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Three University of the Virgin Islands scientists have been honored as 2024 Ocean Decade Champions by the U.S. National Science Foundation, in collaboration with the Every Page Foundation, according to UVI.
Marilyn Brandt, UVI Research Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Kristin Grimes, UVI Research Associate Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Allie Durdall, program manager of GRROE USVI Mangroves, were among the 22 women science leaders selected as Ocean Decade Champions.
The three were recognized for their research, conservation work, education, and community outreach programs in the areas of coral reef disease, mangrove restoration and coastal resilience, according to UVI.
“I am incredibly proud of the work that our trailblazing scientists are conducting at UVI and congratulate Dr. Brandt, Dr. Grimes and Ms. Durdall on this prestigious award,” said UVI President Safiya George. “Their dedicated efforts not only impact our local environment but also have far-reaching effects as they collaborate and share their research with scientists around the world. Serving as mentors to our students, these inspiring scientists actively pave the way for future generations to enjoy rewarding careers in STEM and continue the vitally important work of protecting our environment.”
Brandt focuses on understanding coral reef diseases and uses insights from this work to create effective strategies for coral conservation.
She is also the director of the Reef Response coral restoration program where she spearheads initiatives to rehabilitate reefs severely affected by climate change and disease.
In addition, she is dedicated to mentoring and empowering a diverse new generation of scientists and restoration practitioners, fostering a more inclusive and effective future for coral reef conservation, according to UVI.
Grimes studies human impacts to nearshore environments with expertise in mangrove ecosystems and is interested in how community-driven science approaches can improve restoration, education, and stewardship outcomes.
She leads multiple efforts that expand access, pathways, and opportunities for island youth in the marine sciences from middle school through to the workforce, according to UVI.
Durdall, program manager of GRROE USVI Mangroves, is a marine and environmental scientist with a love for coastal systems.
In collaboration with Grimes, she co-leads the Territorial Mangrove Monitoring Program, a mangrove restoration plant nursery at UVI, and an outreach program called Mangroves in the Classroom that brings place-based lessons and mangrove restoration projects into the territory’s high school classrooms.
Through her work at UVI, Durdall realized the importance of fostering camaraderie among women and minorities in science and aims to continue doing outreach and science education throughout her career, according to UVI.
The three scientists are associated with the NSF Coastlines and People project, “Reducing Climate Risks with Equitable Nature-based Solutions: Engaging Communities on Reef-Lined Coasts.” The initiative, also known as Strong Coasts, is led by the University of South Florida, and brings together experts from Miami, Belize and the U.S. Virgin Islands to advance coral and mangrove restoration for coastal resilience.
The project also explores community engagement strategies across these regions.
“One of the things that has been exciting, and a really phenomenal opportunity, has been the chance to work with some of the brightest minds across these diverse regions,” Brandt said. “It’s been really amazing to learn from them and partner in different ways.”
The 2024 Ocean Decade Champions program benefited from a matching grant, administered by Panorama Global for the National Center for Family Philanthropy, to expand women’s power and influence and gender equality in the U.S., with funds from Pivotal Ventures.
Together, the National Science Foundation and Every Page Foundation, along with Pivotal Ventures, contributed over half a million dollars to support the careers of the women. Each awardee received support ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
Brandt, Grimes, and Durdall will use their awards to present their research at international conferences like the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, and Reef Futures in Riviera Maya, Mexico, as well as develop their leadership skills by attending the Yale Women’s Leadership Program this coming March, according to UVI.
“We know that women are still underrepresented in STEM fields generally, including the ocean sciences. This award is significant because it recognizes the great achievements that women have made, are making and will make to our profession,” Grimes said.
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