In November 2025, thirty-three representatives from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) attended the Biennial Conference of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) in Richmond, Virginia. The group included undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Their participation was supported by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) programs such as the SEAS Islands Alliance and Navigating Home. The event provided an opportunity for island-based researchers to share their work in coastal and estuarine science.
Sarai Hutchinson, a UVI graduate student, received the Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation award for her research on mangrove restoration using Sargassum and recycled crushed glass. Many of the 26 UVI students and early-career professionals presented at a major conference for the first time.
The UVI group worked with participants from Puerto Rico and Guam. These collaborations are supported by NSF-funded projects that aim to increase participation in STEM fields among island communities. The SEAS Islands Alliance focuses on mentorship and community-building for students in geoscience careers…