Tracey Saxby

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Tracey Saxby

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Tracey Saxby
Science Communicator

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

PO Box 775
2020 Horns Point Rd
Cambridge, MD 21613
USA

Email: saxby@umces.edu

CV

PERSONAL DETAILS

Name	Tracey Saxby
Email	saxby@umces.edu

EDUCATION

2001	Bachelor of Science Honours - Class I (Marine Botany) from the University of Queensland, Australia
2000	Bachelor of Science (Marine Science) from the University of Queensland, Australia
2000	Bachelor of Arts (Spanish) from the University of Queensland, Australia
1999	Commendation from the Executive Dean for High Achievement

EMPLOYMENT

2007-2009	Executive Director, Greener Footprints Society
2003-present	Visual Science Communication & Education Consultant
2002-2003	Science Communicator, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
2001	Researcher - Riverfestival, Australia
2001	Technical Assistant - James Cook University, Australia
2000-2001	Tutor - University of Queensland, Australia
2000	Technical Assistant - University of Queensland, Australia
2000	Student Summer Scholarship - CSIRO Land & Water, Australia

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

Science communication and information design
Creating innovative ways to visually present science
Impacts of climate change on tropical and sub-tropical coral species
Ecology of marine & terrestrial ecosystems
Habitat-based ecosystem assessments
Ecosystem Based Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Tracey has had an ongoing contract with the Integration & Application Network at the University of Maryland since 2003, collaborating with scientists and organizations both locally and internationally. With her unique background of science and graphic design, Tracey's passion is to bring science to life using eye-catching visual elements, making data instantly accessible, even across cultural and language barriers.

Her roles at IAN have included:

transforming technical data, graphs, tables, and maps using her innovative skills in visual science communication.
creation of conceptual diagrams to communicate complex concepts or ecosystem processes.
synthesis of data and technical reports; taking the key messages and making them more accessible to the general public as educational tools, or to managers and politicians to enable them to make informed decisions with the latest scientific research available.
habitat-based ecosystem assessments.
layout and design of brochures, newsletters, e-newsletters, posters, presentations, reports, and books.
creation and management of the IAN symbol libraries, which aim to develop a global symbol language for scientists, resource managers, community groups, and environmentalists worldwide.
organizing and facilitating workshops.
creation of science communication training materials.
organizing and teaching science communication courses.

Organizations she has worked with include the National Parks Service (USA), United Nations Environment Programme (International), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (Pacific), the Government of Samoa (Pacific), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Australia), Forest Trends (USA and Mexico), Maryland Department of Environment (USA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USA), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (Pacific), University of Gothenburg (Sweden), and the University of Western Australia (Australia).

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Tracey co-founded Greener Footprints in 2005, a grassroots organization focused on waste reduction in Canada through education and community-based campaigns. The primary campaign of Greener Footprints focuses on reducing the use of plastic shopping bags across Canada. In March, 2007, Tracey proposed that the City of Rossland should be the first plastic-bag free town in Canada. Less than one year later, Rossland achieved a 75% reduction in plastic bag use through an extensive education campaign to raise awareness of consumers, and by creating partnerships between government, retailers, schools, and community groups. Through her efforts, Tracey has established a template of action for any community wishing to follow Rossland’s lead and she is now working with several communities across BC and AB. Tracey’s initiative garnered local and national media attention throughout the campaign, as well as a few awards.

AWARDS

2008 West Kootenay EcoSociety Award for Resource Recovery
2008 Earth Day Canada Hometown Hero – Top Ten Finalist
2007 Shared Vision Magazine – Visionary

MEMBERSHIPS

2005-present Co-Founder and Executive Director, Greener Footprints Society
2008-2009 Director, Squamish Environmental Conservation Society
2001-present Australian Coral Reef Society

SKILLS

Visual science communication
Graphic design and web design using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
Creation of symbols and conceptual diagrams to illustrate environmental problems
Brand development and logo creation
Research and writing, summarizing peer-reviewed science articles and technical reports
Education program development and administration
Teaching science communication courses
Event planning and logistics
Supervision of part-time staff, interns, and volunteers
Project coordination
Fundraising for non-profit organizations
Presentations to community groups, schools, conferences, and government

Publications

This page provides a reference list in Word and PDF formats, an RSS feed for new publications, a link to browse/search through all Tracey's publications in the literature database. You can also view the abstract and keywords and access a pemanent link to the article in our literature database by expanding the citation, or view the full details of each publication in the database, or view the article on the publisher's website, which may include access to fulltext and PDF versions.

Peer-reviewed Publications
2013
Carruthers TJB, Beckert K, Schupp CA, Saxby TA, Kumer JP, Thomas JE, Sturgis B, Dennison WC, Williams M, Fisher T, Zimmerman CS (2013) Improving management of a mid-Atlantic coastal barrier island through assessment of habitat condition. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 116:74–86 Abstract: To achieve desired environmental outcomes, environmental condition and trends need to be rigorously measured and communicated to resource managers, scientists, and a broader general audience. However, there is often a disconnect between responsive ecosystem monitoring and decision making for strategic long-term management. This project demonstrates how historical monitoring data can be synthesized and used for future planning and decision making, thereby closing the management feedback cycle. This study linked disparate datasets, collected for a variety of purposes and across multiple temporal and spatial scales, in order to assess and quantify current habitat conditions. The results inform integrated resource management decision-making at Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland and Virginia, USA) by using ecological reference conditions to identify monitoring needs, areas of high vulnerability, and areas with potential for improved management. The approach also provides a framework that can be applied in the future to assess the effectiveness of these management decisions on the condition of island habitats, and is a replicable demonstration of incorporating diverse monitoring datasets into an adaptive management cycle. Keywords: Barrier islands; coastal zone management; ecosystem management; integrated assessment; natural resources; nature conservation Permanent link \| Save citation: RTF PDF LaTeX
2003
Saxby TA, Dennison WC, Hoegh-Guldberg O (2003) Photosynthetic responses of the coral Montipora digitata to cold temperature stress. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 248:85–97 Abstract: Coral bleaching events have become more frequent and widespread, largely due to elevated sea surface temperatures. Global climate change could lead to increased variability of sea surface temperatures, through influences on climate systems, e.g. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Field observations in 1999, following a strong ENSO, revealed that corals bleached in winter after unusually cold weather. To explore the basis for these observations, the photosynthetic responses of the coral species Montipora digitata Studer were investigated in a series of temperature and light experiments. Small replicate coral colonies were exposed to ecologically relevant lower temperatures for varying durations and under light regimes that ranged from darkness to full sunlight. Photosynthetic efficiency was analyzed using a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer (F-0, F-m, F-v/F-m), and chlorophyll a (chl a) content and symbiotic dinoflagellate density were analyzed with spectrophotometry and microscopy, respectively. Cold temperature stress had a negative impact on M digitata colonies indicated by decreased photosynthetic efficiency (F-v/F-m), loss of symbiotic dinoflagellates and changes in photosynthetic pigment concentrations. Corals in higher light regimes were more susceptible to cold temperature stress, Moderate cold stress resulted in photoacclimatory responses, but severe cold stress resulted in photodamage, bleaching and increased mortality. Responses to cold temperature stress of M digitata appeared similar to that observed in corals exposed to warmer than normal temperatures, suggesting a common mechanism. The results of this study suggest that corals and coral reefs may also be impacted by exposure to cold as well as warm temperature extremes as climate change occurs. Keywords: coral bleaching; photosynthesis; climate change; photoinhibition;; F-v/F-m; cold temperature stress; symbiotic dinoflagellates; great-barrier-reef; chlorophyll fluorescence; photosystem-ii;; stylophora-pistillata; ultraviolet-radiation; bleaching event;; symbiotic algae; photochemical efficiency; elevated-temperatures;; seriatopora-hystrix Permanent link \| Save citation: RTF PDF LaTeX
Books
2006
Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG, Dennison WC (2006) Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements. IWA Publishing, London, 136 pp Abstract: This is a practical handbook on how to communicate science effectively. The first part is an introduction to the principles of science communication-what effective science communication is, why it is important, and how effective science communication can change societal paradigms and make one a better scientist. General principles relating to all science communication products include providing synthesis, visualization, and context, assembling self-contained visual elements such as photos, maps, conceptual diagrams and data, formatting content to define and simplify terms, and eliminating jargon and acronyms. Formatting of these visual elements is also discussed. This introduction is followed by chapters outlining techniques and principles for communicating in different media-desktop publishing (including posters and newsletters), presentations and websites. Techniques in these chapters include image, color, and font formats, resolution and design tips for different media. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate how effective science communication has become an integral part of a successful environmental science, monitoring, planning, and implementation program. The book is accompanied by extensive internet resources, including interactive software tutorials for the different software programs commonly used in communication, discussion forums for science communication issues, and links to other websites of interest. This book will be a valuable resource for scientists working in research, management agencies, government and education. Although environmental scientists are the primary audience, the principles and techniques discussed are applicable to scientists from all disciplines. Keywords: science communication; handbook; visual, diagrams; images; research Permanent link \| Save citation: RTF PDF LaTeX

Science Communication Publications Browse all publications for Tracey Saxby on IAN Press OR view individually:
2013
Rao NS, Carruthers TJB, Anderson P, Sivo L, Saxby TA, Durbin, T, Jungblut V, Hills T and Chape S (2013) An economic analysis of ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for climate change adaptation in Lami Town, Republic of the Fiji Islands. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 72pp (Report)
2012
Integration and Application Network (2012) Responding to major storm impacts: ecological impacts of Hurricane Sandy on Chesapeake and Delmarva Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Report)
Rao NS, Carruthers TJB, Anderson P, Sivo L, Saxby TA, Durbin, T, Jungblut V, Hills T and Chape S (2012) A comparative analysis of ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for Lami Town, Fiji. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 28pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2012) A vision for effective and streamlined reporting in the Pacific. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 6pp (Newsletter)
Lookingbill T, Bentsen CN, Carruthers TJB, Costanzo SD, Dennison WC, Doherty C, Lucier S, Madron J, Poppell E and Saxby TA (2012) Colonial National Historical Park natural resource condition assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 156pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2012) Samoa 2012 Environmental Outlook: developing a vision for the next 50 years. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Report card)
Integration and Application Network (2012) Samoa 2012 Environmental Outlook: developing a vision for the next 50 years (Samoan). IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Report card)
2011
Carruthers TJB, Beckert KA, Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Williams MR, Fisher T, Kumer J, Schupp C, Sturgis B, and Zimmerman C (2011) Assateague Island National Seashore Natural Resource Condition Assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 182pp (Report)
Carruthers TJB, Beckert KA, Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Williams MR, Fisher T, Kumer J, Schupp C, Sturgis B, and Zimmerman C (2011) Assateague Island National Seashore Natural Resource Condition Assessment - Executive Summary. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 12pp (Report)
Agardy T, Davis J, Sherwood K and Vestergaard O (2011) Taking Steps toward Marine and Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management - An Introductory Guide. United Nations Environment Programme, 68pp (Book)
2010
Integration and Application Network (2010) USS Arizona: once a site of human devastation, now a haven for marine life. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
2009
Petersen JE, Kennedy VS, Dennison WC and Kemp WM (Eds.) (2009) Enclosed Experimental Ecosystems and Scale: Tools for Understanding and Managing Coastal Ecosystems. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD (Book)
2008
Integration and Application Network (2008) Watershed condition assessment for Rock Creek Park in the National Capital Region. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 54pp (Presentation)
2006
Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG and Dennison WC (2006) Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements. IWA Publishing, London (Book)
2005
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia: Estuaries. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia: South Coast. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia: West Coast. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Utilizing spatially intensive data in monitoring Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Bay Grass Restoration in Chesapeake Bay. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
2004
Jones AB, Carruthers TJ, Pantus F, Thomas JE, Saxby TA and Dennison, WC (2004) A water quality assessment of the Maryland Coastal Bays including nitrogen source identification using stable isotopes. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 60pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2004) Conceptual diagrams: tools for science communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2004) Crassostrea ariakensis: Panacea or Pandora?. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
2003
Integration and Application Network (2003) Phragmites: Native or Introduced. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2003) Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2003) The art of science communication: using PowerPoint effectively. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 67pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2003) University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: History, Mission & Accomplishments. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2003) Assessing Nutrient Sources. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)