Carrie Schuman

Bio

As a native New Englander, I fell in love with our rugged, rocky Atlantic Coast shoreline which led me to focus in marine science. However, I've always been interested in how other aspects like policy, economics, and education and engagement can be used to craft more applied scientific solutions to natural resource issues. I recently finished a PhD at the University of Florida in Interdisciplinary Ecology studying oyster-provided ecosystem services – the benefits of oysters that can be tied to human wellbeing. I studied their filtration ability in the St. Augustine region of Florida along with the influence of where they are located on reefs and how closely they are aggregated with other oysters. I also asked oyster and fish harvesters about how they use and think about oyster reefs. I am always searching for ways to combine my other creative interests such as writing, music, photography, and crafting with science storytelling. I am thrilled to continue developing my science communication skills with AAAS and the San Luis Obispo Tribune!

@meandering_sci

Clips

• Tiny pieces of plastic pollute Monterey Bay — and they’re likely in SLO County waters, too

• Have you seen fewer sea stars lately? Scientists are still working out why

• Morro Bay lost 90% of its eelgrass. Here’s how scientists are trying to save the key plant

• How do carnival rides work? Former Disney Imagineer, Cal Poly educator share secrets

• California sea lions are being poisoned by toxic algae. Why this year is more concerning

• If towering wind turbines come to Central Coast ocean waters, how visible would they be?

• Central Coast marine protected areas — once considered a flop — may now be helping fish

• Morro Bay oyster farmers are thriving now — but they face a looming threat

• Climate change may damage oyster habitat up and down California, researchers say