Our Team

WICGE is a global volunteer organization dedicated to supporting women in Coastal Geoscience and Engineering worldwide. What began as a small group driven by passion has now grown into a diverse and dynamic network. Today, our Executive Committee brings together more than 30 members from across the globe, representing countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, England, France, Mexico, Brazil, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Scotland, and Spain.

Our work is structured across six main areas: Management, Research, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Communications, Outreach & Events, and Internal Programming. Each area is coordinated by chairs and supported by sub-committees that lead specific initiatives. This structure ensures that WICGE’s impact continues to grow, connecting members and amplifying the voices of women in our field worldwide.

Join our team!

Management

Our Management guides WICGE’s vision and keeps our global community moving forward with purpose.

Contact: womenincoastal@gmail.com

Research

The Research Committee investigates the experiences of women in coastal geoscience and engineering, highlighting challenges and progress, and shares insights through publications.

Contact: researchWICGE@gmail.com

**Hannah Power:**
*Research Chair*
Associate Professor
University of Newcastle (Australia)

**Anna Wargula:**
*Research Committee Member*

**Marissa Yates:**
*Research Committee Member*
Researcher
École nationale des ponts et chaussées (France)

**Liliana Velasquez Montoya:**
*Research Committee Member*

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

The DEI Committee champions inclusivity and works to create a fair, welcoming space for all in our field.

Contact: deiWICGE@gmail.com

Siddhi Joshi
DEI Chair
Research Engineer
Umea University (Sweden)

**Christy Swann:**
*DEI Committee Member*

**Shannon Jones:**
*DEI Committee Member*

Communications

The Communications Committee shares our stories and amplifies women’s voices through newsletters, social media, and other digital platforms.

Contact: communicationsWICGE@gmail.com

**Ana Paula da Silva:**
*Communications Chair*
Postdoc Research Associate
University of Sydney (Australia)

**Katherine DeVore:**
*Website* *Coordinator*
Coastal Geospatial Scientist
Washington Department of Ecology (USA)

**Katie Castagno:**
*Website* *Coordinator*
Coastal Geologist, Center for Coastal Studies (USA)

**Lara Talavera:**
*Social Media Manager*
Assistant Professor
University of Alcalà (Spain)

**Paula Gomes da Silva:**
*Social Media Manager*

Events

The Events Committee creates opportunities to connect and celebrate women in coastal through conferences, award nominations, and regional gatherings.

Contact: eventsWICGE@gmail.com

**Alexandra Schueller:**
*Outreach & Events Chair*
Postdoc Researcher
University of Delaware (USA)

**Marissa Yates:**
*Conference, Events, and Outreach Coordinator*
Researcher
École nationale des ponts et chaussées (France)

**Katherine Anarde:**
*Co-Coordinator Awards*
Assistant Professor at NC State University (USA)

**Kat Wilson:**
*Co-Coordinator Awards*
Assistant Professor at Boston College (USA)

Outreach

The Outreach Committee builds bridges by engaging with partners, institutions, and communities to expand WICGE’s global reach.

Contact: outreachWICGE@gmail.com

**Christine Baker:**
*Regional Outreach Coordinator*
Assistant Professor
Stanford University (USA)

**Amaia Ruiz de Alegria Arazuburu:**
*Regional Outreach Coordinator*

**Victoria Morenike Adekola:**
*Regional Outreach Committee*

Internal Programming

The Internal Programming Committee builds our strong network by supporting mentorship, professional growth, and the connection of our members across regions.

Contact: mentorshipWICGE@gmail.com

**Silke Tas:**
*Internal Programming Committee* *Chair*
Assistant Professor
Wageningen University and Research (Netherlands)

**Lu Esteves:**
*Mentorship Program Coordinator*
Senior Researcher
Coastal Research and Modeling Services LTD (UK)
Visiting Fellow
Bournemouth University (UK)

**Rose Palermo:**
*International Women’s Day Event*
Coordinator Research Geologist
USGS (USA)

Regional Representatives

Our Regional Representatives strengthen WICGE’s global presence by connecting locally to our members and sharing regional perspectives.

**Laura Szczyrba:**
*Canada Representative*
Geoscientist/Coastal Scientist, BGC Engineering (Canada)

**Marieh Rajaie:**
*Canada Representative*
Water Resources/Coastal Engineer (Canada)

Advisory Committee

Our Advisory Committee provides guidance, expertise, and long-term vision to support WICGE’s mission and growth.