By Katharine Sucher, Science Writing Intern
Emily Egginton Skeehan joined Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) this June as a graduate research fellow. After volunteering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Emily saw firsthand how vulnerable coastal communities are to climate change. Now Emily will spend her yearlong fellowship with VASG impacting policy to help another coastal community.
“Ever since that day in New Orleans I have focused my interest in marine policy, particularly in the area of climate change adaptation,” Emily said. “[I aim] to help communities improve climate change adaptation—by coupling a strong background in science with a deep understanding of policy.”
Over the next year, Emily will investigate how warming temperatures and sea level rise will affect the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Plan (LRBERP).
Over the next 50 years the LRBERP aims to construct 31 acres of new oyster reef habitat and to restore a combined 132 acres of tidal wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation. According to Emily, however, the LRBERP does not currently consider the implications of rising global temperatures and sea level rise. Through her research Emily will develop a modeling tool for incorporating climate change adaptation into the LRBERP and other restoration planning efforts.
Emily will also provide guidance to USACE, Virginia Beach, and Hampton Roads Planning District Commission to steer more effective policy and management practices.
“As a scientist, I strive to provide actionable guidance that can be applied at all levels of management,” Emily said. “The Sea Grant fellowship will push me to combine scientific information with stakeholder knowledge to steer stronger policy.”
Emily graduated from Middlebury College in 2006 with a degree in environmental studies and a focus in policy. She is currently pursuing a master’s in marine science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
