By Michaela Barker, Digital Communications Intern
What exactly is coastal climate resilience? That was the first question that popped into my mind after receiving an invite to attend the UC Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) Fall 2024 Research Symposium.
I had only just started my role as a Digital Communications Intern with the Center through the UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program (CUIP). Coming from a background in digital arts and humanities—not science—I wasn’t sure what to expect. But climate change impacts every part of life, so I was excited to dive in.
When thinking of the coast, what often comes to mind for me are memories of living in Mendocino county. Days spent on the headlands, with cloudy weather and the fog rolling in at dawn and dusk. Though I am now a Santa Cruz resident and UC Santa Cruz student, I spend most of my time on the main campus, walking to class between the redwoods, and viewing the cliffs and ocean as a distant horizon.
The symposium’s setting could not have been more fitting. Fog rolled in from the coast, wrapping the patio of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center in a soft, silvery light. Tables decorated with pumpkins and coasters dotted the space, with the ocean breeze fluttering oiled tablecloths and rustling through the tall grasses nearby.
Inside the Seymour Center, symposium presentations were already underway. CCCR fellows and researchers shared their work through lightning talks—quick, focused overviews of projects ranging from engineering solutions to economic studies. I was fascinated by Ph.D. Student in Environmental Studies, Georgia Vasey’s presentation on using spatial data to monitor controlled burns for her project, “Coordinated Fire for Resilient Coastal Prairies.” The way technology supports these delicate ecosystems felt like a bridge between the science world and my own interests in digital tools.
Then social scientists and economists shared their interviews of local residents and key statistics on the societal perception of climate change.Economist researcher, Bhavyaa Sharma’s presentation on “Disaster Rebuilding Costs and Climate Adaptation and Mitigation,” brought into question whether “we [are] building back better?” by identifying key monetary factors that underlie restoration following climate disasters.
What stood out most to me, though, was a talk by Professor of Art Jennifer Parker and researcher Peter Weiss-Penzias. They introduced a project that merges science and art to collect water from fog using sculptural fog catchers. Their presentation, “Harvesting Water from the Sky,” wasn’t just about the technical details—it was about rethinking how we view fog itself. I loved how Parker framed the arts as essential to building a “culture of climate resilience.” It was a perspective that stuck with me as I thought about my own role in climate communication. As an artist and creative technologies student, I resonated deeply with her discussion of the arts and the merits of interdisciplinary work.
The symposium wasn’t just a showcase of research; it was a celebration of community. Over tacos and live music, attendees from every discipline connected and shared ideas. It was incredible to see how the Center, founded just two years ago with a $20 million grant from the State of California, has already funded over 40 projects and supported more than 35 fellows.
That night, I left the symposium with a greater understanding of the coast I lived on, the depth of its resilience and the power of multidisciplinary collaboration.
Attending the Center’s Research Symposium really helped me better understand all of the new and exciting aspects of climate change research that UC Santa Cruz is involved in. As I start my journey with the Center, I now have a deeper appreciation for California’s unique coastal ecosystem and communities.
I’m looking forward to helping communicate the Center’s projects and impact in the months to come.
Watch highlights from the October Research Symposium on the Center’s YouTube channel.
