Fostering Inclusion in Chesapeake Management

Veronica Malabanan Lucchese, a 3rd year PhD student at IAN-UMCES and NOAA-LMRCSC Fellow II, presented her research at the 11th Biennial NOAA EPP/MSI Education and Science Forum. The event was held from March 4–6th, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. The NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) aims to increase diversity in STEM fields related to NOAA's mission by supporting education and research opportunities for students from underrepresented communities. Veronica's presentation, titled "Unlocking Connections: How Social Networks Shape the Future of Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Management," focused on improving inclusion in management in the Potomac, Patuxent, and Patapsco River watersheds. She attended alongside UMCES students Jennifer Herrara and David Garcia, as well as PI Dr. Eric Schott. The forum is designed to showcase collaborative research and promote NOAA's scientific achievements. The UMCES team concluded their visit with a group outing to the Salisbury Zoo.

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