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MESM 2026

Pronouns:  she/her

Bio
Caroline Smith graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa in 2023, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in marine research and recognized the critical role of scientific communication in engaging local communities. As a research intern with the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP), Caroline analyzed passive acoustic data to study Hawaiian monk seal communication. She also contributed to the MMRP humpback whale research team, utilizing drones, photo identification, and tagging to examine mother-calf relationships in Hawaiian breeding grounds.

Inspired by these experiences, Caroline is now pursuing a Master of Environmental Science and Management at the Bren School, specializing in Coastal Resource Management with a focus on Strategic Environmental Communication. She is passionate about exploring management and policy strategies to improve the health of marine ecosystems, particularly through the protection of marine sanctuaries. Ultimately, Caroline plans to bridge the gap between scientific research and effective management, with the goal of enhancing public engagement and addressing environmental injustices in coastal ecosystems.