Written by Melanie Smith and Jimmy Rogers
Coming from diverse STEM fields, we (Alex Cotran-Lenrow, Nick Pellegrini, Jimmy Rogers, and Melanie Smith) were selected by members of the School of Science and Engineering to represent Tulane University at the 2019 Naval Academy Science and Engineering Conference (NASEC) in Annapolis, Maryland. As conference participants, we had the unique opportunity to hear from distinguished scientists and politicians, as well as collaborate on pressing issues centered around the theme: “Oceans: Exploration, Conservation, and Extreme Events.” Thanks to funding provided by the Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC) and the School of Science and Engineering, we were able to present ideas to a group of approximately 160 undergraduates, 40 Midshipmen, and professors from various institutions.
During our time in Annapolis, we heard from a Vice Admiral Sean Buck, who provided insight to the Navy’s stance on ocean conservation and climate change. Dr. Robie Roy from Lockheed Martin also spoke about the importance of technology to better understand the natural world. We also heard from Dr. Geraldine Richmond, academic from University of Oregon, about the interesting properties of water and how that knowledge can be used to remove pollutants like oil. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute President Dr. Mark Abbot talked specifically about the urgency of climate change and how New Orleans is specifically at risk. As a woman in science, Melanie particularly enjoyed the talk by Lisa Clough, Head of the Oceans Division at the National Science Foundation, about the importance of diversity in science. Hearing from these speakers was an immense privilege, as they were researchers at the forefront of ocean science.
We all also had the opportunity to engage in small group discussions centered around marine conservation. These discussions placed an emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration with the aim of finding solutions to the issues like climate change, biodiversity decline, and ocean pollution. For instance, one of our groups designed a way to reduce right whale entanglements. Another group worked on methods to reduce plastic pollution. We enjoyed working with students from a range of STEM disciplines on the same issue.
Both Melanie and Nick presented two posters about environmental research they completed at Tulane. Melanie presented preliminary results of her research on the acoustic response of harbor seals to killer whale vocalizations, which has implications for reducing seal and fishery interactions. Nick presented the initiatives and projects he has completed with the Tulane Office of Sustainability, including sections on the New Orleans Energy Challenge and Shut the Sash campaign. Presenting the posters was a great opportunity to gain experience speaking with others and initiating conversations to expand on the work of the posters.
Ultimately, the cohort found the experience to be incredible to interact with other individuals passionate about changing the world through science. Jimmy thought it was an extremely positive continuation of a unique partnership between Tulane and USNA that must be maintained moving forward. We highly recommend the conference for any STEM majors. For additional information on NASEC and how to attend next year’s conference, please visit https://www.usna.edu/NASEC/index.php and contact Associate Dean Beth Wee (bwee@tulane.edu).
