Social Science Contributions to STEM: USNA NASEC Conference

From November 3 to 5, Walker,  an earth and oceanographic science and government double major, Chertavian, a government and computer science double major, and Velasquez, an environmental studies and government major, were in Annapolis, Maryland, for the conference.

The USNA hosts an annal conference to bring policy makers and science advisors together with university faculty and students to "discuss significant science and engineering challenges,” according to its website.

At the 2019 Naval Academy Science and Engineering Conference (NASEC) participants talked about the main themes of the conference: ocean exploration, conservation, and extreme weather, and then discussed potential solutions for some of the biggest climate change-driven issues. Oceans are especially relevant to the Naval Academy because their students spend much of their time on the water. But the Naval Academy also faces more immediate changes, with areas of their campus already facing persistent flooding from heavy storms.

For climate solutions, Bowdoin students were able to see what other students from around the world were researching. In breakout sessions, students formulated specific solutions to ocean-related problems. With a wide range of majors, schools, and backgrounds, these breakout sessions encompassed a variety of student expertise. Oceanographers helped identify the problems. Political science majors were able to find gaps in legislation. Engineers brought the know-how for implementing these solutions.

Groups tackled eutrophication: what if we create living docks on existing infrastructure to remove nutrients from the water? Chertavian's group discussed microplastics in the world’s oceans and summarized cutting edge developments in plastics removal. Walker's group approached waste in single-use products and the technical design process. They discussed how they could address those with innovative solutions and community engagement programs so that the public can understand the cycle of material use.

Additionally, speakers from several industries discussed their individual work in the oceans. From Lockheed Martin, one of the nation’s top aerospace and advanced technologies programs, to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, attendees listened to presentations on soft robotics, storm resiliency, chemical engineering, and the relationship of the environment to national defense. There was something for all ocean interests — highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental studies major at Bowdoin College.

“NASEC was a wonderfully fascinating conference to attend. I was able to present work I engaged with during my environmental studies fellowship during the summer of 2018 — a podcast series about development and change along the Portland working waterfront for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.” — Diego Velasquez ’20

“It was an excellent opportunity to meet students from around the country who are excited to discuss innovative ways to address the difficult and complex problems facing our world's oceans.” — Sarah Walker ’20

“NASEC was a wonderful experience because it was a chance to meet and converse with people who were in entirely different academic environments than my own. We often speak of the breaking through the "Bowdoin Bubble," and the opportunity to talk with people who approach issues of the ocean from a technological and military lens was incredibly valuable.”  — Cameron Chertavian '’0

Find this story and more like it on the Bowdoin Environmental Studies Instagram @bowdoin_es