Paola Espitia, M.Sc. is making a ripple of change for the ocean. For two decades, she worked to understand and conserve coral reef ecosystems as a marine biologist. Her research led her to dive Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Belize’s Barrier Reef, and Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina National Park. But when she realized she could make a bigger impact by using her voice, she became a Speaker-at-Sea cruising over 30,000 nautical miles aboard world-class cruise lines educating thousands of people about ocean conservation. Today, Paola leads coastal expeditions aboard National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions ships, produces environmental films at @olapicreative and serves as an adjunct professor of Oceanography at the Florida Institute of Technology. However, her biggest contribution towards a better, bluer future is raising an outdoor-loving son in Aquarina. Paola holds a M.Sc. from the Nova Southeastern University Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and a B.Sc. from the University of Delaware.

Associate Professor | Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences at Florida Tech regarding the Piling Wrap Oyster Bed Project, started in 2019 to update on initiatives to continue and extend the project. Dr. Weaver’s research focuses on coastal eco-engineering and coastal hydrodynamics / storm surge inundation. Dr. Weaver joined Florida Tech (2011) after working as a post-doctoral research assistant at UNC-CH Institute of Marine Sciences developing 2D/3D high resolution coastal models for predicting wave and storm surge, tracking particles (e.g. oil from Deepwater Horizon Blowout, oyster larvae). In 2013, he was instrumental in founding the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute at Florida Tech and initiated the Living Dock program. His current research includes real-time coastal modeling of waves and water levels, coastal flooding and transport, living shoreline/living dock design, and coastal eco-engineering. Dr. Weaver trains the next generation of coastal engineering professionals to develop science-based engineering solutions to coastal challenges (e.g., habitat loss, sea level rise, coastal water quality, hurricanes and storm surge inundation).

Dr. Leesa Souto was the Executive Director of Marine Resources Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Indian River Lagoon coastal estuary. Leesa is an urban ecology researcher investigating the complex linkages between land-based human actions and water quality to address policy questions and guide strategic actions. Her professional career spans over twenty years working to improve Florida’s water quality with Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office, Midwest Research Institute, and University of Central Florida. She now leads the Marine Resources Council, whose main tenant is community engagement in bringing the Indian River Lagoon to health through science based restoration, education and advocacy. Leesa received a Bachelors in Biology from Florida State University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management and a Doctorate in Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida. She lives in downtown Melbourne and loves spending time in nature and on the water.

Wild Florida Rescue, is an organization specializing in providing safe and compassionate ambulance style transportation for wildlife in need. Serving Brevard County and beyond, Wild Florida Rescue operates a wildlife ambulance that ensures injured animals receive an emergency first response transport to assisting Veterinary Hospitals or Rehabilitation facilities. The Wild Florida Rescue Team also provides an amazing search and rescue service to these animals, they also re-nest and reunite and best of all they release them back into the wild any chance they can!

In addition to being Chair of the Surfrider Space Coast chapter, Kris leads the Blue Water Task Force, which provides water quality monitoring. She would like to canvas for volunteer(s) to start water quality monitoring at Aquarina.