Jacksonville University students and community members learned how to turn science into advocacy during a storytelling workshop hosted by the University’s Marine Science Research Institute in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Ocean Conservancy. The workshop provided participants with tools to communicate about science and engage in advocacy.
Alongside NOAA team members from across the state, JU professors and students convened for a day-long workshop that provided resources, media training and networking opportunities to preparing them to engage in advocacy at the state and federal levels. Among the speakers was JU alum and graduate student Kody Everett ’26, who spent the summer working on a NOAA research vessel with NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries department, collecting data as a field researcher.
“I went into this experience for an opportunity to learn and gain more knowledge on field work, working on a large-scale fisheries vessel and working with a large crew as a scientist,” said Double Dolphin Kody Everett ’26. “I gained a tremendous amount of support from the professionals on the ship and gained new connections to help me with my science endeavors.”
Everett’s time on the ship highlighted the interconnected system of NOAA’s satellites, buoys, ships and research labs that collect and use data to model and predict hurricanes, gauge habitat distress and maintain the health of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. During his time on the water, Everett and his teammates caught more than 120 sharks and 200 fish, giving him critical field experience alongside seasoned crew members.
“Partnering with NOAA and the Ocean Conservancy to bring this workshop to our students and community was an opportunity to highlight the many ways NOAA impacts our daily lives, often far beyond marine science,” said Dr. Annalaura Mancia, executive director of MSRI. “Hearing stories about NOAA’s role in supporting our communities, protecting our environment and providing critical services reminded us how deeply science is connected to the world around us. Kody’s experience with NOAA this summer is just one example of how these connections create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of scientists.”
