Meet Sea Grant Experts in Resilience

Jessica Whitehead, Ph.D.

Coastal Communities Hazards Adaptation Specialist, North Carolina Sea Grant - Jessica is co-creator of the Vulnerability, Consequences and Adaptation Planning Scenarios (VCAPS) process, which allows community leaders to diagram the relationships between environmental stresses, such as increased water level, and management concerns, such as flooding. Jessica has been honored by the American Meteorological Society as one of 34 emerging leaders in weather, water, and climate science.

“A strength I bring is my experience in helping citizens in the coastal Carolinas use information about weather and climate to make better decisions about their lives and livelihoods."

Stephanie Dohner

Ph.D. candidate at the University of Delaware - Stephanie's research is funded by Delaware Sea Grant. She uses autonomous robot technology, like aerial drones, to study coastal morphology and how extreme weather events like tropical storms and Nor'easters affect coastal change.

"Our data can help communities with their risk management plans, developing flood maps, and looking at potential infrastructure risks."

Lisa Graichen

Climate Adaptation Program Coordinator, New Hampshire Sea Grant - Lisa develops programs for coastal communities in New Hampshire focused on ways to adapt to a changing climate.

"The most rewarding thing for me so far has been meeting with people face-to-face, hearing their challenges, and helping connect them to Sea Grant or partner organization resources."