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The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: Ecosystem Science for the Future of the Chesapeake Bay
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: Ecosystem Science for the Future of the Chesapeake Bay
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 5:30pm
The Chesapeake Bay’s future depends on understanding the connections among its people, wildlife, waterways, and changing landscapes. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 6, in the Van Lennep Auditorium or virtually as Dr. William “Monty” Graham, director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, explores how SERC’s science informs efforts to build a more resilient Chesapeake Bay—and how research, collaboration, and public engagement can help meet the challenges ahead.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. William “Monty” Graham is the director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), a position he has held since June 2025. Headquartered on Chesapeake Bay, SERC leads the nation in science that connects people and ecosystems for a more resilient future.
Graham began his career as a marine scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama in 1995. He then worked at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2011 through 2020, first as professor and subsequently director of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering and associate vice president for research. His last position before joining the Smithsonian was director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography, where he led a coalition of roughly 20 universities, state agencies and other nonprofits dedicated to marine science.
A jellyfish biologist, Graham devoted much of his research to understanding the causes and consequences of large jellyfish blooms. In 2022 he had a species of moon jellyfish named for him: Aurelia montyi. He also made collaboration and expanding access to science key priorities throughout his career. After the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, he led cooperative, multi-institutional research to understand the spill’s consequences for marine life. While at the Florida Institute of Oceanography, he created the Peerside program, which offers students with limited opportunities hands-on training in ocean science aboard research vessels. He continues to collaborate with scientists from over 30 countries on ecological oceanography.
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: Ecosystem Science for the Future of the Chesapeake Bay
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5:30pm
Location: Van Lennep Auditorium & available virtually
Cost: Suggested ticket price of $8 per participant
