Job summary and/or description of your work/research:
As a data scientist and software developer, I’m mainly working behind the scenes (and behind a computer!) for ocean conservation. I work on a team that builds a tool to help design Marine Protected Areas. The tool, SeaSketch, helps counties and states decide where to put Marine Protected Areas and was originally developed to help design California’s MPA network. We work with a lot of countries and regions across the globe, including Brazil, Bermuda, Belize, Norway, and the Azores, and my job includes talking to our partners and designing the tools they need to designate conservation areas. On occasion, I travel to our partner countries and help lead workshops.
What do you enjoy most about your work/research:
I love learning about how places and people around the world use, value, and manage their oceans. I’m able to learn so much about the relationship of communities to their marine environment through my job. I’m lucky to work with incredible ocean scientists across the world everyday!
Inspiration:
I’m inspired by the teachers in our communities. I believe that we will have a better future if we encourage and support students and the next generation. Our teachers are everyday putting their energy, time, and passion into this mission.