Women in Coastal Science Speaker Series

Meet the women shaping the future of our coasts.

From rescuing marine life to tackling climate challenges, these experts are making waves in conservation, research, and coastal resilience. Join us for this free, monthly speaker series and gain insight into their groundbreaking work.

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Friday, October 23

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Exploring. Protecting. Inspiring.

Why join us at the Speaker Series?

The Women in Coastal Science Speaker Series is a free, award-winning program that brings together leading female scientists, conservationists, and researchers to share their expertise. Held monthly, this engaging series covers topics ranging from marine mammal rescue to habitat restoration, giving attendees an inside look at the critical efforts shaping our Gulf shores.

What to Expect:

Coffee and snacks starting at 3:30PM and speaking starts at 4:00PM
In-depth discussions with top women in marine science
Insights on conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience
Interactive Q&A sessions with industry experts
A welcoming and inclusive learning environment

📍 Location: East Beach

📅 Dates: Fourth Friday of each month until October (Plus World Ocean Day!)

🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public

Bridgett vonHoldt is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University, where her research focuses on the conservation and population genomics of North American canids, including gray wolves, coyotes, Mexican wolves, and the critically endangered red wolf.

She is best known for uncovering surviving "ghost" red wolf genetic ancestry in Gulf Coast coyote populations, work that has reshaped recovery strategies for one of North America's most endangered carnivores. She serves on the IUCN’s Canid Specialist Group, is the founder and director of the North American Canine Ancestry Project, as well as a co-founder and lead geneticist for the Gulf Coast Canine Project.

After attending the Women in Coastal Science Speaker Series on October 23, continue the conversation about wildlife, conservation and coastal science at Moody Gardens during the Wild Galveston Expo.

Hear updates from the Ghost Wolves Team and special guests from the Endangered Wolf Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn how ghost wolf DNA is contributing to endangered red wolf recovery and the ongoing work to protect these remarkable animals.

Come early for the Interactive Village, open from 9–10 a.m., and meet experts working to study and preserve our natural treasures.

Women in Coastal Science

What To Expect

Curious about what to expect? Check out highlights from past Women in Coastal Science events, including recorded talks, guest speaker insights, and key takeaways.

Past speakers have included experts such as:

Dr. Vanessa Mintzer: Conservation ecologist with a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology, specializing in the ecology and conservation of threatened species.
Dr. Jamie Steichen: Instructional Assistant Professor in Marine Biology with a Ph.D. in Oceanography, focusing on active learning in marine science education.
Dr. Kristin Brzeski: Conservation geneticist at Michigan Technological University, using genomic techniques to study wild canids and protect endangered wildlife.

Be part of the conversation. Be part of the change.

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Women in Coastal Science isn’t just an event—it’s a community. Follow us for updates, speaker announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.

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