A CCS Student Immersive Learning Experience: Write on the Edge: A Workshop at Coal Oil Point
Interdisciplinary workshop explored Goleta’s coastal ecology through environmental writing
"The workshop title ‘Write on the Edge’ is fitting because we wanted to focus on boundaries and edges––the edge of the land and sea, the boundary between prose and poetry, and how our writing pushes us to think about where we are."
—Marlene Zuk ‘77 (CCS Biology), Regents Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota
The College of Creative Studies (CCS) hosted a two-day writing workshop at Coal Oil Point Reserve on February 24-25, 2024. Led by Marlene Zuk ‘77 (CCS Biology) and CCS Writing & Literature (W&L) Faculty Kara Mae Brown, the transformative experience provided a small group of CCS students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic ecology of Goleta’s coastal intertidal zones. The interdisciplinary nature of the workshop provided students from different majors the opportunity to come together and learn from one another while building connections and community.
“Inviting Professor Zuk, a distinguished member of our alumni community and an expert on behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology, to interact with our current students was such a wonderful opportunity for us. It was rewarding to hear from our students how much they enjoyed this workshop, thoughtfully created by our own Professor Kara Mae collaboratively with Marlene.”
—Timothy Sherwood, Interim Dean, College of Creative Studies
Equipped with ecology lessons from the workshop leaders, students revisited observation points repeatedly throughout the weekend, dedicating a half-hour to jotting down their observations of the unique dunes, lagoons, ponds, and channels. To inspire their writing approaches, students read from authors who represent a range of engagement with place, including Marine Biologist Rachel Carson and narrative prose author Annie Dillard. The workshop concluded with an open mic reading on the final day, allowing students to present the work they had created during the workshop, highlighting their newfound appreciation for the intersection of science and narrative.
“When we first started discussing Marlene coming for a visit to CCS, it just naturally emerged that the focus would be on ‘place’—and Coal Oil Point is right here.” I'm so grateful for the students who came out and spent their time with us over the weekend. The workshop would not have been as successful without their engaged participation and willingness to share their words and ideas.”
—Kara Mae Brown, Writing & Literature Faculty and Program Coordinator, College of Creative Studies; Associate Teaching Professor, Writing Program, Division of Humanities and Fine Arts
"I was astonished by the beauty, depth, and thoughtfulness of what the students wrote," remarked Brown, reflecting on the workshop's outcomes. She further expanded, "Marlene is a scientist who loves to write. I'm a writer who loves learning about science. The idea of writing 'on the edge' of the sea and these different disciplines was based on what we love, what we do, and where we are."
Eva Bradman '25 (CCS Biology), one of the workshop participants, shared insights on the weekend experience, highlighting the interdisciplinary spirit of the workshop. "Overall, it was a unique and stimulating creative writing experience. Zuk and Brown's differing academic backgrounds complemented each other well to teach environmental writing skills," Eva explained. "A highlight for me was getting to meet other students from different majors and hear how their academic backgrounds influenced their writing. I also loved spending time at Coal Oil Point Reserve; the building and surrounding nature are incredibly beautiful!"
Leading up to the workshop, Marlene attended a CCS Community Gathering on February 23, 2024 when students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to mingle with one another and with the workshop co-host over pizza. Marlene and her husband, Dr. John Rotenberry, also met with the College’s interim dean Timothy Sherwood and faculty during their visit. Experiential learning, including this workshop, is at the heart of the student academic experience at the College.
About the Workshop Co-Hosts
Kara Mae Brown teaches in the College of Creative Studies Writing & Literature major and the UCSB Writing Program, including creative writing, science writing for the public, and web content. She writes short fiction and nonfiction. Her work has most recently appeared in About Place and Pop Matters.
Marlene Zuk ‘77 (CCS Biology) is currently the Regents Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. Zuk’s research in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology has received prestigious awards, including the 2015 Edward O. Wilson Naturalist Award and in 2023 the15th BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Ecology and Conservation Biology.
More about Marlene Zuk:
