The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is excited to host its next speaker in the Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series: Marley Dewey, an assistant professor of bioengineering at UC Santa Barbara. Her talk, “How Our Skeletons Can Save Our Reefs,” will take place on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. There will be a pre-lecture reception for SBMM members from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
Tickets are free for Navigators Circle members, $10 for SBMM members, $20 for the general public, and $5 for students and educators with valid IDs.
Coral reefs are essential. They are made of living organisms that build calcium-based skeletons. These reefs shelter marine life, protect coastlines, and support millions of people’s livelihoods. Unfortunately, coral reefs have shrunk by over 50% since the 1950s due to warming oceans and increased acid levels. Traditional restoration methods can’t keep up with this alarming decline, leading scientists to seek new solutions.
Dewey’s research takes an innovative approach. She’s using advancements in biomaterials, initially meant for human bone repair, to help coral reefs heal. This reversal of application offers fresh hope. By learning from what works for human bones, her team designs materials aimed at boosting coral growth and repairing damaged reefs.
“This work matters for coastal ecosystems worldwide,” says SBMM. “It can enhance ocean health and biodiversity, especially along the California coast.” Dewey’s insights not only illustrate the connection between human health and marine ecosystems but also reflect a pressing call for innovative thinking in environmental science.
The talk is not just a scientific exploration but a chance to see how interdisciplinary research can shape our understanding of ocean conservation. Lis Perry, SBMM’s education director, emphasizes this point, noting that Dewey’s work aims to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
Dewey’s educational background is impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in materials science from the University of Illinois. Her awards include being a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and the recipient of the Annual Innovation Award for her Ph.D. thesis. She further honed her skills as a Clinical and Translational Science Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh.
“Both corals and humans rely on skeletons for support,” Dewey explains. “What we learn from bone repair can lead us to new tools that might help coral reefs recover.” This link between human health and marine preservation is not only fascinating but also crucial in addressing the larger issues of climate change and biodiversity loss.
As many communities grapple with the decline of coral reefs, Dewey’s approach stands out. It signals a promising direction for ocean conservation efforts, building hope that science can lead to tangible change.
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