UC Santa Cruz partners with Ocean Science Trust to support new Science Communication Fellow

The UC Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) has teamed up with the Ocean Science Trust to co-advise a new Science Communication Fellow. This partnership marks an important step forward in enhancing public understanding and engagement around coastal resilience and climate adaptation issues in California.

The inaugural fellow for this initiative is Anna FitzGerald Guth, a Master’s student in the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program. With a strong background in environmental journalism, Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in English and environmental studies from Wesleyan University and brings four years of experience as a reporter and editor for the Point Reyes Light. Additionally, she served as communications manager for the West Marin Fund. Anna joins Carly Kay and Mark DeGraff as the three center science communication fellows this year, all of whom are focused on reporting on climate change, coastal resilience, and ocean science topics.

“By leveraging the expertise and connections of the center and the Ocean Science Trust, Anna’s work will help drive greater public and community engagement in coastal climate resilience,” said CCCR Director Michael W. Beck.

Founded in 2022 with a $20 million state grant, CCCR aims to address the urgent climate challenges facing California’s coast. Over the past two years, the center has funded more than 40 projects and supported over 35 research fellows. As California contends with escalating climate-driven hazards like coastal flooding and sea-level rise, the center’s work is focused on advancing actionable solutions, including nature-based approaches, risk-mitigation tools, and new climate finance and insurance measures.

California Ocean Science Trust is an independent nonprofit organization created by state legislation in 2000 to serve a unique role in strengthening the application of cutting-edge and policy-relevant science in the state’s ocean and coastal decision-making.

“Anna’s reporting will help highlight the critical role new science related to insurance, climate finance, and risk-reduction tools plays in achieving a more effective, nature-positive approach to coastal resilience under a changing climate,” said Anthony Rogers, Strategic Initiatives Director at California Ocean Science Trust.

Anna shared her excitement for the fellowship, saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside experts at UC Santa Cruz and the California Ocean Science Trust to bridge the gap between science and the public. This fellowship allows me to pursue my passion for environmental journalism in a way that directly supports climate resilience efforts along California’s coast.”

To follow Anna, Carly and Mark’s reporting on coastal climate resilience over the next year, subscribe to UCSC’s Science Notes publication.

Ocean Science Trust logo and portrait of Anna FitzGerald Guth.
The Center for Coastal Climate Resilience and the Ocean Science Trust will be co-advising new UCSC Science Communication Fellow Anna FitzGerald Guth.
Last modified: Nov 14, 2024