Corpus Christi, TX

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Martin Sanchez South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Martin Sanchez interviewed by Rene Ruiz. Martin Sanchez talks about his personal experiences of being in Hurricane Celia in 1970, when he had just turned ten years old.

Rene Ruiz Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Pat and Hal Suter South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Pat Suter and her son Hal Suter interviewed by Jen Brown. Pat Suter discusses her work locally as an environmentalist, her role in local conservation organizations, and teaching chemistry at Del Mar College. They both discuss local and state politics; their experiences in Hurricane Celia; family camping trips; the creation of Padre Island National Seashore; the protection of Oso Bay; and OPUS, Organization for the Preservation of an Unblemished Shoreline.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Carole Allen South Texas Stories

Carole Allen grew up in Illinois and developed a fascination with turtles at a young age. She collected turtle items and married a geologist, moving to Houston. In the early 1980s, she became involved with sea turtle conservation after learning about the National Marine Fisheries Service's hatchling program in Galveston. She joined the HEART (Hatchling Emergency Assurance and Release Team) project, which aimed to raise awareness and funds for sea turtle conservation.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Nick Jimenez South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Nick Jimenez interviewed by David Blanke. Mr. Jimenez shared an overview of his early life in San Antonio, Texas; his professional education and development in college and as a young reporter; brief comments about his time serving in the Army in Vietnam; his arrival in Corpus Christi in the 1970s; and key issues surrounding its social and economic development such as Cisneros v. Corpus Christi Independent School District, Dr. Hector P. García, Selena, the Port of Corpus Christi, and environmentalism.

David Blanke Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
John "Wes" Tunnell, Jr. The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. John W. ("Wes") Tunnell, Jr. is a third-generation Texan, born in Biloxi, Mississippi, where his father was stationed during World War II. His parents, both physicians, practiced in Texas from the mid-forties to the mid-eighties. Dr. Tunnell credits his father for encouraging him to pursue a career that he would enjoy and excel in. Dr. Tunnell began his higher education at Adams State College in Colorado, initially pursuing pre-dentistry with the aim of earning a high income that would allow him to enjoy his hobbies of hunting and fishing.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Dennis Burk The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dennis Burk is a former volunteer at the Texas State Aquarium and a passionate environmentalist with a diverse background. Born and raised in the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin, Burk developed an early interest in water sports due to the abundance of lakes in his home state. His love for water led him to move to Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1979, where he worked as a service advisor at Tradewinds Ford. Burk's adventurous spirit led him to sell all his possessions and embark on a six-and-a-half-month cycling trip around Europe with a Canadian nurse he met in Corpus Christi.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Dara Orbach The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Dara Orbach is a marine mammal biologist with a unique journey into the field. Unlike many of her peers who knew from a young age that they wanted to work with marine mammals, Dr. Orbach's path was more indirect and driven by her love for the coastal lifestyle. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where she fell in love with the coastal way of life.

Maxwell McClure Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Jennifer Beseres Pollack The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Jennifer Beseres Pollack is a marine biologist and the Chair for Coastal Conservation and Restoration at the Harte Research Institute. She was born in Minnesota and grew up surrounded by lakes, which sparked her interest in nature and ecology. She pursued her undergraduate degree in environmental science at Northwestern University, where she carved out a niche for herself within ecology. Dr. Pollack gained a variety of experiences through internships, including one in marine science that solidified her love for the field.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Larry McKinney The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Larry McKinney is a seasoned scientist and environmentalist with a rich background in resource protection and environmental management. Born and raised in West Texas, McKinney comes from a family of original settlers who were primarily ranchers and farmers. His early life was spent in the small town of Coahoma, near Midland, Odessa, where his family had been on their home place for over one hundred and twenty-five years. McKinney's upbringing on a farm, where his family primarily grew cotton, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Jen Brown , Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Pamela T. Plotkin The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Pamela T. Plotkin is a renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist with a focus on marine life, particularly sea turtles. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Plotkin's early fascination with wildlife was nurtured through television shows like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Tarzan, which offered her a glimpse into the natural world she yearned to explore. In her teenage years, her family moved to New Jersey, providing her with closer access to natural environments. This exposure further fueled her interest in wildlife and conservation.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi