GSS News and Opportunities

Our Network is Growing!

We have two new GSS Advisory Board members!  Its with great pleasure that we welcome Dr. Lekelia Jenkins and Dr. Afredo Giron-Nava to the GSS network. Both are scientists focused on Ocean Sustainability. Check out their bios on our website network page!

GSS Advisory Board Members are making an impact with their engagement.

GSS Board Member elected Vice Mayor

Dr. Justin Cummings, a founding member of the GSS Advisory Board, has had a pretty exciting year. In 2018, after helping to gather signatures to get a rent ordinance onto the ballot in the City of Santa Cruz, he decided to run for Santa Cruz City Council. In a race for three seats on the City Council, Justin came in first place in the election. Upon being sworn in, Justin was voted in as Vice Mayor for the City of Santa Cruz and is the first African American male in history to be elected to the City Council and to sit as Vice Mayor for the City of Santa Cruz. Congratulations Justin! We are so honored to have him as part of our GSS network!

American Association for the Advancement of Science is connecting scientists with students

Dr. Lekelia “Kiki” Jenkins, a new GSS Advisory Board member, has been selected as one of the 125 American Association for the Advancement of Science IF/THEN Ambassadors. IF/THEN seeks to further women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. To achieve this goal, AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors connect with students in person and through various media platforms. The ambassadors are contemporary role models who represent a diversity of STEM-related professions in the United States, from entertainment and fashion to sports, business and academia. Kiki especially interested in engaging girls in conservation and marine science by using science dance as an engagement tool.

Washington Sea Grant Keystone Fellow

Adrienne Hampton was our inaugural GSS Fellow and has served on the GSS Advisory Board. She has been selected to be the first Washington Sea Grant Keystone Fellow. This paid fellowship offers a unique educational opportunity by matching highly motivated and qualified individuals with host offices throughout Washington State. Recent graduates are matched with hosts from state or local government, tribes, nonprofits and maritime industries. Fellows work primarily on science, policy, and industry related projects with an additional emphasis on work related to the advancement of social justice, racial equity and inclusion in these professional spaces. Adrienne is working with the Seattle Aquarium, office of Conversation Programs and Partnerships, on a project titled Array of Ocean Advocacy. Through this project, Adrienne will lead the development, coordination and training of a network of diverse groups and individuals around the goal of elevating ocean conservation as a central value for residents and elected decision-makers throughout Washington State. Well done Adrienne!

 Don’t forget, we are receiving GSS Fellows Applications for Summer 2020.

Application accepted from January 15 - February 28, 2020