Louisiana SciComm Summit

Speakers

Plenary: Dr. Kendall Moore

Dr. Kendall Moore is a professor of journalism and film at the University of Rhode Island. She is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who focuses on science, environmental justice, and health issues, at the intersection of race and racism.

Grant Writing

Dr. Kyle Piller – Dr. Kyle Piller is currently the Director of the Lake Maurepas Monitoring Program, Shafer Endowed Professor, and Curator of Vertebrates in the Department of Biological Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University. He has been a faculty member and Curator of Vertebrates at Southeastern Louisiana University since 2003 and has served as Director of the Lake Maurepas monitoring project since 2022. His research focuses on the biodiversity of fishes, where he incorporates both traditional and modern genetic approaches to address questions in taxonomy, systematics, population genetics, and environmental DNA monitoring. For more information please visit: www.kylepiller.com.

Colleen Fava – Colleen H. Fava is Director of Louisiana NASA Space Grant and EPSCoR (LaSPACE) programs based at LSU, but serving the entire state within a nationwide network. Colleen’s degrees and experience are primarily in writing/communications. She has taught composition, creative writing, and literature at LSU, served as editor of two magazines, worked in business development and professional proposal writing, and has created a discipline-driven communications curriculum with university faculty in STEM.

Kelly Robertson is currently the Director of the Office of Research Advancement (ORA) within the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)/Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) at Louisiana State University (LSU). ORA provides strategic planning and support of LSU’s research initiatives and teams by facilitating and managing the timely preparation, development, and submission of selected high-impact and high-dollar and other high-priority, strategic research proposals. She has been in this office for over eight years. Prior to this role, she was Business Manager for eight years with LA Sea Grant, which is a state/federal partnership (with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]) at LSU. Ms. Robertson began her career in research administration at LSU in August of 2003 when she became a grant/contract specialist with the Office of Sponsored Programs. She holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Counselor Education from LSU.

Dr. Phoebe Zito – Dr. Zito is a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine Early Career Gulf Research Fellow for her contributions to oil spill research. In 2021, she was bestowed the University of Louisiana System Foundation & Michael and Judith Russell Professorship in Environmental Chemistry for her dedication to teaching and research. In 2024, she received an NSF Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award. Her professional career at UNO began in 2017 as a research professor in chemistry and then as a tenure-track faculty member in 2019 after a postdoctoral position at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Zito earned her PhD at UNO in 2014 in Analytical Chemistry and her B.S. in Chemistry at the University of South Florida in 2007. She spent four years working for an FDA-regulated pharmaceutical laboratory prior to earning a PhD, where she was working as an Associate Chemist. Her research is centered around the implications of nanomaterials (metals, plastics, and engineered) in the environment and their interaction, reactivity, and fate in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Moderator: Trinity Johnson – Trinity Johnson is a second-year doctoral candidate pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at Louisiana State University. Her dissertation aims to improve community preparedness and resilience by investigating risk perception, risk communication strategies, and interventions in preparation for natural hazards and extreme weather events.

Moderator: Gretchen Hilt – Gretchen is a second year Master’s student and Herpetologist at Southeastern Louisiana University working to use genetic techniques to answer ecological questions in a conservation lens with amphibians. She is currently investigating the validity of environmental DNA (eDNA) assays in detecting The Georgia Blind Cave Salamander (Eurycea wallacei) in understudied karst environments, as well as investigating the ecological framework of these aquatic cave systems.

SciArt/Illustration

Dr. Paige Jarreau – My name is Paige Brown Jarreau and I’m based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’ve been pursuing science communication full-time since 2011, when I moved across the country to enroll in a mass communication Ph.D. program. I completed my Ph.D. at the LSU Manship School in 2015, focusing in science communication (SciComm). My research has focused on the intersection of science communication and new media. I am the owner of From the Lab Bench, LLC and work as an adjunct professor in the LSU School of Mass Communications.

Maggie Keller – Maggie is a second year Master’s student at SELU where she specializes in community ecology, specifically salamander food webs. She works at the university’s environmental research station, Turtle Cove, which involves lots of outreach and wetland conservation education. She is also an independent artist who uses biological illustration as a means to communicate research.

Dr. Vanessa van Heerden – Vanessa is the Engagement Specialist and Director of the EnvironMentors program at Louisiana Sea Grant. Her research focus is geospatial socio-ecology, analyzing the factors that influence one’s place identity and connection with nature. She earned her PhD in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences from Louisiana State University, where she evaluated the ecosystem services framework (putting nature’s services into dollar values) as an effective communication tool for residents of coastal Louisiana. At Louisiana Sea Grant, she facilitates graduate student professional development, fostering science communication, and cultivating mentoring opportunities. She also leads place-based K-12 educational initiatives across Louisiana, working to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and deepen their understanding of the intricate relationship between people and their natural environments.

Working with Policymakers

Christian Bergeron – Christian is from Houma, La where he currently resides and works as Congressman Garret Graves’ District Representative and Grants Director. He is married to Taylor Bergeron. Together, they have 1 daughter, Elleanor Claire Bergeron, and their second baby is due any day now. His hobbies include anything outdoors related and physical fitness. Additionally, he and his wife have their own 501(c)3 non-profit donation dedicated to building memorial sites in honor of child organ donors across all 64 parishes in Louisiana.

Representative Jerome “Zee” Zeringue –

Michelle Felterman – Michelle Felterman is a Senior Scientist at the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marine and Environmental Biology from Nicholls State University and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School. She was a Sea Grant Knauss Fellow in 2018 with the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Environment). Prior to joining CPRA, she was a National Environmental Policy Act Project Manager with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Region Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida.

Melissa Daigle – Melissa Daigle is a research attorney for the Louisiana Sea Grant Law & Policy Program. She conducts research and outreach activities with local coastal communities on resiliency, hazard mitigation, sea level rise, flood insurance, and climate change. She is a member of several state commissions, including the Louisiana Water Resources Commission and the Louisiana Crab Task Force.

Niki Pace –

Pitching a Story to the Media

Dr. Steve Caparotta – Steve Caparotta is the Chief Meteorologist at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, with 25 years of broadcasting experience, including 21 years at WAFB. He holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of South Alabama, and both a master’s and PhD in Geography from LSU, specializing in weather and climate. A Metairie native, Steve also teaches meteorology courses at LSU and is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist, providing expert analysis in legal weather-related matters.”

James Dingley – James Dingley is a PhD candidate in Space Systems Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and creator of the popular science & engineering YouTube channel Atomic Frontier. James travels the world talking to researchers about their work and sharing it in short educational videos. He is a Fulbright scholar and winner of the National Academies’ 2023 award for excellence in science communication.

Halle Parker – Halle Parker reports on the environment for WWNO’s Coastal Desk. Before coming to New Orleans Public Radio, she covered Louisiana’s environment for the Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate and down the bayou for the Houma Courier. She also worked for the National Audubon Society. Some of her past reporting has centered on environmental justice issues and the state’s coastal land loss crisis. Halle is from a small town in Virginia, and loves playing soccer, painting with watercolors and starting the morning with a hot cup of tea.

Dr. John Sabo – John Sabo is the Executive Director of the Tulane ByWater Institute for Climate Adaptation and a Professor in the Department of River and Coastal Science and Engineering. Sabo’s research focuses on science-based strategy for the design and implementation of natural infrastructure to improve climate adaptation of large river basins. Sabo has research experience in the US, Asia and Latin America. In the realm of SciComms, Sabo has a column in Forbes on climate adaptation and water, the podcast Audacious Water and is an active contributor to media outlets through op-eds, opinion pieces and interviews with television and radio news. Sabo believes that effective communication of science is the key to translation and implementation of solutions-oriented scholarship.

Moderator: Godservice Eziefule – Godservice Eziefule is a third-year Ph.D. student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University. His research explores the intriguing world of tropical cyprinids, particularly the Labeobarbus genus. Utilizing a range of techniques, Godservice aims to provide clarity on their taxonomy, thereby enriching our understanding of Africa’s rich biodiversity. Ultimately, his work seeks to foster conservation efforts both within Africa and globally.

Fellowship Applications

Anastasia Konefal – Anastasia Konefal is a Gulf Research Program Science Policy Fellow and is spending her fellowship year at the NOAA RESTORE Science Program. She recently completed her PhD in Integrative Biology at the University of New Orleans and received her BA in Environmental Science and Policy from Smith College in Northampton, MA. She has held other positions at the National Park Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and an environmental education non-profit, Nature’s Classroom

Charles Wallance –

Dani DiIullo –

Niki Pace –

Community Engagement & Co-Production

Dr. Margaret Reams – Dr. Margaret Reams is the Joseph D. Martinez Professor of Environmental Sciences, and Associate Director for Community Engagement of the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation. She also serves as the leader of the Community Engagement Core and as a Co-Principal Investigator of the NIEHS-funded Superfund Research Center at Louisiana State University. She studies a variety of policy issues related to environmental planning and policy, including community perception and response to environmental and ecological phenomena in Louisiana. With support from NIEHS, NSF, USDA, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), she co-developed an empirical social-ecological resilience index to better predict the ability of communities to survive various environmental disturbances. She received the LSU Foundation Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award for superior graduate-level teaching and mentoring, having supervised over ninety MS theses on various issues of environmental policy and public attitudes.

Andrew Whitehurst – Andrew works to develop and implement healthy waters campaigns in Mississippi, advancing Healthy Gulf’s public policy positions through administrative comment writing, public education, and mobilization. His experience includes work in coastal fisheries research, law, and conservation outreach. His B.A. and J.D. degrees were both earned at LSU. Sea Grant was an important foundation for his work in natural resources. Sea Grant funded his M.S. degree research in aquaculture at Mississippi State University, provided his Research Associate position with the LSU Coastal Fisheries Institute, and later made possible a law clerk position at the Louisiana Sea Grant Legal Program.

Dr. Shalene Collins – Dr. Shalean Collins is an applied nutritionist and dietitian who uses mixed methods to evaluate the consequences of resource insecurity for vulnerable populations. Her research integrates training in clinical nutrition and public health and uses a biocultural approach to study the interactions between social, behavioral, physiological, and environmental determinants of health. She has been working in food security, water security, and nutrition research for over a decade and has shaped the evidence on water insecurity in the first 1,000 days (i.e., pregnancy to two years postpartum), HIV and infant growth, and the consequences of food insecurity for the maternal-child dyad. She was instrumental in developing the first water insecurity scale (WISE) and has experience working in over 30 countries. Shalean has been a consultant for TANGO International, The Louisiana Hospital Association, World Vision, Mercy Corps, and Innovations for Poverty Action. She received her BS/RD from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and PhD and MPH from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Science Storytelling

Dani DiIullo –

Dr. Kendall Moore – Kendall Moore, PhD, is a professor of journalism and film at the University of Rhode Island. She is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who focuses on science, environmental justice, and health issues, at the intersection of race and racism.

Plenary: Ginger Gutner

Ginger Guttner, APR, is communications manager for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), where she is responsible for publications, media relations, marketing, and website and social media management. Ginger is also the spokesperson for LSU’s live tiger mascots, Mike VI (deceased) and Mike VII. In 2016, she was one of 13 TEDxLSU speakers and discussed what it’s like speaking on behalf of an apex predator.

Discussing Controversial Topics

Dr. Deborah Goldgaber – Deborah Goldgaber is Associate Professor in Philosophy at LSU with a joint appointment in Women’s and Gender Studies and Director, since 2019, of the LSU Ethics Institute. At the Institute, she has piloted initiatives on Data Ethics, Ethical AI, the ethics of memorialization and Critical Carceral Studies among others. As the recipient of grants from the NSF and the Louisiana Board of Regents, through the Embedding Ethics in STEM @ LSU project, she has worked with LSU faculty to expand moral literacy across STEM fields through innovative partnerships with the humanities.

Dr. Earl Melancon – Earl Melancon is a Distinguished Service Professor of Biological Sciences at Nicholls State and also works with Louisiana Sea Grant as a Sea Grant Scholar. He studies estuarine ecology especially commercial shellfish, oysters, blue-crabs, shrimp and crawfish.

Kristi Trail – Kristi Trail is the Executive Director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC), a Louisiana nonprofit that was established in 1989 in response to environmental concerns voiced throughout the Basin. As the public’s independent voice, PC is dedicated to restoring and preserving the Basin. As the public’s independent voice, PC is dedicated to restoring and preserving the water quality, coast, and habitats of the entire Pontchartrain Basin for this and future generations.

Brad Robin – Brad Robin is a lifelong resident of Hopedale, LA in Breton Sound and oyster farmer. Part of a family dynasty that has been in the area for over 100 years, oyster farming is a way of life as is a love of Louisiana’s coast.

Creating Effective Presentations

Hannah Craft – Hannah is a second year Ph.D. student and marine ecologist at LSU working to understand the connection between climate change and larval dispersal in the Gulf of Mexico. With an interest in fisheries, research, and science communication, Hannah is also working to understand and communicate harvester outlooks on the changing marine environment and their resources.

Sarah Brannum – Sarah is a second year student at LSU pursuing a Ph. D. in oceanography and coastal science studying coastal resiliency in Louisiana. She is exploring the impact of vegetation on sedimentation and land-building to combat coastal erosion through nature-based solutions.

Effective Mentorship

Elaine Nkwocha is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences and a Master of Education Student in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education at the Lutrill and Payne School of Education, Louisiana State University. She is a changemaker, an education advocate, and an emerging global leader. She is passionate about helping young people tap into and live out their passion and potential through teaching and mentorship. She founded Brave Space with Elaine to provide academic mentorship and the Elaine Education Foundation to increase children’s access to education.

Data Visualization

Dr. Steve Midway – Steve Midway is an associate professor in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences in the College of the Coast & Environment at Louisiana State University. Steve is a fisheries scientist but is active in data analysis and data visualization, which are topics he uses in teaching and research.

Social Media

Hadyn Hall – Hadyn Hall is the Project Coordinator for the Lake Maurepas Monitoring Project at SELU. She assists in the daily administrative tasks relating to the project, as well as the upkeep of the project’s website and social media outreach.

Ginger Gutner – Ginger Guttner, APR, is communications manager for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), where she is responsible for publications, media relations, marketing, and website and social media management. Ginger is also the spokesperson for LSU’s live tiger mascots, Mike VI (deceased) and Mike VII. In 2016, she was one of 13 TEDxLSU speakers and discussed what it’s like speaking on behalf of an apex predator.

Dr. Stephanie Archer – Dr. Stephanie Archer is an ecologist with a research program focused on exploring the fundamental principles that underpin the structure and function of biogenic habitats (e.g. sponge grounds, coral reels, oyster reefs, seagrass beds). She uses a combination of observational and experimental approaches to elucidate the role that habitat forming species play in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function in the Anthropocene. Dr. Archer applies the findings of her research to tackle pressing issues in marine conservation by working directly with fisheries and resource managers to identify habitats in need of protection and developing monitoring methods grounded in cutting edge research.

Interpretative Centers

Dr. Julie Whitbeck – Julie Whitbeck is a terrestrial ecologist with a lifelong interest in informing human management of earth’s resources with sound scientific understanding. After several years in academia, in 2011 she began working as the Ecologist for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service. Her research and her stewardship practice address whole plant to ecosystem scale responses to environmental variation, focusing on responses to climate change, and ecosystem restoration. For many years, she investigated sea level rise impacts on coastal forested wetlands, and she has explored factors underlying effective cypress swamp restoration. In her work as a place-based steward, she strives to apply scientific understanding to serve resource management challenges. As a part of this work, and around its edges, she continues to teach, learn and practice ecology in formal and informal contexts.

Steve Stevens – Steve, a proud University of New Orleans alumnus, serves as an Interpretative Specialist engaging visitors both in the planetarium and afield at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in the heart of New Orleans East. As a member of the Louisiana Master Naturalists, a Fellow of the 2023 Loyola Institute for Environmental Communications, an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, and an active member in NASA’s Earth to Sky climate communications community, he continues to spark meaningful connections between local residents and nature, whether their experiences are in wildlife refuges or their own back yards. With an enthusiasm for helping newcomers become accustomed to nature and being involved in conversations about natural science topics ranging from astronomy to zoology, Steve remains passionate about reconnecting people with the one planet we all call home.

Dr. William Katzman – William Katzman leads the LIGO Science Education Center team as a LIGO Laboratory staff member and Caltech employee. William has been a LIGO Scientific Collaboration member since 2009, specializing in education and public outreach. Prior to 2009, William taught in school systems, and worked as the Director or Exhibits for a science museum.

Sarah King – Sarah King serves as the Manager of Method Development at Eurofins Central Analytical which is one of the leading contract labs for food safety testing. She specializes in the extraction and analysis of contaminants in food products which include pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and veterinary drugs. She started at Eurofins in May 2012 after receiving her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from UNO.

Moderator: Lydia Dipaola: Lydia earned my Bachelors of Biological Sciences from Arizona State University and am currently in my second year of my Master’s of Biological Sciences at the University of New Orleans. My research focuses on the assessment of shoreline dynamics for a shoreline protection barrier project in Lake Salvador to support the restoration of 50 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation. I am also the first awardee of the Graduate Interjurisdictional Research Award Fellowship in Louisiana sponsored by LA Sea Grant and LA Space Grant for my thesis work.