In this episode of The Coastal Call, host Rob Nazarian and guest co-host Aishwarya Krutukulam speak with Dr. Penny Vlahos, a biogeochemist at the University of Connecticut, about what Long Island Sound can teach us about coastal change and community resilience. Dr. Vlahos explains how carbon and nitrogen cycling shape water quality, why the western Sound is more vulnerable to hypoxia and seasonal acidification, and how warming trends could reverse some restoration gains over time. She also discusses what effective collaboration looks like across science, policy, and public advocacy, as well as how hands-on research and mentorship can spark student curiosity and create long-term impact. Learn more about Fairfield University’s Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies.

Dive in for an exciting conversation, as we’re joined by six-time Emmy-award winning cinematographer Tom Fitz, as he recounts some exciting stories from the field and how he works collaboratively with scientists, safety experts, and film crews to communicate science for both general and K-12 audiences.