Texas A&M Gulf Scholars Present Coastal Resilience Research at the National Gulf Scholars Program Conference

Programming example

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the National Gulf Scholars Program Conference at the University of Florida alongside my Texas A&M University cohort. The Gulf Scholars Program, supported by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, brings together students from across the Gulf region to address complex challenges related to environmental sustainability, community resilience, and offshore energy through interdisciplinary learning and research.

At the conference, we presented our Gulf Impact Projects, where I shared my research on coastal resilience along the Texas-Gulf Coast. My project explored how erosion, sea level rise, and coastal development are driving shoreline loss, and evaluated engineered and nature-based strategies to support long-term ecosystem resilience. (Holding the Line: Marsh Preservation and Nature-Based Design along the Gulf-Texas Coast)

We also had the opportunity to visit Silver Springs State Park, where we learned about the unique spring ecosystems, local wildlife, and the layered history of the site—including its legacy of segregation and the creation of Paradise Park, a separate recreational space for Black visitors that became an important cultural hub for Black communities, particularly for families and women.

The conference concluded with a poster session, where we shared our work with professionals, researchers, and peers and engaged in meaningful conversations about future solutions for the Gulf region.

Grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with such an inspiring group! I would like to thank our A&M program directors, Dr. Chrissy Wiederwohl and Dr. Inci Guneralp, for mentoring me through my research.

Photo Credits: Brianne Lehan Photography

Communities

• Black

Formats

• Summit & Conference
• Offsite Event

Goals

• Grow