- Watch: Full Session Recording (YouTube)
- Download: Webinar Summary Report
Planning a collaborative research project can be challenging — it requires integrating researchers and the intended users of the science in a collaborative process that is unlike most traditional research approaches.
On October 16, 2019, the Science Collaborative hosted a panel discussion webinar highlighting the collective advice of three panelists who have helped design and manage collaborative science projects addressing a range of coastal management issues. This webinar aimed to help participants understand the key factors to consider in designing collaborative research projects. The panel discussion explored lessons learned about:
- Conceptualizing research to ensure it addresses natural resource management needs; and
- Designing a collaborative research process to ensure that it succeeds.
About the Speakers:
 | Alison Watts, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, University of New Hampshire Alison is a civil engineer with a strong interest in water resource management and a history of successful collaborations involving municipal and watershed organizations. She has partnered with reserves on several projects over the years, the most recent project is developing and testing environmental DNA monitoring protocols. |
 | Jennifer West, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Narragansett Bay NERR Jen develops and delivers training for coastal decision makers on topics ranging from climate change, wetland restoration, water resource management and facilitation techniques. She’s served as the collaborative lead for a number of projects, including a recent project involving wetland restoration pilot efforts at eight different reserves and a regional initiative to advance marsh resilience. |
 | Nikki Dix, PhD, Research Director, Guana Tolomato Matanzas NERR Nikki establishes research priorities and oversees monitoring programs that address local and regional management needs at her reserve. She’s worked closely with a range of academic partners and natural resource managers to help guide collaborative research, including recent projects about living shorelines and oyster management. |
Moderator:
 | Julia Wondolleck, PhD, NERRS Science Collaborative Julia’s research and teaching focuses on the collaborative dimension of marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystem management. Julia supports Science Collaborative project teams through the development of training and tools to help teams plan and manage their collaborative processes. |