A monthly speaker series starting this June! The hope we need for the ocean we love.

RESISTANT REEFS, RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: Science for Collective Survival with special guest Dr. DeVant’e Dawson, Postdoctoral Researcher, Stanford University

We’re honored to welcome Dr. DeVant’e Dawson, an interdisciplinary ocean scientist and advocate for ocean equity and climate resilience. His research focuses on identifying heat-tolerant corals in order to guide reef restoration in a warming world. Why do some coral colonies survive in waters that leave others bleached and lifeless? In this talk, Dr. Dawson dives into his research on heat-resistant corals in Belize—and what their resilience can teach us about restoring reefs in a warming world.

But this story isn’t just about coral. It’s also about who gets to do science, and what it means to persist in systems that weren’t built for everyone. Dr. Dawson weaves together ecology, equity, and experience, asking: How do we build conservation that’s not only effective, but just? And how can science help us move from survival to transformation?

"True hope in ocean conservation comes from empowering communities to lead, honoring local knowledge, and opening doors for those historically left out of ocean science. Justice and resilience go hand in hand when we build pathways where belonging and impact are possible for all."

—Dr. DeVant'e Dawson

Join us for a night that weaves coral science with climate justice.

Check out more information on Ocean Hoptimism here: https://www.oceanhoptimism.org/bayarea

Every 4th Thursday!