CSUCI is a public university in Ventura County, California and holds regular guest speaker events to connect the CSUCI students with community members. The goal of this speaker series is to further inspire and to share unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration toward conservation efforts and goals with career professionals.

Christy presented on the topic of marine debris and the program’s efforts to prevent, remove, monitor, and research it, and attendees learned about available NOAA resources. Christy also shared her career journey and professional development opportunities for those interested in the marine field. Christy also highlighted her reflections on the NOAA-funded project and recent site visit to the Channel Islands included in a MDP blog, Channeling Conservation in the Channel Islands: One Lobster Trap, Balloon, and Piece of Plastic at a Time, about the importance of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.