JAX RICHARDS

Jax Richards brings a unique perspective to the ocean-related field with both his time spent in the ocean and his time studying ocean-related phenomena. He is an avid surfer constantly chasing barrels and is a seasonal ocean lifeguard in Newport Beach California where he often works in heavy surf and crowded beaches each summer. He attends the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa during the school year studying Global Environmental Science (GES). He has a strong passion for environmental issues and his life’s goal is to work to solve many of them through his multi-perspective lens. He is currently working on a research project for his GES major investigating the performance of spectral wave models in Hawai'i using moored buoys and satellites as reference. He is getting funding through the NASA Hawai'i Space Grant program where he aims to continue learning more about our ocean and changing planet.

• Oceanography 100 (MRSC A100)/ Ocean Lab (201)
• Introduction to the Environment, Climate Change, & Sustainability (OCN/GES 102, SUST 112)
• Surf Science and Culture (ORE 203)
• Global Environmental Change (GES 311)
• Atmospheric Science (ATMO 200)
• Advanced Mathematics (ERTH/OCN 312)

• President of Surfrider Foundation club at Newport Harbor HS 2019-2020
• Beach Cleanup Coordinator at UH Surfrider club 2022-present
• Volunteer for Blue Water Task force at Surfrider 2022-2023
• Intern at Oceana and BAPPC 2023

• Junior Lifeguard of the Year - 2017 (All-State California)
• Coach's Award & Zach Award- Newport Harbor HS Surf Team