Tracie Sempier is the coastal resilience engagement specialist for the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. She works with local communities, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, coastal managers, residents, and K-12 audiences to try and decrease the negative impacts of disasters (natural, technological, and biological) on families, communities, and the environment. Tracie is also the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment Southeast engagement coordinator. She is creating a model for regional extension programming focused on severe weather, synthesizing research findings to inform application at the local level, and working to develop safe sheltering options for vulnerable populations. In addition, Sempier is the lead for the Gulf of Mexico Climate and Resilience Community of Practice, where she utilizes existing networks to build connections with target audiences. Tracie has over 25 years of professional experience in education/outreach with various audiences in formal/informal learning environments. She is a recipient of the prestigious Gulf Guardian Award and the Spirit of Community Award for her work on resilience issues in the Gulf of Mexico. She earned a Bachelor of Science in marine science and biology from the University of Alabama, a Master of Science in science and mathematics education at Oregon State University, and a PhD in curriculum and instruction from Mississippi State University.