Why people matter: Integrating stakeholder engagement in marine science - Helen Cheng

Humans are often viewed separately from nature, especially in marine and coastal environments. But when considering these ecosystems including their conservation and sustainability, we should think about the people and the integration of people into marine science work and research. In this Rock Talk, Helen Cheng will discuss how people are part of marine and coastal ecosystems and why people should be a part of the conversation when it comes to the protection and management of these ecosystems. Cheng will highlight examples of working with people and engagement in her marine science work throughout her career including work on identifying the distribution of American horseshoe crab spawning populations, improving forecasts of coastal flooding, and understanding the socio-economic impacts of range-expanding species on the American lobster fishery.

About Helen Cheng:
Helen is currently at Northeastern University, studying the ecological and socio-economic impacts of range-expanding species on the American lobster. Prior, Helen worked at New York Sea Grant and the Science and Resilience Institute based in New York City as a coastal resilience specialist, working on the extension of climate and urban ecological issues, and fostering engagement with communities, agencies, and researchers. Helen received her MS in Zoology in 2014 from the University of New Hampshire and studied the environmental influences on American horseshoe crab behavior and distribution in Great Bay Estuary, NH, and initiated a citizen science program to survey horseshoe crabs.


Recorded: August 9, 2022


About Rock Talks
Our Rock Talk Seminar Series is a long-standing and well-loved tradition at SML. Historically, faculty members and guest speakers would gather with students on Appledore Island's rocky shoreline (giving the Rock Talk series its name) to present on a wide range of topics related to natural history, ecology, biology, and more. To stay connected with our community following the pandemic, we transitioned our Rock Talks online and have featured guest speakers from across the world. On our channel, you will find recordings from past seminars.


Please note: All Rock Talks begin at 8pm on Tuesdays for the 2022 season. You must register for the live presentations ahead of time, and all registration links will be shared on our website. We look forward to seeing you at our next Rock Talk!


Sign up for the next Rock Talk here: https://www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.or...