Zoe Rosenblum

Zoe's postdoctoral research supports the HymoGuide project, an EPA-funded project to develop regulatory recommendations for Ireland's surface waters. Bridging science and policy, this research aims to identify best practices for hydromorphological assessment in Ireland, directly responding to the EU Water Framework Directive.

Dates: 5/5/25 - 5/4/26

Zoe completed her PhD studies in the Geography Program at Oregon State University. Her research, advised by Prof Aaron Wolf, resulted in the most comprehensive geospatial and policy analysis of nearly 80,000 wetlands in international river basins.

As a Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant, Zoe contributed to and managed grants that support research projects of the Transboundary Freshwater Diplomacy Database and assisted with two undergraduate courses on geographic research methods. Regular tasks included writing technical reports, convening meetings with internal and external teams, and conducting research on international water cooperation and conflict. Zoe conducted this research at the international scale, with partners from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Global Water Partnership, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Water Management Institute, World Bank, and the US Department of the State.  

Dates: 9/13/21 - 12/13/24

Zoe completed her Master's studies through the Water Cooperation and Diplomacy Joint Master's Program, a partnership between the United Nations-Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, and Oregon State University in the United States. 

This international education program sparked Zoe's interest in global wetland diplomacy. Learning alongside peers from all over the world broadened her understanding of environmental and social issues. This was truly a life-changing experience.

Zoe's thesis research created a global database of transboundary wetlands and explored joint management mechanisms in the Hamoun Wetlands, Okavango Delta and Wadden Sea.

Dates: 8/21/19 - 12/15/20                                                       

As a Research Fellow, Zoe supported subject matter experts in the Office of Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds in communicating technical information with a variety of audiences. This includes preparation of press releases, graphics, social media, web sites and presentations on topics including State and Tribal Wetland Programs, National Estuary Program, climate change, green infrastructure, and nutrient pollution. 

Zoe thrived in the dynamic, fast-paced environment of EPA where each day brought new challenges and opportunities. Exposure to researchers with wide-ranging areas of expertise enriched the experience. Zoe's collaborative approach, well-developed organizational skills and innovative thinking made her a capable and much valued member of the Communications Team.

Dates: 9/14/15 - 4/26/19                                                                                 

As an Education and Restoration Specialist in the Chesapeake Conservation Corps (a program established by the Chesapeake Bay Trust), Zoe was assigned to Environmental Concern Inc. There, Zoe focused on all things wetlands: plant propagation, design and restoration, and education. In one year, Zoe taught more than 7,500 students, assisted with planting more than 20,000 native plants, and coordinated a county-wide high school field trip. Zoe managed diverse and competing priorities, created presentations appropriate to specific audiences (from pre-K to technical experts), and even managed a small grant project. 

Dates: 8/25/14-8/25/15                                                                                             

Zoe fell in love with wetlands while doing research in salt marshes on Maryland's eastern shore.

Zoe has worked with a variety of wetland scientists, from University of Maryland professors to public servants. At the USDA, Zoe led field crews in collecting plant samples and soil data to help improve characterization of natural and restored wetlands in a modeling system. She demonstrated leadership skills and took initiative, taking on a forgotten research project. Zoe also assisted three university professors with research, demonstrating competent execution of standard operating procedures, ability to work in adverse field conditions, and ability to manage large databases and collections of samples.

Dates: 9/16/13 - 8/22/14

Zoe demonstrates flexibility as a Yoga Instructor at Marigold Center in Corvallis, OR. She previously taught yoga at Realignment Studio in Washington, DC, and was an Assistant Coach for the University of Maryland Gymkana Troupe.

Zoe taught gymnastics and provided mentorship to 80+ college students on the Gymkana Troupe, an outreach program of UMD's School of Public Health. Zoe has 9 years of experience teaching gymnastics to all ages (3 months to adults!). Creativity, patience, and empathy are a few of Zoe's strengths in the gym that complement her full-time work as a scientist.

Dates: August 2010 - August 2019

Zoe volunteers her skills, leading projects focused on environmental stewardship. This includes supervising planting, installing stormwater BMPs, conducting stream cleanups, and removing invasive species.

Dates: March 2013 - August 2019

Zoe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelors in Environmental Science and Technology. She served as a research assistant under Dr. Paul Leisnham in the mosquito lab, Dr. Brian Needelman in the soils lab, and Dr. Andy Baldwin in the wetland ecology lab, both in the laboratory and in the field.

While attending, Zoe was a member of the Gymkana Troupe, where she served multiple years in the officer body and received the George F. Kramer Best Trouper award.