In this episode of Going Coastal, Jon Miller and Deb Fernandes talk with Erin Rooney (COPRI) and Halaina Hahn (ASBPA) about the role of student chapters in shaping the next generation of coastal professionals.
They share how these chapters connect students with industry networks, provide leadership opportunities, and bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience.
We cover examples of successful collaborations, tips for starting a chapter, upcoming conferences like ICCE and ASBPA’s National Coastal Conference, and advice for students navigating the field.
In this Student Research Spotlight, Marissa Torres and Deb Fernandes hear from Alexander Boland (UGA) and Ryan Schanta (UDel) as they share their paths into coastal engineering, their thesis work, and their next steps in PhD research. From modeling storm surge impacts on Georgia roads to improving sediment transport predictions with FunWave and XBeach, this episode explores the power and challenges of coastal numerical modeling.
In our latest Going Coastal episode, Jon Miller and Marissa Torres sat down with two accomplished academics in the coastal field:
Dr. Jens Figlus (Texas A&M University) and Dr. Peter Ruggiero (Oregon State University), who shared their career journeys, advice for students and early professionals, and a candid look into the realities of grant writing and research funding.
From fieldwork to proposal writing to finding your place in a tight-knit community, this episode dives into both the passion and practical skills needed to thrive in the field.
If you’re a student, educator, or coastal professional looking for real-world insights into research careers and growing the next generation in coastal science, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Going Coastal, co-hosts Jon Miller and Deb Fernandes are joined by Dr. Nicole Elko, Executive Director of ASBPA and Co-Executive Director of the U.S. Coastal Research Program, and Emily Patrolia, founder of ESP Advisors. Together, they unpack what really happens during Coast Week in Washington, D.C.!
We talk about:
If you’ve ever wondered how science meets policy, or how YOU can get involved in shaping the future of our coasts, this one’s for you.
Enjoying this episode? Like, share, subscribe! For any inquiries or sponsoring opportunities, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
What do a soon-to-be PhD, a recent master’s grad, and two coastal professionals have in common? A love for all things coastal —and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome.
In this month’s Going Coastal, Jon and Marissa have a fun discussion about student research with Amy Bredes (Stevens Institute of Technology) and Constance Hickman (University of South Alabama), diving into nature-based solutions, modeling shoreline protection and the very real post-grad job hunt.
Whether you're curious about XBeach modeling, interdisciplinary challenges in NBS, or the truth about Jon’s hair, or even how a dirty martini fits into a coastal engineering career—this one's for you!
Enjoying our podcast? Like, share, subscribe! For any inquiries or sponsoring opportunities, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
In this month’s episode of Going Coastal, your favorite co-hosts dive into three major topics affecting our shorelines:
Sneaker Waves – Marissa unpacks some of the physics behind these sudden, powerful waves that have taken people by surprise—where do they occur and what makes them so dangerous?
Nuisance Erosion – Jon explores this under-the-radar issue that’s affecting beaches and infrastructure. It’s not storm-driven, but it’s happening every day—what does it mean for coastal communities?
The Sand Resource Crisis – Deb takes us into the hidden world of sand scarcity. As the second most-extracted resource after water, sand is disappearing rapidly due to global demand. How are we related to sand, and what are the implications for coastal engineers?
We hope you enjoy this episode! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts, rate and share with your friends and colleagues! We’d much appreciate it <3
If you would like to sponsor our show, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
In this insightful 10th episode of Going Coastal, co-hosts Jon Miller and Deb Fernandes speak with Elizabeth Sherr, a self-taught science communicator and content creator who shares her passion for breaking down complex scientific concepts in relatable and engaging ways.
Join us as Elizabeth takes us through her journey in science communication, from her rise on social media to speaking at conferences, and how she uses her platform to bridge the gap between research and public understanding.
Key Highlights:
Whether you're a researcher, science enthusiast, or simply curious about how science shapes our world, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone.
Find @lizlivingblue on all platforms:
If you enjoy our podcast, please like, subscribe and if you have any inquiries or want to sponsor our show, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
In this 9th episode of Going Coastal, hosts Jon Miller and Marissa Torres chat with seasoned field data collectors Nina Stark and Tori Tomiczek to gain insight into the world of post-storm reconnaissance.
Nina and Tori share their experience collecting data in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in coastal Florida, how we can learn, advance, and adapt following extreme events, and how you could get involved.
If you enjoy our podcast, please like, subscribe and if you have any inquiries or want to sponsor our show, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
In this 8th episode of Going Coastal, hosts Jon Miller and Deb Fernandes sit down with young coastal engineering innovators Jacob Stasiewicz & EJ Rainville to explore the world where tech, research, and entrepreneurship collide. They dive deep into how they are shaping the future of coastal science and technology, sharing valuable insights on career paths, the power of creativity, and advice for students and professionals alike.
From academic research to startup ventures, this episode shows that there's more than one way to make an impact in the coastal field.
If you enjoy our podcast, please like, subscribe and if you have any inquiries or want to sponsor our show, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
In Episode 7 of Going Coastal, hosts Marissa Torres and Deb Fernandes are joined by two trailblazing women in coastal engineering, Dr. Julie Dean Rosati and Dr. Jane McKee Smith.
Julie, Technical Director for Civil Works Research and Development for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center as well as the Technical Director for Flood Risk Management at CHL - more commonly known as ERDC-CHL, and Jane, Research Professor at the University of Florida as well as an Emeritus Senior Scientist at ERDC-CHL, share their career journeys, advice on mentorship, insights on achieving a balance between work and family life and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way.
Whether you’re an aspiring coastal engineer or seeking inspiration to achieve your goals, this episode is for you!
If you enjoy our podcast, please like, subscribe and if you have any inquiries or want to sponsor our show, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
In Episode 6 of Going Coastal, hosts Marissa Torres & Deb Fernandes chat with ASBPA student award winners Kayla O’Brien & Leanne Hauptman. Discover their inspiring journeys in coastal science, from academic challenges to impactful research. Kayla shares insights on winning the Nicholas Kraus Coastal Scholar Award, while Leanne discusses the implications of being the Student Educational Award recipient. This episode is full of advice, brand new topics, such as microplastics as the new coastal hazard, and exciting future plans.
If you enjoy our podcast, please like, subscribe and if you have any inquiries or want to sponsor our show, contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com
This month on Going Coastal, co-hosts Jon Miller & Marissa Torres speak with Mr. Nick Angarone of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for a special Coastal Policy episode. Nick has worn many hats over his distinguished career as a city and region planner and currently serves as the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) for the state of New Jersey, the Manager of the Office of Climate Resilience, and a NJ Coastal Manager. Join us to understand how the little things can make the biggest difference for your community!
Calling all Citizen Scientists: Check out mycoast.org/nj to learn how you can contribute to the scientific community and strengthen our ability to execute emergency planning and management!
Thank you to NJ Sea Grant for sponsoring this episode. Remember to register for the RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit in Arlington (Oct 6-10). It was so fun to see everyone in Galveston at the ASBPA National Coastal Conference this year! We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing you again in Long Beach, CA October 2025.
Enjoying our podcast? Support us and get sponsored episodes for your coastal company. Contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com.
Join hosts, Jon Miller & Marissa Torres, on the Going Coastal Podcast for a special hybrid Professional Development and Student Research Spotlight episode! All roads lead to Coastal for Emma McCann, a rising senior in Environmental Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology and one of Jon’s current undergraduate researchers.
Join us in cheering on Emma as she plunges into her senior year with graduate school on the horizon!
In This Episode:
Academic & Professional Experience: Dive into Emma’s story—how she got acquainted with the coastal field, pursued different internship opportunities, and kept asking questions.
Research Highlights: Explore her role as an undergraduate researcher in both academic, private industry, and government settings.
Personal Experiences: Gain valuable advice from her experience working on multidisciplinary teams, building a supportive community, and seeking new challenges.
Throwback Tuesday: Mentioned in this episode is Nicole “Nikki” Zuck, a current PhD student at Stevens. Learn more about her work from a previous Student Research Spotlight on Going Coastal: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PdxvUpIzUPFvhl7GCBgRf?si=8e1b56d3d15142fe
Thank you to NJ Sea Grant for sponsoring this episode. Also, remember to register for the ASBPA National Coastal Conference in Galveston (Aug 26-29) - poster abstracts and award nominations are due by July 15. As well as the RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit in Arlington (Oct 6-10).
Enjoying our podcast? Support us and get sponsored episodes for your brand. Contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com.
Join hosts, Jon Miller & Deb Fernandes, on the Going Coastal Podcast as they dive into the world of student research! In this episode, we shine a spotlight on two recent graduates from the University of South Alabama, Sydney Goodman and Tyler Jacobs.
Join us in celebrating Sydney and Tyler as they share their incredible journey to completing their master’s degrees!
In This Episode:
Academic & Professional Background: Dive into Sydney and Tyler’s stories—how they entered the coastal field, overcame challenges, and achieved their goals, including insights from their internships.
Research Highlights: Explore their groundbreaking research, its importance, and its impact on coastal communities.
Personal Experiences: Gain valuable advice from their experiences with networking, mentoring, and their exciting next steps in the professional world.
Special Mention: You can (re)watch the professional licensing workshop with Dr. Bret Webb, Dr. Jack Koban, and Taylor Zimmerman by SNP on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gw-CCYtg2zE?si=r8T1wvdwCHfQNpQg
Thank you to NJ Sea Grant for sponsoring this episode. Also, remember to register for the ASBPA National Coastal Conference in Galveston (Aug 26-29) - poster abstracts and award nominations are due by July 15. As wells as the RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit in Arlington (Oct 6-10).
Enjoying our podcast? Support us and get sponsored episodes for your brand. Contact us at podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com.
Welcome back to the Going Coastal Podcast, for students and new professionals. In this introduction episode, get to know our dynamic hosts Jon Miller, Marissa Torres, and Deb Fernandes.
Join us as we dive into who they are, their backgrounds in the coastal field, and what drives their passion for coastal preservation. Discover the most fascinating places their work has taken them and learn what exciting changes and continuities you can expect from the podcast moving forward.
We’ll discuss the format of our monthly episodes, which will include segments on professional development, student research spotlights, and coastal policy updates. With a new email (podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com) and a more inclusive approach towards other student and professional coastal organizations, we’re also exploring sponsorship possibilities to bring you even more content.
Tune in, get involved, and let us know what you want to hear next on the Going Coastal Podcast!
Welcome back to the Going Coastal Podcast, your go-to destination for all things coastal preservation and professional development, hosted by Jon Miller, Marissa Torres, and Deb Fernandes.
In our launch episode, Jon Miller and Deb Fernandes share updates and insights on the latest developments. We express heartfelt gratitude to Tyler and Peter for their invaluable contributions over the past 3 years, as we embark on this new journey.
We want to hear from YOU! What topics would you like us to talk about next? Your input shapes the future of our podcast. We've got a fresh email address for your feedback and inquiries: podcastgoingcoastal@gmail.com.
We can't wait to hear from you and stay tuned for the next episodes to come!
