Conservation Conversations

WAVE Foundation's Community Learning Series

Join us in learning about aquatic life and conservation in our Conservation Conversation Series!

We invite industry professionals to talk about their topics of study relating to aquatic creatures, environments, and conversation. These events are open to the public and perfect for high school or college students, or any adult with a passion for learning!

Upcoming Session
March 19th 2026

Date: March 19th

Location: WAVE Foundation, 1 Levee Wy Ste 1103, Newport, KY 41071

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Details: Light refreshments will be provided, questions are encouraged for after the presentation

Fresh Water Mussel Conservation

with
Melinda Voss (Ohio River Foundation)

Did you know freshwater mussels are the most endangered group of organisms in North America, and that our local watershed is home to some of the richest mussel biodiversity? Find out more about the amazing natural history of these underappreciated animals and the great conservation work going on to protect them in our community.

For more than 20 years, Ohio River Foundation has worked diligently to protect and improve the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and its watershed. They have succeeded in reaching their goals through advocacy, habitat restoration, and school education and youth programs.

Past Speakers

Jolene Hanna

Jolene Hanna is the Animal Health and Quarantine Manager for the Newport Aquarium. This job includes management of the Aquarium’s Veterinary Hospital, which she has been dedicated to for 23 years. She came to the aquarium industry as an intern completing her Veterinary Technicians course work and has been a resource to the Newport Aquarium Animal Care Team ever since. The combination of her science and medical background has been a true advantage for adapting to the world of animal care in the zoological setting.

Jen Hazares

Jen Hazeres is a senior biologist at the Newport Aquarium. Jen manages the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit at the aquarium which currently houses 2 Bowmouth Guitarfish (Shark Rays) as well as several other species of elasmobranchs. She is the AZA studbook keeper for Rhina ancylostoma and has written the first, second, and third editions of their AZA Regional Studbook, as well as the first Breeding and Transfer Plan in 2020. She is a co-author of The Elasmobranch Husbandry Manual II, Chapter 8, ‘Husbandry of Bowmouth Guitarfish’, and ‘Observations of Reproductive Behaviors in the Critically Endangered Bowmouth Guitarfish’, 2024. Jen is a participant in Shark Ray 360 (SR360), a global consortium focused on Bowmouth conservation. Jen is also a co-contributor of the Bowmouth Guitarfish global studbook through the SR360 consortium.

Dr. Chris Lorentz

Dr. Chris Lorentz has taught at Thomas More University for 30+ years, serving as Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Environmental Science Program. He teaches a variety of classes, including Aquatic Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, and General Biology, among others. Dr. Lorentz also serves as the Director of the university's Ohio River Biology Field Station. His research focuses on bioassessments of aquatic ecosystems, conservation of threatened and endangered species, and ecotoxicology. Dr. Lorentz was a former Chair of WAVE Foundation Board and Past President of the Organization of Biological Field Stations— an international society, comprising over 225 member stations from 20 countries and 6 continents, that focuses on environmental research and public understanding of science. He was recently elected as Chair of the Ohio River Basin Alliance, a nonprofit organization working to set water resource priorities for the Ohio River Basin, sustain healthy ecosystems and communities, and improve our water-dependent economies.

Molly Williams

Molly Williams, Manager of the Thomas More University Biology Field Station, began her career at a small liberal arts college in Michigan where she majored in Biology and minored in Spanish. During her undergraduate studies, Molly worked as a River Bioassessment Intern at the Ohio River Biology Field Station, served as the Sustainability Coordinator for the University of Michigan Alumni Association's family camp, and conducted her senior thesis research on the impacts of agricultural land use on stream biology. After graduating, Molly returned to the Ohio River Biology Field Station to work as the fist-ever, full-time staff, where she oversees the Station's STEM outreach and laboratory programs.