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:

• - How coastlines are showing up on Capitol Hill
• - Practical tips for introverts navigating policy events
• - Why your voice matters — even as a student or early-career professional
• 
  

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.

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!

Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and real talk from the future of coastal science.

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

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:

• The art of distilling complex research into accessible messages
• Leveraging digital platforms like TikTok to reach diverse audiences
• Practical tips on engaging the public with science

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:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

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.

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.

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!

🎙️ New Episode of Going Coastal is LIVE! 🎧

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. Tune in now!