The eighth annual Student Conference on Conservation Science - New York took place at the American Museum of Natural History October 11-13, 2017. Over 300 students, postdocs, and early-career scientists, got together at the museum to take part in the only international series of conservation conferences featuring students.
Emerging conservation scientists were provided with opportunities to present and get feedback on their work, gain experience and make contacts to help them launch their careers. In addition to plenary talks, panel discussions and mentorship from leading conservation professionals, selected participants presented their research through 96 talk, speed-talk, and poster presentations. Participants were offered 9 in-depth, interactive workshops on a variety of conservation topics, 6 ‘behind the scenes’ museum collection tours and a Resource and Career Fair with 26 representatives from NGOs, government agencies, and universities.
SCCS‐NY 2017 featured the Mack Lipkin Man and Nature Series Panel Discussion as a special public program on the evening of Thursday, October 12. The focus of the discussion was "Waves of Change: Challenges and Solutions for the Ocean", and panelists explored how managing the oceans through innovative policies and conservation approaches can help sustain seascapes and species — including the billions of people who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and well-being.
Professor of Oceanography Emeritus, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Senior Scientist Emeritus, the Smithsonian Institution
A leader in the study of marine environments, Jeremy is known for his understanding of threats and solutions to human impacts on the oceans.
Creative Director, 84 and Sunny & Coordinator, Big Ocean
As a social entrepreneur, artist, and native Hawaiian practitioner, Nai'a uses creative strategies to empower communities and develop cross-cultural initiatives for effective conservation solutions.
Director, Wildlife Conservation Society New York Seascape
Leading the first WCS seascape in North America and serving as a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Merry is a recognized expert in marine conservation and management of large ocean fishes, and sharks in particular.
Director, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History
The Mack Lipkin Man and Nature Series was established in honor of Dr. Mack Lipkin, Sr., by his many friends and admirers. Dr. Lipkin was a physician who was a gentle and powerful force in advancing the most humane and caring practices of medicine.
This free public event was organized as a part of the Student Conference on Conservation Science-New York 2017.
By Dr. Jeremy Jackson, Professor of Oceanography Emeritus, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Senior Scientist Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution.
Jeremy Jackson studies threats and solutions to human impacts on the oceans and the ecology and evolution of tropical seas. Jackson is the author of 160 scientific publications and eleven books. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received numerous international prizes and awards including the BBVA International Prize in Ecology and Conservation, The Paleontological Medal, and the Darwin Medal of the International Society for Reef Studies. Jackson’s work on the collapse of coastal ecosystems was chosen by Discover magazine as the outstanding scientific achievement of 2001. His most recent book is Shifting Baselines: The Past and Future of Ocean Fisheries.
By Nai‘a-Ulumaimalu Lewis, Creative Director, 84 and Sunny; Coordinator, Big Ocean.
Nai‘a Lewis is a social entrepreneur and artist working with people and communities to resolve pressing issues and thrive. As a Native Hawaiian practitioner, for more than twenty years Nai‘a has used creative strategies and direct action to successfully engage, empower, and express the voices of vulnerable, marginalized, and disenfranchised groups, particularly those of women, indigenous groups, and minorities.
Nai‘a is a practicing artist and the Creative Director of 84 and Sunny, a globally minded and locally immersed creative agency helping clients adapt and compete within diverse and rapidly changing international markets. Previously, Nai‘a worked as coordinator for Big Ocean, a network of the world's large-scale marine managed areas, and for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries under Ocean Initiative and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
She has also worked within the Native Hawaiian community to address indigenous governance issues and disputed land ownership claims in Hawai‘i. Nai‘a earned her journalism degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and has infused her communications background with her professional experience to develop cross-cultural initiatives to more effectively translate conservation initiatives to indigenous communities. As a practicing artist, Nai‘a blends contemporary expressionism with indigenous identity and belief systems through multiple media, including oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and pencil. Her work has been invited to show at artistic events and galleries from Manhattan to Honolulu, including the recent CTRL+ALT Culture Lab on Imagined Futures series, curated by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and Ford Foundation.
Major funding for the 2017 Student Conference on Conservation Science has been provided by Marshall M. Weinberg.
Conference partners:
Conference contributors:
Pace University