The Coastal Call, presented by the Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies at Fairfield University, brings listeners to the frontlines of impactful, institution-wide research on our changing coasts and climate. Each episode dives deep into the latest discoveries and large-scale initiatives shaping our oceans, shorelines, and communities. Through engaging discussions and expert interviews, The Coastal Call offers an opportunity to explore robust climate and coastal research.
Episodes
Dec 16, 2025
Dec 16, 2025
28 min
In this episode of The Coastal Call, host Rob Nazarian, PhD and guest co-host Aishwarya Krutukulam speak with Penny Vlahos, PhD, a biogeochemist at the University of Connecticut, about what Long Island Sound can teach us about coastal change and community resilience. Dr. Vlahos explains how carbon and nitrogen cycling shape water quality, why the western Sound is more vulnerable to hypoxia and seasonal acidification, and how warming trends could reverse some restoration gains over time. She also discusses what effective collaboration looks like across science, policy, and public advocacy, as well as how hands-on research and mentorship can spark student curiosity and create long-term impact.
Learn more about Fairfield University’s Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies.