Posts by: Heather Mannix

This year, COMPASS is celebrating over 25 years of supporting science communication and engagement. Since our founding, we’ve had the privilege of learning alongside tens of thousands of passionate professionals who are working on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time — from conservation to wildfire management, marine carbon ...

It’s hard to believe, but summer is getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, and that means it’s almost time for the fifth International Marine Conservation Congress! This year, it takes place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Communication is usually an important theme at this conference, and I’m really excited for COMPASS to be a part of it, and offer oppor...

Scientists from around the world gather to share their research and insight into ocean science and conservation at the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC). COMPASS teamed up with Dr. Stephanie Green (Center for Ocean Solutions) and Dr. Kirsten Grorud-Colvert (Oregon State University) to hold storytelling workshops at past IMCCs, which provided partici...

Many scientists fear repercussions from engaging around contentious subjects like climate change—anything from losing connections and opportunities, to jeopardizing their careers and credibility. But there are still productive conversations to be had, even in highly politicized environments. Continuing to engage, even when it’s difficult, is crucial for society...

In January, right after the holidays, Nancy Baron and I traveled to New Orleans to work with the leaders from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) – a 10-year research program to investigate and understand the effect of oil spills on the environment and public health. The Gulf is the focus of a lot of investment in research these days, and these scien...