Specialist in environmental communications

Education

M.A. Marine Conservation & Policy
B.A. Environmental Studies, Env. Law & Policy
Stony Brook University

Marine Biology Research Program
New York Harbor School

Positions

Constituent Services Intern,  House of Representatives, District 8
Representative Hakeem Jeffries
(Fall Internship, 2023, Present)
As a constituent services intern with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Brooklyn offices, I serve as a liaison to connect local residents with helpful organizations for different issues they may face. This includes speaking directly with individuals to support them with critical resources. Additionally, I support Rep. Jeffries by facilitating conversations between different organizations through written letters and memos to address key issues faced in Brooklyn, NY.

Communications Intern,  NYS Assembly District 58
Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman
(Summer Internship, 2023)

As a communications intern with New York State Assemblywoman Monique Chandler- Waterman's office, I promote community engagement with District 58 and  also encourage Ms.  Waterman to become involved with statewide environmental policy. Environmental justice is an essential component, with emphasis on equitable energy efficiency, access to green spaces, resources and public health.

I've also earned a deeper understanding of constituent needs and how effect partnerships between public agencies enact change, by representing Ms. Waterman's office at community events and meetings. I am also a liaison between constituents and Ms. Waterman, as I facilitate conversations fostered by written letters, photography, storytelling, reports, and digital engagement.

Director of Communications, Storm Surge Working Group
(2020 - 2023)

The Storm Surge Working Group is a think-tank of engineering, architect, and environmental experts dedicated to preserving New York City in the face of extreme sea level rise and storm surge flooding. As Director of Communications, I communicated the need for effective flood zone protections across New York City’s coastal region. I created the website www.metrosurge.org  and Instagram (@metro.surge) to  publish breaking news, infographics, stories, blogs, and videos that share accurate climate science. I have also spoken with elected officials and the press, and participated in educational events, like conferences and panels.

Program Coordinator, Students for Climate Action
(2021 - 2022)

Students for Climate Action is a coalition of high school students across New York (and the country!) who meet with elected representatives to discuss pro-climate legislation. I created the first chapter with current New York Harbor School students, and we have met with multiple council members to discuss decarbonization of New York City.

Exhibit Interpreter, New York Aquarium
(2018)

At the New York Aquarium, I facilitated the understanding of different exhibits for visitors of all ages. This included conservation-focused presentations in multiple areas, including the impact of plastic on marine ecosystems, sand tiger shark policy and research, and shark anatomy. 

Scientific Consultant, CIVITAS
(with the Billion Oyster Project & Hudson River Foundation)
(2014-17)

As a student of the Marine Biology Research Program, I led a baseline study of the East and Harlem Rivers documenting water quality, phytoplankton concentrations, and benthic biodiversity. This study, supported by CIVITAS, the Billion Oyster Project, and the Hudson River Foundation, reported that the ecosystem is toxic by EPA standards. These results were presented to elected representatives, advising scientists, at the NYC Science and Engineering Fair, and also featured in the Discovery film Take Back the Harbor (2018).

Academic Leadership

Teaching Assistant, Environmental Issues and Policies
(2021 - 2022)

Secretary, Greenhouse and Gardening Club
(2019)

Member of Future Ready Student
(2019)

Project Manager,  New York Harbor SEALs
(2015-17)

Achievements

J.R. Schubel Fellowship Award (2022):
This competitive fellowship is awarded to SoMAS graduate students committed to translating science into forms that are accessible to the public and/or inform public policy.

Leadership Credential (2019):
I earned my credential from Stony Brook University by participating as an active member and secretary of the Greenhouse & Gardening Club on campus.

Waterfront Alliance Scholar (2017- 2022):
Each year, the Waterfront Alliance invites students and young professionals to apply for the Waterfront Scholars program to attend the annual Waterfront Conference in New York City.

Trident Award (2017):
The Trident Award is given to a Marine Biology Research Program (New York Harbor School) graduate that has accomplished all three of the following feats:
01) has earned all the possible college credits offered by the MBRP,
02) has competed in the NYC Science and Engineering Fair, and
03) has assumed a leadership position in the Harbor SEALs Citizen Science team.

Press Features

Transferable Skills

Microsoft Office Suite
Google Drive Suite
Google Sites
Social Media Strategizing
Analytic /Insight Programs
Visual Design
Storytelling
Written & Verbal Communication
Public Speaking