the system such as hydrology, climate, sediment transport, biogeochemistry, or land use changes. Conferences are a great place to meet interdisciplinary collaborators. My goal is to increase the CERF membership in disciplines such as physical oceanography, geology, and coastal engineering so that we can grow into a large federation where interdisciplinary collaborations can thrive. 

Ashley Martin (Peiffer)
FishWise

Biography

Growing up in landlocked Wyoming, I visited the aquarium, dreaming of the ocean. This inspired me to study marine science at the University of Tampa, studying sea slugs and discovering the wonder of scuba diving. It wasn’t until joining the Peace Corps that I fully understood the power of people in shaping science.

In Tanzania, I taught secondary biology and physics all while learning Swahili and three dialects. I built deep relationships with the students, teachers, and community. These relationships revealed that many girls missed school because they lacked access to menstrual products. Working with teachers, we developed grant proposals, secured reusable menstrual products, and led health workshops. These projects weren’t successful because of funding, but because they were grounded in trust and ownership of the outcomes. This transformed my understanding of projects that serve community needs, and how successful they can be when communities lead the way.

With this lesson in hand, I earned a master’s in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University, investigating COVID-19 impacts on non-profits’ community engagement in East Africa. Afterward, as an Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) fellow, I built community relationships and co-developed projects across their 11 regional associations. Through IOOS, I convened a session at the CERF 2023 Conference where I immediately connected with CERF’s commitment to center communities in coastal and estuarine science. Today, I manage projects at FishWise, a nonprofit and consultancy focused on human and labor rights in sustainable seafood supply chains. My experiences guide my work elevating the most impacted voices, building lasting relationships, and co-creating solutions that reflect lived experience.

CERF’s mission to connect science and people deeply resonates with me, and I’m excited to bring a strong foundation in equitable community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experience connecting science and social impact to the CERF community.

Vision

CERF is a leader in bridging science, policy, and communities, ensuring that estuarine and coastal research is not only impactful but also inclusive and community-driven. I am excited for the opportunity to serve on the Board, bringing my experience in trust-based community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic partnerships to help further this mission.

Throughout my career, I have seen how equitable, community-led initiatives lead to more meaningful and lasting change. Whether working with ocean observing networks, seafood sustainability, or grassroots education projects, I have focused on centering the voices of those most impacted and ensuring that science serves community needs.

CERF is well-positioned to expand equity and inclusion in coastal and estuarine research, ensuring that all communities, particularly those historically excluded, have access to and ownership over the knowledge that shapes their environments.

A key part of this vision is fostering accessible and meaningful networking opportunities for students and early career professionals. I am passionate about creating safe, inclusive mentorship and career pathways, ensuring that emerging scientists feel supported and connected to the field. As a Board member, I would contribute my experience in coordinating national networks and aligning regional collaboration to help CERF’s Affiliate Societies learn from each other about successful models of engagement.

CERF has played an important role in connecting science and people, and I am eager to help shape a future that prioritizes equity, collaboration, and community-driven impact as a Board member.

Pedro Morais
California Department of Water Resources

Biography

My passion for the ocean and its creatures began when I was seven while spending vacations with my parents and sister on a beach in southern Portugal. Ten years later, not far from that beach, I went to the University of Algarve to study Marine Biology and Fisheries. I completed my degree in 2000 with a study on phytoplankton dynamics in a coastal saline lake, then completed my PhD in Population Ecology with a study of the ecology of the European anchovy in the Guadiana estuary. I moved to the US in 2017 and now work for the California Department of Water Resources.

I have almost 30 years of experience studying diverse organisms in nearly all types of temperate aquatic ecosystems – from the ocean to oxbow lakes and creeks. However, most of my work has focused on estuaries and coastal lagoons and all kinds of taxa, including bacterioplankton, protistoplankton, zooplankton, jellyfish, bivalves, crustaceans, fish, birds, and even cetaceans. My broad research experience has given me a solid and holistic perspective on the functioning of estuarine ecosystems.

CERF 2011 was my first CERF conference and a turning point in my career. CERF has become my scientific home, where I can share my passion for estuarine ecosystems and their creatures while learning from many outstanding colleagues. Since then, I have tried to give back to others what I have been receiving from CERF. I am an Estuaries and Coasts associate editor and Webinar Committee member; have chaired 11 conference sessions; integrated the Poster Committee for CERF 2019, 2021, and 2023; and now serve as co-chair of the CERF 2025 Scientific Program Committee.

I hope my involvement with CERF in past years, my perspective as a European scientist, and my connections with colleagues around the world can help solidify the role of CERF in North America and expand its influence to other regions of the world.

Vision

I am applying for CERF's Governing Board to help promote its mission – "advance understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide" – by building a resilient scientific society, which has been pivotal in shaping the careers of many students who have become prominent scientists and CERF leaders. If elected, I plan to lay the foundations for three resiliency plans.

The first strategic action is expanding CERF's membership outside North America to increase resilience through membership numbers, conference attendance, and diverse contributions. I propose launching the CERF Ambassador Program with local representatives in each continent and sponsoring CERF* (CERF STAR) Meetings. These meetings will be scientific events led by CERF members in their home institutions outside North America that will count on the support from CERF and CERF's community.

The second strategic action aims to retain new and existing members by adding value to membership and minimizing the decrease in membership numbers between conferences. I propose launching CERF Academy, a professional development platform where colleagues at all career stages can find the resources they need (on demand, remote, in person) to accelerate and solidify their careers.

The third strategic action aims to support Estuaries and Coasts because the journal is vital for CERF's sustainability and resilience. The journal has been seeking to increase submissions from outside North America, and although the first two strategic actions will support this goal, more can be done. I propose working with the journal's chief editors to expand the pool of editors and reviewers from other parts of the world (66% of the associate editors are based in North America) and work towards decreasing the time to first decision by bringing diligent reviewers and improving the reviewers' recognition award.

Student Member at Large

Kelley Savage
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi

Biography

I’m a coastal conservation and restoration ecologist pursuing my PhD in Coastal and Marine System Science at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. My interdisciplinary research focuses on the carbon storage potential of oyster reefs, working at the intersection of biogeochemistry, marine ecology, and environmental management. I’m particularly interested in how science can inform climate solutions and restoration strategies that benefit ecosystems and communities.

As a NOAA Margaret A. Davidson Fellow, I collaborate with the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve to co-develop a tool for prioritizing oyster reef restoration based on ecological function and carbon sequestration potential. I also engage directly with the public through HRI’s “Sink Your Shucks” oyster shell recycling program, helping to connect local stewardship with long-term sustainability and restoration goals. These experiences have strengthened my skills in partnership-building, science communication, and public engagement—core values of CERF’s vision.

This year, I’m excited to continue expanding my global perspective through the French-American Doctoral Exchange Program in Ocean Sciences, where I will visit marine labs across France and present my research at the 2025 One Ocean Science Congress. This opportunity will enhance my interdisciplinary training and provide valuable international insights that I hope to bring back to inform coastal ecosystem management in the US.

I’ve also pursued professional training in communication, facilitation, and leadership through programs like Crucial Conversations, Collaborative Science, and Facilitation for Coastal Managers. These experiences have prepared me to collaborate across disciplines, contribute thoughtfully to strategic discussions, and bring a human-centered, science-informed perspective to a governance role. I am eager to support CERF’s work with energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to community and coastal resilience.

Vision

Attending the 2023 Biennial CERF Conference as a PhD student was a turning point—I found a community that welcomed me and reflected the kind of science I strive to do: interdisciplinary, inclusive, and impactful. That experience deepened my commitment to CERF’s mission, and I would be honored to give back by serving as Student Member at Large on the Governing Board.

If elected, I will work to ensure students feel empowered, connected, and supported throughout their CERF journey—whether they’re new to the field or preparing for the next step in their careers. I’m committed to creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, peer mentoring, and skill-building that reflect the diversity of coastal and estuarine science paths. Drawing from my own experiences—from working with coastal managers to participating in international research—I hope to represent the full range of opportunities CERF can offer students and help shape programs that support both scientific and professional growth.

In this role, I will advocate for:

• More inclusive pathways into leadership and mentorship
• Accessible training in science communication and collaboration
• Continued support for student-led policy engagement and advocacy

CERF’s recent leadership in defending science integrity and promoting a safe, inclusive workforce reflects the bold, collaborative vision I hope to support. I look forward to working with the Governing Board and membership to ensure CERF remains a trusted, inclusive home for coastal and estuarine scientists—and a launching point for the next generation of leaders.

Brooke Torjman
Texas A&M University, Galveston

Biography

I am currently working towards my PhD in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at Texas A&M University at Galveston in the Marine Biology Department. My research focuses on facilitative interactions between infauna and plants within salt marshes in Galveston Bay, Texas. I aim to understand how these two group’s shared facilitations benefit one another and influence salt marsh function and productivity. I am very interested in questions that ask how different groups of organisms interact and how biotic and abiotic alterations impact those interactions.

I am currently on the CERF Navigators subcommittee for CERF 2025, helping curate an inclusive space for this year’s conference while also advocating for those new to the federation that may need guidance, support, or a friendly face to turn to at such a large event. I have always been passionate about advocating for graduate student needs and using my leadership qualities to aid fellow students when navigating graduate school. As a graduate ambassador for the research and graduate studies office at my university, I have learned how to advocate for student needs and am ready to continue to do so as a Student Member at Large on the 2025–2027 CERF Governing Board.

Vision

My first CERF conference was in 2023. Never before had I attended a conference where almost all of the research being shared peaked my interest. Alongside the science, CERF presented such a welcoming atmosphere for students and minority groups alike, where students do not feel like an afterthought. Attending the LGBTQIA+ affinity lunch introduced me to other young scientists, along with senior researchers that provided mentorship and proof those of us in the community could thrive within this field. Finding that link encouraged me to use my experiences within the CERF community to provide a voice for other students looking for connection.

Speaking from personal experience, current students want to feel secure in this field, and that they are worthy of a place within it. These feelings are transgenerational, but currently they are heightened with the uncertainty we all feel regarding future employment and funding. As Student Member at Large, my goal would be to create a space within CERF to allow students to express their concerns, provide compassion, and offer resources to best prepare current students to transition to early career scientists. Providing seminars year-round that promote professional development as our profession actively changes is vital for student success as they transition from student to early career scientist. As the Student Member at Large, I would also be a representative of the student population within CERF. Actively listening to student concerns and advocating for them to the CERF board would allow student needs to be heard and met. This is something I currently do as a graduate ambassador at my university and can transfer this skillset to the federation. Providing students with resources and advocating for them are skills I pride myself on and would be honored to do so as the CERF 2025–2027 Student Member at Large.