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 into the debut episode of The Coastal Call Podcast, hosted by the Fairfield University Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies. Emmy Award–winning cinematographer Tom Fitz shares captivating stories from beneath the waves—where artistry, science, and stewardship meet. Hear how his work with Schoolyard Films brings environmental storytelling to classrooms worldwide, inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates.

Fitz reflects on his journey from marine biology student to celebrated filmmaker, his close encounters with marine life, and the lessons of collaboration, safety, and resilience that guide his craft. The conversation also explores how creativity and science unite to shape understanding and action on climate and conservation.

To learn more about Fairfield’s modern, Jesuit Catholic approach to environmental research and education visit the Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies.