Aug. 5, 2024
Dear Colleagues:
I am glad to announce several important changes to the Santa Rosa Island Research Station (SRIRS) operations.
Because of the campus-wide relevance of the SRIRS and its direct engagement with regional partners, effective this summer the SRIRS has moved from the Division of Academic Affairs into the Office of the President under the Regional Educational Partnerships office. To help maintain and further foster academic endeavors at the heart of the SRIRS, this fall we will be announcing a call for a part-time faculty lead position to begin in Spring 2025.
As part of the move to the Office of the President, I am pleased to officially appoint Robyn Shea as the new SRIRS Director following the departure of Russ Bradley. Starting at the SRIRS under its inaugural Director, Dr. Cause Hanna, Robyn has had the longest tenure of any SRIRS staff, playing every role imaginable in its operations, programming, and continuity. Coming from a background in conservation, including her contributions to recovering the Island fox from the brink of extinction; having maintained networks and partnerships begun during her employment with Channel Islands National Park and other island managers; and noting her track record at CSUCI, I cannot think of anyone who is more well-suited and prepared to serve as the SRIRSās new director.
Located within the highly biodiverse Channel Islands, often referred to as the āGalapagos of the Northern Hemisphere,ā the SRIRS is 1 of only 11 university-managed field stations operating within US National Parks. The SRIRS has been recognized nationally and internationally for its focus on inclusive approaches to experiential learning and contributions to environmental conservation by partnering with organizations and agencies such as Channel Islands National Park, The Nature Conservancy, Department of Defense, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California Institute for Environmental Studies, US Geologic Survey, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and many others. In its focus on the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment, the SRIRS embodies CSUCIās One Health vision.
As a satellite campus, educational program, research facility, and hub of partnerships, SRIRS operations and activities cut across divisions, academic programs, and student supports at CSUCI. Most of our academic programs and many offices and organizations throughout the University have engaged in programming at the SRIRS. More broadly, the SRIRS offers K-12 programming; supports educational and research activities conducted by other colleges, non-profit organizations, and government agencies; and collaborates on and leads conservation and restoration initiatives on the northern Channel Islands. Across all groups and activities, the SRIRS facilitates transformative experiences that demonstrably cultivate a sense of belonging, healing, personal growth, and professional opportunities.
In close alignment with our current visioning and strategic priorities, I look forward to seeing the SRIRS continue to make positive impacts on our students, communities, and the region, and for Robyn to lead it into a sustainable future as a signature program at CSUCI, within the CSU, and far beyond.
Sincerely,
Richard Yao, Ph.D.
President