Greg Guannel is the director of the Caribbean Green Technology Center at the University of the Virgin Islands. He is a civil engineer by training and has a background in coastal engineering and hazard risk reduction by ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Guannel focuses on issues of infrastructure resilience, energy independence, and waste reduction. He resides on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and his work encompasses the entire Virgin Islands region.

Dolores D. Parker was born in Bayou Goula, La. The daughter of a minister, she grew up moving around the state. She graduated from Clark High School in New Orleans then earned a B.A. degree in elementary education from Dillard. She taught in New Orleans public schools for 32 years and taught reading in an adult education program. She is the mother of four children: Raymond, Raynelle, Raynette, and Raynard. Raymond, who also contributes to this interview, is her oldest child.

Ida Belle Joshua is a native of New Orleans, La., and survivor of Hurricane Betsy. She moved to the Ninth Ward in 1949 with her husband, Isaac Joshua Sr. They have three children. Before Hurricane Betsy, she worked as a hair dresser. After the storm, she attended the University of New Orleans, Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), and Tulane University and worked as a teacher's aide, social worker, and adjunct professor at Xavier University.

Dorothy Mackey Prevost is a New Orleans native and survivor of Hurricane Betsy. She lived in the Lower Ninth Ward her entire life, attended McCarty Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School, and worked as a seamstress. She married Charles Prevost in 1953 and had two daughters, Tessie and Tory. Tessie was one of the first African-American students to integrate McDonogh 19 School in the 1960s.

Lucille D. Duminy moved into New Orleans' Ninth Ward around 1949. She survived Hurricane Betsy in 1965 and rebuilt her house and life there.

Scope and Content Note
Duminy discusses her childhood, living in the Ninth Ward in the 1950s and 1960s, her ordeal in surviving Hurricane Betsy, her encounters with relief agencies afterward, Hurricane Camille in 1969, and other hurricanes.

Lucy Boyer Thomas was born in 1923, grew up in the Fazendeville village near Chalmette, and attended school in New Orleans through the eleventh grade. She studied nursing at UCLA and worked as a nurse in California and Louisiana. She married Francis Thomas and they had five children. She lived in the Ninth Ward for more than fifty years, surviving Hurricane Betsy. She died in 2004 at age eighty-one.

Clair Hebert Marceaux, born on September 9th, 1977, is a native of Cameron, Louisiana, a coastal village in Cameron Parish. She spent her early life in Cameron, before moving to Lafayette for 11 years to pursue her undergraduate and graduate studies and later work as a teacher. Marceaux holds an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and studied British literature in graduate school. She began her career as a teacher at the Episcopal School of Acadiana and later at St. Thomas More Catholic High School.

Charles Allen, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, has been a lifelong advocate for coastal restoration and protection. Born on July 21, 1973, Allen spent his early years in the Gentilly neighborhood known as Voscoville, behind Dillard University. He later lived in New Orleans East before his father moved the family to the Lower Ninth Ward in 1980, where his father still resides. Allen's advocacy work began in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when he joined the groundswell of voices calling for the closure of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).

Blaise Daniel Pezold, born on February 15th, 1978, at East Jefferson Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana, is a passionate advocate for coastal restoration and protection in Louisiana. Although he moved away from Louisiana at a young age, he returned at the age of 18 and has lived there ever since. His early experiences with the wetlands, including fishing trips with his grandfather and working with his father, an ichthyologist, instilled in him a deep connection to the region.

Victoria Sagrera Bourque, born on December 31, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a passionate advocate for coastal restoration in Louisiana. She grew up in Mouton Cove, a small area just south of Abbeville, Louisiana, and north of Intracoastal City, in a family with strong agricultural roots. Her childhood memories are filled with experiences on the farm, from following her grandfather around to testing the soil for salinity after storms. These experiences, coupled with her coastal upbringing, fueled her passion for coastal restoration.

Jacqueline Mary Richard, born on August 30, 1980, in Naperville, Illinois, is a prominent advocate for coastal restoration in Louisiana. She moved to New Orleans to pursue her graduate studies at the University of New Orleans, initially intending to become a vertebrate paleontologist. However, her academic journey took an unexpected turn when she took a class on coastal restoration with Denise Reed. This class inspired her to contribute to the cause of coastal restoration, leading her to volunteer and learn more about the coast.

Richie Blink, born on August 31, 1986, in New Orleans, is a native of Louisiana with a deep-rooted connection to the state's wetlands and coastal ecosystems. He spent his childhood in Empire, Louisiana, a small fishing village located about 60 miles south of New Orleans. His father, a commercial fisherman, introduced him to the intricacies of the delta ecosystem through various fishing activities such as oystering, shrimping, and crab trapping. This early exposure to the wetlands fostered a profound understanding of the delta's systems and their importance to the local community.

Corey Thomas Miller, born in 1982 in Jefferson Parish in Metairie, is a prominent advocate for coastal restoration in Louisiana. Raised in Metairie, he attended high school in New Orleans and later pursued his higher education at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. After his undergraduate studies, Miller decided to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in sociology at the University of New Orleans (UNO). During his time at UNO, he was fortunate to secure an assistantship with the UNO Center for Hazard Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART).

Kellyn Lacour-Conant is a dedicated environmentalist with a deep-rooted connection to the wetlands of Louisiana. Born on April 13th, 1993 in Houston, Texas, she spent her childhood summers in Louisiana, where her family originates from. Her early experiences with the water, both in Houston, the "Bayou City", and in Louisiana, where her family engaged in fishing and hunting, instilled in her a profound appreciation for wetland ecosystems. This appreciation eventually led her to pursue a career in environmental conservation.

Cindy Cutrera is a lifelong resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, born in December 1956. She is married to a man who is also a lifetime resident of the city, and together they have three daughters. Two of her daughters live in the area, while the third resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. Cutrera's family has a strong connection to the local community and the natural environment, often camping at Lake End Park and participating in local gatherings.

Tori Pilger is a marine biologist who worked as an observer for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center fishery monitoring Operations Branch. Pilger graduated from college with a degree in marine biology and moved to Texas before joining the observer program through East West Technical Services. Pilger trained in 2018 and spent three years as an observer, primarily on single-day trips on scalloping day boats due to chronic seasickness.

Monique Arsenault is a marine observer with a background in biomedical science. Born in April, she grew up in Pelham, New Hampshire, near the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border. Both sides of her family hail from Canada, with her maternal grandparents working in mills and factories in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and her paternal family originating from Prince Edward Island. Arsenault's interest in marine biology began in college, where she initially majored in the subject before switching to a broader biomedical science degree.

Rob Bland is a seasoned Northeast Fisheries Observer with over 19 years of experience in the field. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Rob developed a love for the outdoors and aquatic environments from a young age, thanks to his family's recreational fishing trips and camping adventures. His interest in marine life was further piqued by a documentary he watched in sixth grade about humpback whale discovery, which led him to pursue a career in marine research. Rob attended a school in Mathias, Maine, which marked the beginning of his journey on the East Coast.

Hannah Cinnemantaro is a marine observer with a rich family history in the marine industry. Born and raised in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Hannah grew up close to the ocean, influenced by her parents, who both worked in the marine industry. Her mother worked on a Whale Watch since she was pregnant with Hannah, and her father worked on another Whale Watch boat and in the marine industry with oil riggers. Hannah's love for the ocean led her to an internship on a whale watch out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where she collected quantitative and qualitative data on humpbacks on Stellwagen Bank.

Kevin Anderson is a marine biologist with a rich family history in fishing and farming. His passion for marine biology was inspired by his grandmother, who had a deep love for the ocean. Anderson attended community college for two years before transferring to the University of Rhode Island (URI) to complete his degree in marine biology. After graduation, he was eager to join the workforce and obtained his scuba certificate alongside his diploma. Anderson began his career in Alabama, working for Dauphin Island Sea Lab on fisheries independent surveys.

Interview with Corbett Mullins

Interview with Paul Collins

Charles Feller Frazier, better known as Feller, is a native of Cody, Kentucky, born in New York City while his parents were working there. His family moved back to Kentucky, where they started their business, and Feller has lived there ever since. His father's family originally hailed from Letcher County, Kentucky, from a community called Hot Spot, while his mother's family was from Jackson County, Kentucky, near Annville. Feller's parents met in Vicco, Kentucky, and after working on the road for a while, they returned home to start their business.

Etta Gayheart, an octogenarian from Wolfpen, Knott County, Kentucky, has lived a life rich in experiences and memories. Born and raised in Smithboro, Kentucky, she has seen the transformation of her hometown over the years, including the construction of a lake that significantly impacted the local community. Her life story is a tapestry of personal and communal experiences, from her childhood memories of her parents and grandparents to her career as a state worker. Her father was a coal miner, and her mother worked in the local schools, cooking for the students.

Dee Davis, a native of Hazard, Kentucky, is a prominent figure in the field of rural strategies and social change campaigns. Born to parents who were also from Hazard, Davis has deep roots in the Appalachian region, with his family's history in the area dating back to the 1700s. He attended Hazard High School before moving on to college and eventually settling in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where he has spent the majority of his adult life. Davis is the president of the Rural Strategies Center for Rural Strategies, an organization that has been involved in various social change campaigns.

Debbie Frazier Halcomb, a native of Cody, Kentucky, was born into a family that owned and operated a small grocery store and garage in the area now known as Carr Creek Lake. Her father, Gid Frazier, hailed from Hot Spot, Kentucky (now known as Premium), while her mother, Alma Frazier, was from Vicco, Kentucky. The family moved to Cody when Debbie was six years old, a decision influenced by her impending school years. She attended Carr Creek Elementary School, starting in 1962.

Cordelia Collins Schaber is a native of Letcher County, Kentucky, who currently resides in Cold Spring, Kentucky. Born into a family with deep roots in the region, her father, Ray Collins, was an Old Regular Baptist preacher, and her mother, Estelle Collins, was also a Collins before marriage. Cordelia's family history in the area traces back to her great-great-grandfather, who built the home where multiple generations of her family, including her mother and herself, were born.

Roy Crawford is a retired forensic engineer with a specialized background as a licensed coal mining engineer. His professional journey is deeply rooted in the Carr Creek area of Knott County, Kentucky, where his family has historical ties through the ownership of mineral rights. Crawford's career encompassed a pivotal role where he bridged the gap between administrative offices and the operational frontlines of the mines. His expertise in the field of engineering, coupled with his intimate knowledge of the local mining industry, positioned him as a key figure in legal proceedings.

Sherry Parks was born and raised in the rural landscapes of Kentucky, where she spent her formative years immersed in the tight-knit community of Carr Creek. Her upbringing was characterized by the simplicity and warmth of rural life, where education often took place in modest one-room schoolhouses. Sherry's family roots in Carr Creek run deep, with her ancestors having settled in the area, contributing to the local culture and economy.

Roni Gilpin was born and raised in Sassafras, Kentucky, a small community in the Appalachian region. Her early life was marked by the rural traditions and close-knit family ties characteristic of the area. Growing up, Roni attended Yellow Creek Elementary School, where she received her primary education before moving on to Carr Creek High School. The educational values were deeply ingrained in her family, as her mother pursued a career in teaching, influencing Roni's perspective on learning and community service.

Robert Young hails from Hindman, Kentucky, a small town nestled in the Appalachian region known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Born into a family with deep roots in the area, Young's lineage is intertwined with the history of the region, with ancestors who have played pivotal roles in the community's development. Despite facing the personal challenge of dyslexia, Young's upbringing was marked by a strong connection to his family's past and the traditions of his hometown.

Joe Hall is a long-time resident of Knott County, Kentucky, with deep roots in the community and a wealth of personal history tied to the region. His life story is interwoven with the landscape of Knott County, from the rural farmlands of his youth to the environmental transformations that have since taken place. Hall's experiences span the educational, ecological, and cultural shifts within the area, including the evolution of local schools and the construction of significant infrastructure.

Jimmy Hall is a native of Knott County, Kentucky, with deep familial roots in the region. His ancestors, having emigrated from England, settled in Kentucky following the Revolutionary War, establishing a lineage that would endure the trials and transformations of the area. Hall's childhood unfolded in Shingle Branch, where he witnessed the construction of Carr Creek Lake—a development that would forever alter the landscape he knew.

Golden Glen Hale is a notable figure from the Carr Creek community in Kentucky, known for his rich understanding of the local history and his personal experiences growing up in the area. Born and raised in a close-knit community, Hale's childhood was filled with games and education at Neely Elementary. His life was not without hardship, as he recalls his family's reliance on welfare and commodity cheese, and his own experiences selling newspapers as a child.

George Gibson is a long-time resident of Knott County, Kentucky, with a rich history and deep roots in the community. Born and raised on a farm, Gibson's early life was centered around his family's country grocery store, which served as a vibrant social hub for the local rural community. His recollections paint a vivid picture of the area's social life, filled with humorous anecdotes and stories that have shaped the area's history. Gibson's experiences extend beyond the family store, encompassing various communities and social spaces in the area.

Kyra Higgins is a long-time resident of Redfox, Kentucky, with a deep familial and personal connection to the local landmark, Carr Creek Lake. Her life has been intertwined with the lake, from childhood memories of family gatherings to her participation in church summer programs. Higgins' experiences with the lake are not just recreational; they are also reflective as she contemplates the lake's origins and its broader implications for the community.

Kevin Combs, a retired educator from Louisville, Kentucky, has deep familial roots in Eastern Kentucky, particularly in Knott County. His parents, Virginia Back and Watson Combs, were natives of Knott County before relocating to Louisville in search of employment opportunities. Virginia, a proud alumna of Carr Creek High School, maintained a strong affinity for her place of upbringing, a sentiment that was instilled in Kevin from a young age. Throughout his childhood, Kevin frequently visited Eastern Kentucky, where he developed a profound respect for his family's modest origins.

Nancy Pigman is a native of Knott County, who spent her formative years in the small community of Litt Carr. Pigman's early experiences were shaped by the natural environment of her hometown, where outdoor activities such as fishing in the creek were a staple of her youthful adventures. Pigman's life was notably affected by the construction of a dam in her area, which resulted in the displacement of her family and others in the community. This event had a significant impact on her and is a central theme in her recollections of her past.

Karen Jones Cody is a native of Smiths Borough in Knott County, Kentucky, where she has deep familial roots and a rich personal history. As co-owner and editor of the Troublesome Creek Times, Cody has a strong connection to her community and a passion for storytelling. Her childhood was marked by a love for reading and writing, and she attended multiple schools, which likely contributed to her broad perspective and understanding of her community.

Mariko Quinn, also known as Mari, is a passionate marine science enthusiast and a junior at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Growing up in Hawaii near Kaneohe Bay, her love for the ocean was deeply influenced by her father, a boat captain, and her upbringing near the water. Witnessing a coral bleaching event in 2015 sparked Mari's interest in marine life and coral reefs. In response, she conducted a science fair project to track the recovery of 24 individual coral colonies in her local reef, discovering the impact of environmental stressors and the resilience of some coral colonies.

Kalani is the Founding and current Director of the Olohana Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based on Hawaii’s Big Island since 2008. Olohana focuses on building community capacity, cohesiveness, resilience, and emergency preparedness around food, energy, water, and knowledge systems. Kalani is also a Coastal Community Resilience Trainer with FEMA Consortium member, the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawaii, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Ryan Okano works for the Division of Aquatic Resources for the State of Hawaii.