The Mississippi-Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence (MBRACE) was established in 2016 and is focused on researching water quality and oyster-related topics in Mississippi waters. Throughout this time, MBRACE has collaborated with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) to develop and implement outreach and engagement activities. This talk will provide an overview of the various collaborations between these two entities focusing on oyster research and engagement activities from the perspective of an early-career science policy fellow. I will discuss my role working with both organizations as a fellow and describe the numerous opportunities I have had to assist each in their oyster-related projects. For example, I will discuss how I have assisted with developing research goals, led a community oyster program in both Mississippi and Alabama, and developed synthesis materials from MBRACE’s research investments over its 10-year history. This talk will highlight the successful collaboration between two important organizations for Mississippi coastal research as well as share opportunities for other early-career scientists interested in coastal work along the Gulf.