 | | Dr. Wallace "J' Nichols dedicates his life to ocean awareness and sea turtle conservation. "Through BLUEMIND seminars, I want to forever link the studies of mind and ocean,” says Nichols. |
The BLUEMiND Symposium hosted by Turtle Island Restoration Network Friday May 11 was an amazing day and evening interacting with the world's leader in innovative ocean conservation strategies, sea turtle scientist Dr. Wallace "J" Nichols. Engaging conservation science seminars, an intimate Premier Reception, and an evening of transformative BLUEMiND discussions and actions combined to focus the minds and hearts of over one hundred guests/
During the amazing evening BLUEMiND experience, internal fMRI brain scans were presented by Stanford University researcher Nik Saw before Dr. Nichol's intimate BLUEMiND discussion, a celebration of the emergence of neuroscience as a tool as it relates to the ocean biosphere. Jodi Lomask of Capacitor Performance then enthralled the audience with her dance company's science-inspired ocean and rainforest programs that feature world-class dancing, innovative and interactive props, and multi-media integration with scientists' such as ocean explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle.
After the talks, an Expert Panel assembled to tackle an engaging discussion on the future of effective ocean conservation. Creative educational consultant Andi Wong and the Institute for the Future's Dr. Jake Dunagan joined Turtle Island Restoration Network's Executive Director Todd Steiner on the Expert Panel.
Audience members were overflowing with gratitude for all the amazing science and emotions shared during the day and evening programs. The Silent Auction was a big success, resulting in much-needed additional funds to support ongoing conservation campaigns.
We look forward to hosting another transformative, interactive programing for our growing network of conservation enthusiasts!
Click here to download the pdf file of the Full Program Agenda.
10am – 4pm, BLUEMiND Symposium
10:00am Welcome to BLUEMiND
10:15 - 10:45 Pacific Leatherbacks: Giants in Jeopardy Plagued by Plastic, Chris Pincetich, Ph.D., Turtle Island Restoration Network
10:45 - 11:15 Saving Bluefin Tuna: Will We Eat the Last Bluefin?, Catherine Kilduff, M.S., J.D., Center for Biological Diversity
11:15 – 11:45 The Re-Occupation of Harbor Porpoises in San Francisco Bay, Jonathan Stern, Ph.D., San Francisco State University
11:45 – 12:00 Q & A Discussion with AM Speakers
12:00 – 1:00 LUNCH
1:00 – 1:30 Why I Love Saving the Sea: the Story of a Seaweed Rebel, David Helvarg, Blue Frontier Campaign
1:30 -2:00 Your Brain on Nature: Using fMRI to Understand How We Value the Environment, Nik Sawe, Stanford University
2:00 – 2:30 Saving Pacific Sharks: Ban the Soup, Save the Fin?, David McGuire, M.A., M.P.H., Shark Stewards
2:30-3:00 Essential Eelgrass: Restoring Valued Habitat, Katharyn Boyer, Ph.D., San Francisco State University
3:00-3:30 Blue Marbles, Sea Turtles, & Love: What’s on Your BLUEMiND?, Wallace J Nichols, Ph.D., Cal Academy of Sciences
3:30-4:00 BLUEMiND Symposium Panel Discussion – all presenters
6pm-7pm, BLUEMiND Premier Reception
The Premier Reception features delicious refreshments and exclusive access to Ocean Luminaries including Dr. Wallace J. Nichols and BLUEMiND colleagues and includes General Admission to the evening BLUEMiND program 7pm-10pm.
7pm-10pm, BLUEMiND General Admission
Experience the BLUEMiND immersion, with no-host bar, refreshments, silent auction, and interactive Ocean Action Zone to transform your inspiration into action!
7:20 Welcome and Introduction to BLUEMiND
Chris Pincetich & Todd Steiner, Turtle Island Restoration Network
7:30 Your Brain on Nature
Nik Sawe, Stanford University
7:40 BLUEMiND- Your Brain on Ocean
Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols, California Academy of Sciences
8:00 Ocean Movements Through Dance
Jodi Lomask, Capacitor Performance
8:35 BLUEMiND Expert Panel Discussion
Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols, Nik Sawe, Jodi Lomask, Dr. Jake Dunagan, Andi Wong, Todd Steiner
9:00 Closing and Take Action with Your BLUEMiND
Todd Steiner, Turtle Island Restoration Network
BLUEMiND Speaker Bios
Wallace “J” Nichols, Ph.D., Founder of BLUEMiND
Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols spends his time discovering nature. He completed undergraduate studies at DePauw University, graduate studies at Duke University and University of Arizona, and has conducted academic research as a Fulbright Fellow and as a research associate at the California Academy of Sciences. He is author of more than fifty scientific papers, book chapters, popular articles, and reports on sea turtle ecology and ocean conservation. His efforts have been featured in National Geographic, Scientific American, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other international media. Dr. Nichols has undertaken the task of reaching new constituencies with a positive and inclusive conservation message and building a network of like-minded people, from diverse regions, backgrounds and careers who share a commitment to maintaining abundant life in the oceans and on the coast. Dr. Nichols’ innovative BLUEMiND movement is the newest conception from the world’s leading ocean conservation innovator.
Nik Sawe, Neuroscientist, Stanford University
Nik Sawe grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, receiving his BS in Biology at Stanford University and is currently conducting neuroscience research towards a doctorate degree. Nik's two great loves have always been biology and writing, and in high school he published a novel, Wolf Trails, about the trials of a wolf pack reintroduced into the wild. As an undergrad at Stanford, he worked examining intracellular cell signaling pathways that protect against stroke. Nik is currently examining a potential crossroads between neuroscience and environmental science, analyzing the decision-making process at the level of discrete brain structures, allowing insights into the way we think about and route information. “Obtaining a clear picture of how we evaluate long-term environmental risks on a neural level is an important step in characterizing how and why we make unsustainable environmental decisions, and can help inform new approaches in environmental economics, policymaking, and education,” says Nik, one of the emerging leaders of the BLUEMiND team.
Jodi Lomask, Capacitor Performance
Jodi Lomask is the founder of Capacitor (www.capacitor.org), a dance-circus company that explores non-traditional combinations of art and science through movement. A 1996 cum laude graduate of the dance conservatory at SUNY Purchase, Lomask has trained and performed with the Royal Ballet Academy, London Contemporary Dance School, the Rotterdam Dansacademie, L' Espace Catastrophe and other prestigious dance companies. The daughter of a biomedical research engineer and a visual artist, Lomask spent her childhood going to laboratories and gallery openings. She weaves these two worlds into the tapestry of her work, creating highly visual, biological images and rhythms. She has collaborated with world-renowned research scientists to create original dance works that draw attention to critical environmental issues. Jodi has been commissioned to create original works for NASA, TED, SFO, Computers and Structures, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Salvadorian Olympic Gymnastics Team. Her newest project, Okeanos, an ocean sensory immersion, debuted in 2012.
Jake Dunagan, Ph.D., Research Director, Institute for the Future
Dr. Jake Dunagan’s research examines the accelerating transformations of individuals, culture, and governance. Jake received his Ph.D. at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, where he studied neuropolitics, governance design, alternative futures, and communication of foresight. He is currently an adjunct professor at the California College of Arts' MBA Design Strategy Program, where he teaches Strategic Foresight and Tactical Media. Dr. Dunagan explores how societies are adapting to the Neurocentric age, a time of unprecedented ability to view and modify the mind. Recently, he has written and lectured on comprehensive cognitive design, judicial foresight, kids' technologies, neuroscience and the ocean, alternative energy futures, social media, and the future of work.
Katharyn Boyer, Ph.D., San Francisco State University
Dr. Katharyn Boyer’s research is focused on the ecology and restoration of coastal habitats, primarily salt marshes and seagrass beds in the San Francisco Bay. Currently an Associate Professor at San Francisco State’s Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, she received her Ph.D. from UCLA. Her studies focus on wetland and coastal ecology and restoration, community ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, nutrient dynamics, trophic interactions, and habitat structure. Dr. Boyer also develops restoration techniques and nutrient pollution indicators for estuarine and coastal waters. Dr. Boyer’s students take part in habitat restoration projects led by SPAWN, a project of the Turtle Island Restoration Network.
Jonathan Stern, Ph.D. San Francisco State University
Dr. Jonathan Stern studies the ecology of minke whales in the Northeast Pacific Ocean and most recently the re-occupation of harbor porpoises to San Francisco Bay. This project has already discovered aspects of harbor porpoise ecology that have never been observed. Along with his colleagues, Jonathan plans to study these porpoises for many years to come. He received his BA from Sonoma State University, MA from San Francisco State University, and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University where he then became a Professor of Marine Biology. He is currently a lecturer and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University, and is also an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University. Jonathan has also studied killer whales in the Pacific Northwest, and humpback and fin whales in the Gulf of Alaska. One of his favorite gigs was at NASA/Ames Research Center where he developed computer simulations to predict the effects of climate change on nitrogen, phosphorus and water cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. He also played bass in Texas with Bert Wills and the Cryin’ Shames, and in Marin County with the Jungle Studs.
Catherine Kilduff, M.S., J.D., Staff Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
Catherine Kilduff works in the Center's Oceans Program to protect marine species and ecosystems. Catherine received her law degree from the University of Virginia, a master's of science from the College of William and Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and her bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Dartmouth College. Before becoming an attorney, Catherine worked as legislative staff for the U.S. House Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. Prior to joining the Center, Catherine practiced environmental law at Downey Brand LLP in Sacramento.
David Helvarg, President, Blue Frontier Campaign
David Helvarg is President of the Blue Frontier Campaign (www.bluefront.org) and author of The War Against the Greens, Blue Frontier, 50 Ways to Save the Ocean, Rescue Warriors – The U.S. Coast Guard, America’s Forgotten Heroes and Saved by the Sea - A Love Story with Fish. He's editor of the Ocean and Coastal Conservation Guide, organizer of several ‘Blue Vision’ Summits for ocean activists, and winner of Coastal Living Magazine’s 2005 Leadership Award and the 2007 Herman Melville literary Award. An award-winning journalist, he produced more than 40 documentaries for PBS, The Discovery Channel, and others. His print work has appeared in The New York Times, LA Times, Smithsonian, Popular Science, Sierra, and Parade. He is a licensed Private Investigator, body-surfer, and scuba diver. David has touched the lives of millions with his passion for sharing his personal connection to the ocean and its power to inspire conservation action.
Todd Steiner, M.S., Executive Director, Turtle Island Restoration Network
Todd Steiner is the founder and executive director of Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN), overseeing its four primary initiatives – SeaTurtles.org, SpawnUSA.org, GotMercury.org and SharkStewards.org. He holds a masters degree in Biology and currently leads research on sea turtles and sharks at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica. Todd initially founded the Sea Turtle Restoration Project as part of Earth Island Institute in 1989. Prior to that, he worked as a wildlife biologist at Everglades National Park then was director of Earth Island’s Save the Dolphin project, which was responsible for bringing to public view the tuna industry’s impact on dolphins and other marine species and. He has more than 30 years experience protecting and restoring endangered species and habitats. Todd currently serves as a member of IUCN (World Conservation Union) Marine Turtle Specialist Group, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, NOAA-DFG Priority Action Coho Team Technical Working Group, and the Lagunitas Creek Technical Advisory Committee.
David McGuire, M.A., M.P.H., Director, Shark Stewards
A marine biologist and ocean advocate, David McGuire is the founding director of the non-profit Sea Stewards and currently directs the Shark Stewards and Got Mercury? projects at Turtle Island Restoration Network. David holds a masters degree in Environmental Health from University of California at Berkeley and is the writer, producer and underwater cinematographer of several award winning ocean conservation documentaries. He helped build a coalition leading to the passage of the California Shark Conservation Act (AB 376- Fong, Huffman) in the State of California, which bans the possession and sale of shark fins in the state and caps an effort to ban shark fins in all US states bordering the Pacific Ocean. David is a published author, serves as a contributing Board Member of The San Francisco Green Film Festival and the Cordell Bank Marine Sanctuary Association, and recently received the 2011 Hero of Marin Environmental Stewardship Award.
Chris Pincetich, Ph.D., Education & Outreach Manager, Turtle Island Restoration Network
Dr. Chris Pincetich works at the Turtle Island Restoration Network campaigning to save sea turtles and protect healthy ocean habitats. Chris has a doctorate in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Davis and a B.S. in Marine Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz. He has led marine and watershed pollution monitoring and research for over fifteen years as part of the Surfrider Foundation, University of California, the private consulting firm Pacific EcoRisk Inc., and with the East Bay Municipal Water District. Chris’ sea turtle conservation work extends from the Gulf of Mexico, where he fought for increased wildlife rescue efforts during the BP oil spill, to nesting beach patrolling on the Pacific shores of Costa Rica. His passion for promoting sea turtle and ocean conservation has been shared through speaking engagements ranging from international scientific conferences to elementary school classrooms. Studying plastic pollution on our shorelines and in marine endangered species habitat is the focus of Chris's current work in marine environmental toxicology.
Andi Wong, Instructor at Rooftop Alternative School
Teaching artist and arts advocate Andi Wong currently works with K-8 students and teachers at Rooftop Alternative K-8 School in San Francisco. A UC Davis graduate with a degree in Art Studio and the proud parent of two wonderful children, Ms. Wong currently serves on the advisory committees for StageWrite and SFUSD’s Arts Education Master Plan. Ms. Wong develops curriculum with Bay Area arts education organizations such as the de Young Museum, StageWrite, San Francisco Opera, and the Marcus Shelby Orchestra and has led arts education workshops for the Alameda Arts Alliance, Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, ArtsBridge at UCB, Lincoln Center Institute National Educator Workshop and San Francisco Unified School District. As a member of the Rooftop Art Committee and as the school’s 3rd-4th grade technology instructor, she designs and implements whole school integrated studies centered around challenging works of art. As a teaching artist for “Art Is…,” Rooftop’s concept-based arts integration program, she works with the school community to explore the languages of art - visual art, dance, music, theater, literary arts and new media. She is currently working to integrate art, technology, science and environmental advocacy with The Blue Marble Project, and was an invited speaker for National Arts In Education Week in San Francisco, and the first BLUEMiND conference at the California Academy of Sciences.
|
