Session Lead: Gabriel Duran (Chesapeake Research Consortium)
Co-Lead(s): Melissa Fagan (Chesapeake Research Consortium)
Session Format: Panel discussion
Session Description:
As Chesapeake Bay restoration continues to be shaped by changing environmental conditions, evolving management priorities, and growing demands for collaboration, there is an increasing demand to support the professional development of students and early-career scientists entering this field. This session aims to provide an engaging, discussion-driven forum focused on the skills, pathways, and support structures essential for developing a strong and resilient next-generation workforce for Chesapeake Bay science and management.
This session is designed for students, early-career professionals, and individuals seeking to enter or advance within the Chesapeake Bay workforce. While the session welcomes participants from all career stages, its primary focus is workforce development for emerging practitioners. The content is not technical in nature; the session will emphasize guidance, discussion, and shared experience across sectors.
The session will begin with an introduction from the session leads, providing context on the evolving nature of Chesapeake Bay work and the shifting tools and skills needed for success. This will be followed by three invited presentations from leaders representing the nonprofit sector, academia, and government, who will share their perspectives on interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, effective communication, and data-driven environmental decision making. Facilitated discussions will invite participants to share experiences and reflections on the competencies most needed for early-career success, including data literacy, communication skills, leadership, and problem-solving.
Panelists:
- Curtis Bennett, Director of Equity & Community Engagement, National Aquarium
- Kyle Hinson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Pacific Northwest Laboratory
- Julie Kiang, Deputy Regional Director, Northeast, USGS