Ocean Hoptimism: Coral Resistance & Collective Resilience w/ Dr. DeVant’e Dawson

2501 Monarch St, Alameda, CA 94501, USA

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Save the date for an evening of hope and optimism for our ocean’s future.

We’re honored to welcome Dr. DeVant’e Dawson, an interdisciplinary marine scientist and advocate for ocean equity and climate resilience. Why do some coral colonies survive in waters that leave others bleached and lifeless? In this talk, Dr. Dawson dives into his research on heat-resistant corals in Belize—and what their resilience can teach us about restoring reefs in a warming world.

 


But this story isn’t just about coral. It’s also about who gets to do science, and what it means to persist in systems that weren’t built for everyone. Dr. Dawson weaves together ecology, equity, and experience, asking: How do we build conservation that’s not only effective, but just? And how can science help us move from survival to transformation?


“True hope in ocean conservation comes from empowering communities to lead, honoring local knowledge, and opening doors for those historically left out of ocean science. Justice and resilience go hand in hand when we build pathways where belonging and impact are possible for all."
           
—Dr. DeVant’e Dawson

Speaker Bio:
Dr. DeVant'e D. Dawson is an early career marine biologist who is passionate about bridging the gap between policy and the public to facilitate environmental conservation and restoration. He earned a BS in Marine Biology and Biology Pre-Health, as well as an MS in Biology from Tuskegee University. In 2023, he graduated from the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology, focusing on microbiology and cell science. Dr. Dawson currently serves as the lead researcher for the Belize research on the SuperReefs Project, an international collaboration aimed at discovering and protecting heat-resistant corals through mentored science and community engagement.

About Ocean Hoptimism
Ocean Hoptimism is a monthly Bay Area series that spotlights stories of ocean resilience, hope, and action — all served with a side of craft beer and community connection. Hosted in partnership with Faction Brewing in Alameda, Ocean Hoptimism brings together ocean champions, storytellers, and community builders who believe that optimism isn’t just a feeling — it’s a force for change and essential fuel for ocean conservation. Our vision is to build a movement rooted in possibility, resilience, and a shared commitment to a thriving ocean future. Join us every fourth Thursday of the month at Faction Brewing for a new, inspirational Ocean Hoptimism speaker!

 

Learn More: www.oceanhoptimism.org/bayarea

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