California Ocean Science Trust Makes Inaugural SeaChange Scholars Awards to Two CSU COAST Graduate Students to Advance Offshore Wind Energy Research
Last Updated 7/15/2026
Two California State University graduate students have been selected to receive California Ocean Science Trust (OST) SeaChange Scholar awards, each receiving $10,000 to support their graduate education while conducting applied research through CSU COAST's State Science Information Needs Program (SSINP).
Established to empower California’s next generation of ocean science leaders to conduct applied, management-relevant research, OST’s SeaChange Scholars Fund supports students whose research directly addresses ocean and coastal management questions. Through the partnership between OST and CSU COAST, the awards support students’ tuition and living expenses, allowing them to dedicate more time to solution-oriented scientific research that can inform policy development and decision-making for the sustainable stewardship of California's marine resources.
This year's SeaChange Scholars are part of two SSINP-funded research projects at Cal Poly Humboldt and Cal Poly Pomona that focus on California's emerging floating offshore wind industry. As the state advances marine renewable energy development, these projects will generate critical scientific information to better understand potential impacts on marine ecosystems, marine mammal populations, and commercial fisheries, helping managers make informed decisions that balance clean energy goals with responsible resource management. The research is focused on California's two federally designated Wind Energy Areas (WEAs), located approximately 20 miles offshore of Humboldt County and Morro Bay. These lease areas were selected for offshore wind development that, because of California's deep offshore waters, will rely on floating wind turbine technology.
By investing in graduate students conducting applied, policy-relevant research, OST and CSU COAST are strengthening California's future ocean science workforce and preparing the next generation of scientists and leaders to bridge research and management in California and nationwide.
Victoria K. Gronwald - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Estimating cumulative impacts of the floating OSW platforms and associated infrastructure on demersal fishes in California’s Wind Energy Areas
Mentored by:
Dr. Jeremy Claisse
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Cal Poly Pomona
Dr. Daniel Pondella
Professor & Director of the Vantuna Research Group
Occidental College
Director of the Southern California Marine Institute
CSU Long Beach
Victoria Gronwald, a first-year master's student in Dr. Jeremy Claisse’s lab at Cal Poly Pomona, is conducting research examining how California's proposed floating offshore wind energy infrastructure will affect commercially and recreationally important bottom-dwelling fish communities. This project establishes a baseline assessment of the distribution of sablefish, rockfish, thornyheads, and flatfishes, within both proposed Wind Energy Areas. By evaluating how wind turbines and anchoring systems may influence soft-bottom habitats and fisheries over time, this research will provide resource managers and stakeholders with evidence-based information to help balance renewable energy development with the sustainable management of California's fisheries.
"As a first-year master's student, the OST SeaChange Scholars award will allow me to focus on my research and fine-tune the data analysis skills needed to see this project through. This financial support means I won't have to take on unrelated jobs, giving me more time to build relationships with others in the field and focus on my research. I'm very grateful to receive this support and look forward to growing as a quantitative biologist."
Elena Bernier - California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Harbor Seal Abundance, Distribution, and Diet in the Humboldt Bay California Wind Energy Area
Mentored by:
Dr. Dawn Goley
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Cal Poly Humboldt
Dr. Micaela Szykman Gunther
Professor, Department of Wildlife
Cal Poly Humboldt
Elena Bernier, a first-year master’s student in Dr. Goley’s and Dr. Gunther’s labs at Cal Poly Humboldt, is conducting research on harbor seal abundance, distribution, and diet in Humboldt Bay and the Humboldt Wind Energy Area. This project uses drone surveys to document harbor seal haul-out sites and analyzes scat samples to better understand seasonal diets, creating a critical ecological baseline before offshore wind energy infrastructure is developed. This research will help resource managers better understand and mitigate potential impacts to one of Northern California's most important harbor seal populations.
"The support given for my graduate work is incredibly impactful on my ability to attend Cal Poly Humboldt as a master's student. Without the SeaChange Scholars award, it would be extremely challenging for me to be a full-time student, and I would need to find other unrelated employment to supplement my living expenses and tuition. Having financial support while I dedicate my time and energy to studying the abundance, distribution, and diet of harbor seals will allow me to be a successful student and researcher and complete my degree in a timely manner. This support will also have a huge impact on the trajectory of my future career as a biologist. I hope to contribute to the conservation and management of coastal marine species throughout my life, and pursuing a funded master's degree is a huge stepping stone for me on this journey."
About California Ocean Science Trust (OST)
California Ocean Science Trust strengthens the bridge between scientific research and sound ocean management. Created by state legislation, OST supports and brings world-class science and innovation together with state and federal policymakers to accelerate progress toward a healthy and resilient coast and ocean.
About the CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology (CSU COAST)
COAST is the CSU’s systemwide consortium for ocean and coastal research, education and workforce development. Established in 2008, COAST integrates systemwide expertise and resources and promotes research that advances our knowledge of ocean and coastal systems.
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