Fort Johnson Seminar Series
The Fort Johnson Marine Science Seminar Series is held Mondays at 11 a.m. in the MRRI auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Speaker/topic information updated weekly including streaming links.
If you have any speaker recommendations or would like to give a seminar yourself, please submit the information to the Speaker Nomination Form.
Please send questions to FortJohnsonSeminar@gmail.com.
September 2026
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September 14
Captain Chris Crolley - Founder of Coastal Expeditions Foundation, Mayor of Awendaw
Introducing Earthlings to Earth
The Coastal Expeditions Foundation connects people to the places and wildlife that make our coast worth protecting. Through our work with environmental education, protecting sea turtles, shorebirds, and seabirds, the Foundation helps build a deeper understanding of our coastal ecosystems. We'll discuss how conservation is more than protecting individual species and includes conserving land, advancing policy and advocacy, and educating the next generation of environmental stewards. This talk explores how the Coastal Expeditions Foundation brings these pieces together to create meaningful, lasting conservation and introduce Earthlings to Earth.
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online.
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September 21
Dr. Joshua Stone - Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
Impacts of Climate Change on Zooplankton Populations of North Inley Estuary, SC
Zooplankton are a key component of estuarine food webs but are highly susceptible to changes in the environment. Using a 45-year time series of zooplankton populations in North Inlet Estuary, SC, my lab and collaborators have examined the impacts of climate change and environmental variability on estuarine plankton, with specific focus on shrimp, jellyfish, and copepods. We found changes in abundance, seasonality, and community composition are likely driven by winter warming and changes in phytoplankton abundance. Future research will investigate the impact of these shifts on larval fish feeding, growth, and survival.
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online
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September 28
Dr. Corie Charpentier - Assistant Professor, Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, University of South Carolina
Navigating a sea of blue: A zooplankter’s perspective
No two animals perceive their environment in exactly the same way. In our lab, we explore how coastal zooplankton, particularly invertebrate larvae, sense and respond to environmental change. This talk will explore three cases where understanding a zooplankter’s perspective is crucial, including larval responses to light pollution, oyster settlement along a developed shoreline, and range expansion of mangrove tree crabs. We will also discuss future directions and opportunities for growth in our new research group.
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online
Reserve a Meeting or Join the Speaker for Lunch: Sign Up Sheet Now Open
October 2026
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October 5
Dr. Ruoying (Roy) He - Goodnight Innovation Distinguished Professor, North Carolina State University
Taking AI out to Sea: From Data to Decision with AI-Augmented MetOcean Digital Twins
The ocean is always changing, and decisions at sea often depend on knowing what conditions may come next. This talk explores how ocean measurements, computer models, and artificial intelligence can work together to provide timely, local information for people who work on and near the water. Through examples from ports, offshore energy, and marine wildlife, Dr. Roy He will discuss how better ocean forecasts and AI integration can support safer operations and environmental stewardship—and why reliable data and careful testing matter.
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online
Reserve a Meeting or Join the Speaker for Lunch: Sign Up Sheet Now Open
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October 12
No Seminar
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October 19
Kim Washok-Jones - Director of Projects & Watershed Resilience, Town of Bluffton
Policies, Programs, Projects & Partnerships to Improve Public/Environmental Health: A Journey from Septic to Sewer in Bluffton, SC
There are no simple actions communities can ake to reduce the common water quality pollutant of fecal coliform. The Town of Bluffton faced this challenge when high levels of fecal coliform closed oyster harvesting in a portion of the May River in 2009. For nearly 20 years, Bluffton has gathered data to develop strategies to reduce this pollutant. Microbial source tracking testing identified failing septic systems along the river’s edge as a source of pollution in the river. Sound science has led to sound policies guiding the Town’s journey from septic to sewer within portions of the May River Watershed.
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online.
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October 26
Dr. Blake Scott & Students of the Marsh - Co-Founder of The M.A.R.S.H. Project, Chair and Associate Professor, Dept. of International Studies, College of Charleston
TBA
TBA
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online.
November 2026
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November 2
Dr. Rachel Dixon - Associate Professor, Coastal Carolina University
TBA
TBA
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online
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November 9
Dr. John Carroll - Associate Professor, Georgia Southern University
TBA
TBA
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online
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November 16
Dr. Matt Slagel - Coastal Resilience Program Manager, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
TBA
TBA
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online.
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November 23
Dr. Matthew Costa - Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina
TBA
TBA
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online.
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November 30
TBD
TBA
TBA
Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online.