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Brennan Banks, a recent graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology, has made a significant impact on the coastal community through his active involvement with the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). Since 1926, ASBPA’s dedication to preserving, protecting, and enhancing America’s coasts has been driven through initiatives like the ASBPA Countdown to 100 Years of Coastal Resilience, fostering growth in coastal professionals and collaboration across the field.
Brennan’s coastal journey began in Maryland, where his connection to the Chesapeake Bay sparked an early interest in environmental sciences. In an introductory ocean engineering course instructed by Dr. Irene Watts, 2013 ASBPA Nicholas Kraus Coastal Scholar Award recipient, Brennan witnessed his first beach nourishment presentation – an experience that ignited his fascination with coastal science. He attended the Coastal Summit in March 2019 as a student volunteer.
With an M.S. in Ocean Engineering, Brennan’s focus on coastal engineering and processes led him to study key models—CSHORE and Beach-fx—created by the U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center and used by U.S Army Corps of Engineers Districts for Coastal Storm Risk Management Studies.
“ASBPA has played a huge role in my personal and professional development,” Brennan explains.
“Starting as a student volunteer and eventually working my way up to serving as the Government Affairs Committee intern, moderating conference sessions, presenting my research, and holding leadership roles within the Students and New Professionals Chapter allowed me to gain confidence and gradually increase roles and responsibilities.”
Through ASBPA, Brennan gained access to groundbreaking coastal research and a community of experts dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing our nation’s coasts. Attending conferences, networking with leaders in the field, and immersing himself in ASBPA’s resources resulted in an internship opportunity that was the highlight of his undergraduate experience. These opportunities proved instrumental in shaping his career by leading him to his current role as a coastal engineer and planner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District.
Inspiring Coastal Futures
As the newly elected President of ASBPA’s Student and New Professionals (SNP) chapter, Brennan is committed to fostering a supportive environment for emerging coastal professionals to grow, connect, and contribute to coastal innovations. His leadership role within SNP has allowed him to contribute to the same community that helped shape his career.
Brennan credits initiatives like the mentorship program with essential participation from ASBPA leaders and the Board of Directors, along with the Student Travel Scholarship, and the Student Volunteering Program, run by Dr. Tiffany Briggs and her students at Florida Atlantic University, for their role in enabling SNP members to attend conferences, connect with leaders in the field, and gain the confidence needed to shape their careers.
“ASBPA’s support is imperative for students and new professionals navigating their coastal journey,” Brennan shares. “Programs like these are essential for fostering new initiatives for the SNP chapter.”
Brennan’s journey reflects the powerful role that ASBPA plays in the lives of emerging coastal professionals. Continued support and funding of ASBPA’s initiatives are vital for fostering the next generation of coastal leaders. You can show your support here. Learn more about the Students & New Professionals (SNP) chapter and get involved at ASBPA.org/About-Us/Chapters/Students-New-Professionals.