The Ocean Institute's Distinguished Speaker Series brings together renowned experts from various ocean-related fields, offering insights on cutting-edge research, unique experiences, and innovations. This event will feature Dr. Kelly Nguyen, who will present her project, the Refugee Material Culture Initiative (RMCI). 

Nguyen will discuss the RMCI’s efforts to digitally preserve refugee-made artifacts and art, create an accessible database, and develop educational resources that center refugee narratives. The presentation will highlight items from the Vietnamese Heritage Museum, including a 3D-scanned refugee boat from the Vietnam War and other refugee-used objects.