Richmond, VA – Thirty-three representatives from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), including undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, staff, and faculty, traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to attend the recent 2025 Biennial Conference of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF). Their participation was made possible through support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance, Navigating Home, Securing STEM Island Pathways, Coastlines & People Strong Coasts, and EPSCoR projects.
Twenty-six UVI students and early-career professionals took the stage at CERF, with many delivering their first-ever conference presentations.
One of the highlights: Sarai Hutchinson (Securing STEM Island Pathways) earned Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation for “Incorporating novel approaches in mangrove restoration: using Sargassum and recycled crushed glass.”
“The SEAS program’s support gave me the opportunity to share the exciting research our lab has been working on and to learn from a diverse community of coastal scientists at CERF,” said Dericia Dorius, UVI undergraduate student, GRROE Lab member.
The U.S, Virgin Islands (USVI) delegation joined more than two dozen other islanders from Puerto Rico and Guam, representing a united effort to elevate island voices in coastal and estuarine science. Together, these NSF-funded projects provide scaffolded opportunities that broaden access and participation in STEM careers. For example, the SEAS Islands Alliance aims to broaden participation in the geosciences by illuminating career pathways and strengthening a sense of belonging in STEM through mentorship, collaboration, and community across island regions. The Navigating Home program complements this effort by helping Virgin Islanders build meaningful careers in environmental science and return their expertise to the Territory’s growing STEM workforce.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Navigating Home Fellowship for the opportunity to engage with impactful coastal research taking place across the country. The conference not only strengthened my passion for this field but also opened my eyes to new directions and possibilities within my research interests,” said Eurnett Christopher, Current Navigating Home Fellow.
“CERF’s biennial meeting provides an exceptional platform to share the science happening in our island regions and it is incredibly supportive for our students and early career professionals. The conference is an opportunity for professional development, growth, and connection with peers and leaders in coastal science across the nation and the globe,” said Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes, Research Associate Professor in UVI’s Center for Marine & Environmental Studies.
The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing understanding and stewardship of estuaries and coasts. Founded in 1971, CERF brings together students, scientists, resource managers, educators, and policy makers from across the nation and the world. CERF’s mission is to advance research, knowledge, and stewardship of coasts and estuaries and sustain the education and professional development of a diverse and inclusive community.
CERF envisions a future where solutions to global challenges facing coastal and estuarine systems are grounded by innovative, inclusive and collaborative scientific research.
To learn more about the SEAS Islands Alliance, Securing STEM Island Pathways, or Navigating Home projects at UVI, contact:
Elisabeth Leerdam, SEAS Islands Alliance Coordinator: [email protected].
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