The Coastal Solutions Symposium is a student-led event organized by the Marine Science Graduate Student Organization (MSGSO) at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, in partnership with the Harte Research Institute (HRI) and Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV).
Created for students, by students, the symposium brings together students, university researchers, industry scientists, government agencies, and coastal professionals to explore science-based solutions to pressing coastal challenges. The event provides a unique opportunity for students to showcase their research, engage with industry and academic leaders, and build connections that support future careers and collaborations.
The symposium serves as a forum for sharing knowledge, identifying research needs, and fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between research and practice. By connecting students with researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers, the event promotes innovative approaches to sustainable coastal development and resilient coastal communities.
The one-day symposium features a keynote presentation, oral and poster presentations, industry engagement opportunities, career-focused networking, and collaborative discussions designed to connect research with real-world impact.
Dr. Aaron Stoler, Ph.D.
Dr. Aaron Stoler is a Managing Scientist at Exponent and specializes in biodiversity management, sustainability strategy development, nature-based solutions, natural resource damage assessment, and habitat restoration. His work focuses on evaluating ecological impacts, ecosystem services, and environmental compliance for clients across a wide range of industries. Dr. Stoler has expertise in wetland and forest ecology, community ecotoxicology, environmental monitoring, and sustainability frameworks, including biodiversity-related disclosure and reporting standards. He regularly collaborates with attorneys, regulators, industry professionals, and academic researchers to address complex environmental challenges. In addition to his consulting practice, he is active in professional societies and supports science education, mentoring, and community engagement initiatives. Prior to Exponent, Dr. Stoler served as an applied ecologist with ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, a research scientist with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and an assistant professor at Stockton University. Check out his LinkedIn
The Coastal Solutions Symposium is made possible through collaboration among university, student, industry, and career development partners committed to advancing applied coastal research, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration.
Current partners include the Harte Research Institute, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, the Marine Science Graduate Student Organization, and TAMU-CC Career & Professional Development Center.
We welcome additional partners who are interested in supporting this event and helping create a meaningful experience for students, researchers, professionals, agencies, nonprofits, industry representatives, and community members. Partnership opportunities may include supporting student engagement, career networking, poster sessions, awards, event logistics, or broader symposium programming.
Together, our partners help make the Coastal Solutions Symposium a space to share ideas, build connections, and advance solutions for coastal communities and ecosystems.
Please contact us about partnership opportunities!
