10/13/2026
Through the generous support of the Surfing's Evolution & Preservation Foundation, FSBPA awarded Student Travel Scholarships to four students from Florida universities to attend the 2026 Florida Resilience Conference.
These scholarships provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and connect the next generation of coastal scientists, engineers, and policymakers with leaders and experts shaping Florida’s future.
👏 Special thanks to our committee of judges — Lainie Edwards, Lauren Floyd, CEP, James Gray, and Jimmy Sellers — for their continued mentorship, support, and encouragement of these students throughout the event.
🎓 Meet the 2026 Student Scholarship Recipients:
Sydney Scott, M.S. – Second-year Ph.D. student, University of South Florida. Research: the reopening and evolution of Midnight Pass following the 2024 hurricanes.
Madeleine Hodges – Second-year M.S. student, Florida Atlantic University. Research: how storm-driven waves and changing beach conditions impact sea turtle nesting habitat and success.
Matthew Monts – Second-year M.S. student, Florida Atlantic University. Research: how sediment movement, inundation, and wave energy affect mangrove establishment and island stability in Lake Worth Lagoon.
Lara Novalvos Hernandez – Second-year Ph.D. student, University of South Florida. Research: compound flooding in Pasco County and identifying areas vulnerable to flood risk.
Learn more about Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation here: https://preservesurfingbeaches.org/about/
