Jennifer M. Buchanan is an educator at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, serving as the education coordinator. She has been involved in oral history projects, particularly focused on capturing the experiences and knowledge of individuals with a deep understanding of the coastal areas. Buchanan's work involves collaborating with researchers to design and conduct studies to understand significant events and changes in the coastal environment. Her interest in oral history stems from the desire to preserve the cultural and environmental aspects of the estuary, ensuring that the history and knowledge of the area are not lost. Buchanan's involvement in oral history projects extends to capturing the experiences and insights of experienced fishermen, recognizing the value of preserving the lessons learned from these individuals.

Scope and Content Note 
The interview with Jennifer M. Buchanan, conducted by Barbara Hester, provides insights into Buchanan's role as an education coordinator at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The conversation delves into the mission and activities of the institution, emphasizing the process of designing research projects to understand significant events and changes in the coastal environment. Additionally, the interview explores Buchanan's involvement in oral history projects, particularly in capturing the experiences and knowledge of individuals with a deep understanding of the coastal areas. The discussion also touches on the importance of preserving the cultural and environmental aspects of the estuary through oral history, highlighting the value of the history and knowledge of the area. Furthermore, the interview sheds light on Buchanan's work in capturing the experiences and insights of experienced fishermen, recognizing the significance of preserving the lessons learned from these individuals.

Subjects: end users of research, commercial fishermen, commercial fishing, climate change, educating the public, commercial fishermen, real-time data sampling, stewardship of marine resources, wetlands, habitat loss, rising sea levels, Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi Sound, Gulf of Mexico, management practices, BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster, mitigation of habitat degradation, TEDs, BRDs, sea turtles, artificial reefs, oyster reefs, oysters, shrimp, mercury in marine environment, Bonnet Carré Spillway, freshwater diversion into Mississippi Sound, watersheds, Mississippi River and its watershed, Pascagoula River and its watershed, crabbing, fishing regulations, marine habitats of Gulf states, shifting islands, salt marsh, fetch, shoreline erosion, imported shrimp, aquaculture, costs of commercial fishing, advocacy for preserving and restoring natural environments, uplands, forests, land trusts, oral history, National Marine Educators Association, Southern Association of Marine Educators, cultural aspects of estuaries.