The Surfrider Foundation, Monterey Chapter, is proud to announce an official partnership with the META Lab at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey to support and sustain our Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) program till June 2027, a volunteer‑powered water quality monitoring effort dedicated to protecting clean water and public health.
As a volunteer‑led organization that works closely with students, Surfrider Monterey recognizes the importance of creating meaningful, real‑world opportunities that support both environmental impact and professional development.
Since its relaunch in late 2025, Surfrider Monterey’s BWTF program has been collecting bi‑weekly water samples from local beaches to supplement county testing and provide timely, accessible water quality information to the public. Partnering with META Lab brings near long‑term stability to the program by providing secure lab space, technical support, and opportunities for student engagement.
META Lab is a student‑driven, faculty‑supported data research hub focused on applied research, analysis, and community partnerships. Through this collaboration, BWTF volunteers and Middlebury students gain hands-on experience in environmental sampling, lab analysis, and science communication all while contributing data that helps keep Monterey Bay safe for swimming, surfing, and recreation.
Leadership & Academic Partnership
This partnership is guided by the leadership of Dr. Philip Murphy, Director and founding faculty lead of the META Lab at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. Under Dr. Murphy’s direction, the META Lab has become a student-driven, faculty-led research hub focused on evidence-based policy evaluation, applied data analysis, and real-world community impact.
Working closely with Dr. Murphy, this collaboration was spearheaded by Marjorie Rodriguez, a Middlebury Institute graduate student, META Lab team member, and Surfrider Monterey Climate Change Program Lead. Marjorie played a key role in aligning META Lab’s analytical and educational resources with Surfrider Monterey’s community-based mission to protect clean water and coastal health.
“This partnership came together through the dedication of Marjorie Rodriguez, a Middlebury Institute student and META Lab team member who also serves as Surfrider Monterey’s Climate Change Program Lead. Her leadership reflects the power of students and volunteers to turn education into real-world environmental impact.”
Harry Parker, BWTF Program Director, Surfrider Monterey Chapter
Together, this leadership structure ensures the Blue Water Task Force program is grounded in scientific rigor, student training, and meaningful community engagement, strengthening both environmental stewardship and local capacity building.
“Community science thrives when education and stewardship meet,” said Harry Parker, BWTF Program Director for Surfrider Monterey. “This partnership ensures our program has longevity, consistency, and a strong educational foundation”
Together, Surfrider Monterey and META Lab are strengthening local water quality monitoring, empowering volunteers and students, and reinforcing our shared commitment to protecting Monterey Bay for generations to come.
Join us! As a friend of the ocean right here in Monterey Bay. Find Volunteer, leadership opportunities, and ways to support our beaches, water, and waves on our Surfrider Monterey Website.
Coastal Policy & Science Specialist, Blue Water Task Force
Thomas brings a robust background in wildlife conservation and environmental policy to the Surfrider Monterey team. Currently a Master of Arts candidate in Environmental Policy and Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS), Thomas specializes in the intersection of rigorous science and effective coastal management.
With a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation from BYU and professional experience ranging from isotope analysis on Alaskan specimens to his current work with the Tidal Wetlands Program at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Thomas is an expert at navigating complex ecosystems. At Surfrider, he applies this "ridge-to-reef" perspective to our Blue Water Task Force, ensuring our advocacy is backed by sound science. Whether he's in the lab or the field, Thomas is dedicated to preserving the vibrant, resilient shorelines of the California Central Coast.
Sophie brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the Surfrider Monterey team, blending a background in sociology and studio art with advanced studies in environmental policy. Originally from London, Sophie is currently a Master’s candidate in Environmental Policy and Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS). Her work is driven by a deep commitment to environmental justice and the belief that protecting our natural resources is inextricably linked to social equity.
Sophie is no stranger to the front lines of waste reduction; she recently led the "Trash Bash" waste audit initiatives at MIIS and has spent extensive time developing ocean stewardship curricula for local youth through The Wahine Project. At Surfrider, she applies this passion for education and "plastic-free seas" to our Blue Water Task Force, helping to translate water quality data into meaningful community action. Whether she’s analyzing the latest results or designing ways to make our data more accessible to the public, Sophie’s work ensures that our mission to protect the Monterey Bay is inclusive, evidence-based, and deeply rooted in local stewardship.
Giordano brings a background in international policy and complex systems analysis to the Surfrider Monterey team. Currently a student at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS), Giordano specializes in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies (NPTS), a perspective that proves invaluable when navigating the intersection of environmental health and local governance.
As a core member of our Testing & Results Team, Giordano is part of the "front line" of the Blue Water Task Force. He helps manage the critical transition from raw laboratory samples to the public-facing data our community relies on. His focus on international perspectives and systemic change allows him to see the "big picture" of coastal stewardship, ensuring that our local water quality efforts contribute to a healthier, more resilient Monterey Bay for all.
Data & AnalyticsAnvar brings a sharp, data-driven perspective to the Surfrider Monterey team. A graduate of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), Anvar specializes in data and analytics, a skillset he leverages to help the Blue Water Task Force translate complex water quality samples into actionable community insights.
Deeply rooted in the Monterey Peninsula, Anvar is passionate about bridging the gap between environmental science and community awareness. Whether he is analyzing bacterial trends or helping our team streamline our reporting, his work ensures that when we say "the water is clean," we have the rigorous data to back it up. When he isn't crunching numbers for the coast, you can find him exploring the unique coastal landscapes of the Central Coast that he works so hard to protect.
Jack brings a unique blend of investigative rigor and technical depth to the Surfrider Monterey leadership team. Currently pursuing an M.A. in International Policy and Development at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS), Jack also holds a certificate in Financial Crime Management. His academic focus centers on using data analysis to sharpen how communities and policymakers respond to complex social and environmental challenges.
With a professional background spanning economic research and legislative analysis, Jack is adept at navigating the intricate systems that shape public life. At Surfrider, he applies this analytical lens to the Blue Water Task Force, helping to ensure our citizen science is not only accurate but also strategically positioned to influence local policy. Jack’s curiosity and dedication to "finding the story in the data" make him a vital asset in our mission to protect the Monterey Bay and the Central Coast.