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.

If you have any speaker recommendations or would like to give a seminar yourself, please submit the information to the Speaker Nomination Form

 

February 2026


The schedule will be updated as additional speakers are announced.
  • February 2

    Tia Clark - Owner, Casual Crabbing with Tia

    CRABBING, CULTURE, AND CONSERVATION

    Tia Clark presents Crabbing, Culture, & Conservation in Charleston, SC—an intimate story of healing, heritage, and environmental stewardship. The talk explores her health journey and decision to leave the food and beverage industry to pursue Casual Crabbing with Tia, reconnecting with her Gullah Geechee roots in the Lowcountry. Through her renewed connection to the water, Tia became involved in conservation efforts alongside the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, including their Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program, highlighting the deep ties between culture, wellness, and coastal conservation.

    Located in the MRRI Auditorium, or online

  • February 9

    Ellen Waldrop - Assistant Diadromous Fishes Coordinator, SCDNR WFF

    TBA

     

  • February 23

    Dr. Elizabeth Fly - Marine Conservation Director, South Carolina Chapter, The Nature Conservancy

    TBA

     

     

March 2026


The schedule will be updated as additional speakers are announced.
  • March 2

    TBD

    TBD

     

  • March 9

    TBD

    TBD

     

  • March 16

    Dr. Thomas Williamson - Sayed Distinguished Professor, Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry, UNC-Wilmington

    TBA

  • March 23

    Grey Gowder - Founder and Executive Director, Carolina Ocean Alliance

    TBA

     

  • March 30

    Dr. Derek Crane - Associate Professor, Dept. of Biology, Coastal Carolina University

    TBA

     

April 2026


The schedule will be updated as additional speakers are announced.
  • April 6

    Ray Holberger - Environmental Risk Specialist, SC Dept of Environmental Services

    TBA

     

  • April 13

    Dr. Lisa Ailloud - Stock Assessment Scientist, Gulf Fisheries Branch, NOAA Fisheries

    TBA

     

  • April 20

    Aaron Given - Wildlife Biologist, Town of Kiawah Island

    TBA

     

  • April 27

    Brian Quigley - Charleston Field Station Manager, National Marine Mammal Foundation

    TBA