Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University recently hosted the Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) Symposium, drawing marine scientists nationwide. The event took place from November 15 to 17 and marked the first in-person gathering since a virtual meeting in 2022. It attracted 115 participants, including students, faculty, and professionals from various states such as New York, Florida, Colorado, and South Carolina.

The symposium was organized by Tara Rider, faculty director of the environmental studies program at Stony Brook's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). Inspired by her students' positive experiences at a SWMS event in 2019, Rider founded the New York chapter of SWMS. She emphasized the importance of such events: “This is a field that has been very male-dominated, historically speaking,” Rider said. “I think it’s important to create events like that that allow for mentoring and networking."

The event began with a screening of "Picture a Scientist," followed by discussions on equity and inclusion within STEM fields. Saturday featured workshops and panels focusing on career development across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Experts shared insights into navigating careers in marine science while stressing networking's significance.

An organizational tabling event showcased opportunities with groups like Peconic Baykeepers and the Surfrider Foundation. Sunday concluded with practical training sessions on marine mammal stranding response led by NYMRC and data analysis workshops using R programming language.

“We don’t want to just crack a glass ceiling,” Rider concluded. “We want to give support so they can get to that ceiling.”

— Beth Squire