DeVant’e DawsonPostdoctoral Researcher, Stanford University As ocean temperatures rise, coral reefs face increasing threats, but not all corals respond the same way. Some show remarkable resistance to heat stress. In this talk, I share recent work identifying heat-tolerant coral colonies in Belize and discuss how these findings can inform the future of reef conservation and restoration. Yet resistance is not just ecological, it is also social. Just as we seek corals that can survive environmental extremes, we must also build systems that support the persistence and success of underrepresented communities in science. Drawing from my experiences as a marine biologist and advocate for equity in STEM, I explore the intersections of research, representation, and restoration. What does it mean to center justice in conservation? And how can science become a tool not just for survival, but for collective transformation? Date July 30, 2025 Time 11 AM to noon Location MBARI7700 Sandholdt RoadMoss Landing, CA 95039 Zoom Registration In-person attendance is limited to staff and approved guests. The seminar will be presented in a hybrid format, you can register for the Zoom link here.