USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
Sara Ernst
I am an Information Specialist at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. My goal is to bridge the communication gap between science and stakeholders – ensuring resource managers, planners, politicians, and the public have the information they need to make informed decisions.
Great science done invisibly cannot have impact.
As the Information Specialist for the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, I lead communications and outreach efforts to help increase awareness and use of our coastal and marine research, data, and tools.
With over a decade of experience as a science communicator, I am adept at writing engaging science stories and creating visually appealing communications products for target audiences.
Professional Experience
Information Specialist, U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, 2018 - Present.
Science Communications Specialist, Environmental Protection Agency, 2015 - 2018.
Education and Certifications
B.S. Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island, 2013.
Honors and Awards
1st place brochure, National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, 2025.
3rd place technical or statistical report, National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, 2025.
2022 Shoemaker Award for Communications Product Excellence, audio/visual category
1st place annual report, National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, 2021.
1st place electronic publication, National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, 2020.
1st place soft or hard book, National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, 2020.
Science and Products
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jin-Si Over talking about drones and how they are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jin-Si Over talking about drones and how they are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jen Cramer showing off our uncrewed aircraft system technology at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jen Cramer showing off our uncrewed aircraft system technology at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett talking about foraminifera, tiny microfossils that live in marine environments, while a little girl looks at them through the microscope.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett talking about foraminifera, tiny microfossils that live in marine environments, while a little girl looks at them through the microscope.
A small drone on display at the USGS booth of the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
A small drone on display at the USGS booth of the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett at the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll, ready for visitors to look at foraminifera, microfossils that live in marine environments, through our microscope.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett at the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll, ready for visitors to look at foraminifera, microfossils that live in marine environments, through our microscope.
USGS Geographer and drone pilot Jen Cramer showing visitors USGS uncrewed aircraft system technology and talking about how drones are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments.
USGS Geographer and drone pilot Jen Cramer showing visitors USGS uncrewed aircraft system technology and talking about how drones are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments.
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage Image
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage ImageThe USGS is assessing the physical condition of coastal wetlands and their response to external forces, using field observations and remote-sensing data. The U.S.
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage Image
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage ImageThe USGS is assessing the physical condition of coastal wetlands and their response to external forces, using field observations and remote-sensing data. The U.S.
USGS Information Specialist Sara Ernst representing USGS at the 2023 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Information Specialist Sara Ernst representing USGS at the 2023 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
The 2023 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2023, includes a list of 2023 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
The 2023 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2023, includes a list of 2023 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
The 2022 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2022, includes a list of 2022 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
The 2022 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2022, includes a list of 2022 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
USGS Ocean Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
USGS Ocean Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
USGS Coastal Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
USGS Coastal Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
Table of contents page for the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
Table of contents page for the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
The title page of the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
The title page of the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
A page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section of the 2021 WHCMSC Annual Report.
A page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section of the 2021 WHCMSC Annual Report.
The first page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section in the FY21 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center.
The first page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section in the FY21 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center.
Cover of the 2021 annual report. https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1495/cir1495.pdf
Science and Products
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jin-Si Over talking about drones and how they are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jin-Si Over talking about drones and how they are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jen Cramer showing off our uncrewed aircraft system technology at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geographer Jen Cramer showing off our uncrewed aircraft system technology at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Oceanographer Zafer Defne discussing operational ocean and coastal dynamics forecasts at the Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett talking about foraminifera, tiny microfossils that live in marine environments, while a little girl looks at them through the microscope.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett talking about foraminifera, tiny microfossils that live in marine environments, while a little girl looks at them through the microscope.
A small drone on display at the USGS booth of the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
A small drone on display at the USGS booth of the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett at the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll, ready for visitors to look at foraminifera, microfossils that live in marine environments, through our microscope.
USGS Geologist Marie Bartlett at the 2024 Woods Hole Science Stroll, ready for visitors to look at foraminifera, microfossils that live in marine environments, through our microscope.
USGS Geographer and drone pilot Jen Cramer showing visitors USGS uncrewed aircraft system technology and talking about how drones are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments.
USGS Geographer and drone pilot Jen Cramer showing visitors USGS uncrewed aircraft system technology and talking about how drones are used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal environments.
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage Image
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage ImageThe USGS is assessing the physical condition of coastal wetlands and their response to external forces, using field observations and remote-sensing data. The U.S.
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage Image
U.S. Coastal Wetland Synthesis Applications Webpage ImageThe USGS is assessing the physical condition of coastal wetlands and their response to external forces, using field observations and remote-sensing data. The U.S.
USGS Information Specialist Sara Ernst representing USGS at the 2023 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
USGS Information Specialist Sara Ernst representing USGS at the 2023 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
The 2023 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2023, includes a list of 2023 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
The 2023 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2023, includes a list of 2023 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
The 2022 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2022, includes a list of 2022 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
The 2022 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2022, includes a list of 2022 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups.
USGS Ocean Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
USGS Ocean Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
USGS Coastal Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
USGS Coastal Science
The USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program is the only federal science program focused on the geology and processes of coastal and marine landscapes.
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (AD)This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
Table of contents page for the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
Table of contents page for the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
The title page of the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
The title page of the 2021 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center annual report.
A page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section of the 2021 WHCMSC Annual Report.
A page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section of the 2021 WHCMSC Annual Report.
The first page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section in the FY21 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center.
The first page of the Coastal and Shelf Geology section in the FY21 Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center.
Cover of the 2021 annual report. https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1495/cir1495.pdf