IEP California Sea Grant State Fellow Sam Pyros

Hello everyone, my name is Sam and I am pleased to introduce myself as the current California Sea Grant State Fellow within the Delta Stewardship Council's Interagency Ecological Program. The IEP, a collaborative effort of state and federal agencies, has been diligently providing essential ecological information for the management of the San Francisco Bay‐Delta ecosystem since the 1970s, and I am thankful to continue its important work.

While the DSC has previously hosted numerous fellows, I am honored to be the IEP's inaugural Sea Grant Fellow. This unique opportunity allows me to work on projects specifically tailored to the California Delta while fostering collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Thus far, my responsibilities have encompassed various subjects such as water management practices, participation in the IEP conferences and DSC trainings, and addressing board and committee members. A large topic that I am being trained on is Structured Decision Making, which is a careful approach and extensive analysis for natural resource management involving creating in depth portfolios on where to allocate funding and focused efforts. 

Another significant aspect of my fellowship revolves around science communication. This involves preparing literature summaries that cater to the needs of the public, scientists, and managers, as well as developing informative infographics on diverse topics. The DSC is dedicated to tirelessly ensuring scientific knowledge about the Delta and it is accessible through various channels including social media, conferences, seminars, and public engagement.

My role grants me the privilege of delving into the intricate web of the Delta's ecosystem to understand how each species (including ours!) has shaped what we see today. Being a part of the IEP has provided invaluable insights into the complexities involved in managing the Delta, emphasizing the significance of effective communication and unwavering commitment to create sustainable solutions that benefit our environment in the long term.

Previous to the fellowship I completed my AA in Natural Science at Pasadena City College, and completed my B.S. in Biology with a minor in Economics at Stanislaus State. I continued my education at UC Davis’s EPM program, which is why I am writing to you today! At Davis I specialized in City and Regional Development, and created an Edible Food Recovery Report for the City of Chula Vista for my Practicum. For Policy Clinic, my group analyzed California’s state agencies to assess if they were monitoring social-ecological indicators. Collectively, these opportunities and the guidance that I received throughout my education built me into a qualified candidate for this fellowship, and if you are even considering a fellowship I would urge you to apply. 

I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the future endeavors that lie ahead during my fellowship. If any of you would like to connect and further explore the California Sea Grant State Fellowship, the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC), or the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP), I would be delighted to chat!