I have diverse work experiences, with skills ranging from communication and marketing, to fieldwork, to educational outreach for all ages.
Professional Affiliations
Irish Basking Shark Group
I am currently a researcher and science communicator with the Irish Basking Shark Group (IBSG). The IBSG is an amalgamation of researchers focused on the island of Ireland. Our team is international, comprised of researchers, citizen scientists, educators and conservationists in Ireland, the UK, and the United States. Our aim is to educate the public on the unique marine life that occupies Irish waters. In particular, we center our research and education efforts on the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). We strive to promote responsible and sustainable research and monitoring of this species both in Ireland and on a global scale. To do so, our research projects actively focus on contributing to existing knowledge on basking sharks, and we simultaneously work to promote the development of partnerships with relevant organizations worldwide.
The IBSG is a vital advocate for the protection of basking sharks in Ireland, which were listed under the Wildlife Act in 2022.
Conservation Marketing and Engagement Working Group (ConsMark)
Between 2018-2021, I served on the board of ConsMark, which is a working group of the Society of Conservation Biology. ConsMark defines conservation marketing as ‘the ethical application of marketing strategies concepts and techniques to influence attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of individuals, and ultimately societies, with the objective of advancing conservation goals. The working group hosts an international conference every other year, with the second conference concluding in October 2021.
I was secretary between 2018-2019, Vice President in 2020, and President in 2021.
Teaching and Outreach
Undergraduate
Anonymous student responses from course evaluations:
This lab was harder (in a good way) than I expected, and required me to think differently. Most other labs are: read the material, fill out the worksheet, submit assignment, A+. In this lab there were no real right/wrong answers on assignments, and you had to explain your reasoning/idea. This helped me learn the material better as I had to think critically about the topics we were covering instead of memorize facts.
The professor… was extremely helpful in teaching us how to write scientific papers in a professional environment… I think this class definitely made me a better scientist and a more critical thinker.
Prof. Gray was easily accessible and provided in–depth responses to our submitted material. She seemed to genuinely care about the students’ success.
I taught undergraduate environmental science labs from 2016-2022. I have assisted in the development of two lab manuals, as well as developed scientific writing lessons. I have also assisted with developing new, engaging remote coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included at home lab kits and video content. I have worked most often with Dr. Cindy Smith to develop an impactful environmental science curriculum.
I was awarded “Best Graduate Student Teacher” in 2019 and received “Honorable Mention” for the same award in 2017.
Public Outreach
From 2014-2022, I managed the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) website, Facebook page, and Twitter account, with the goal of making PEREC’s water quality research accessible and understandable to the public. View an example of such outreach here. For educational videos I have produced, see this page.
I have delivered over 60 educational outreach programs with PEREC, such as Water Quality Day. With PEREC, I have helped translate lab and field research to Chesapeake Bay Commissioners, our local business community, state and local legislators, and state education representatives, often via interactive tours of the Potomac Science Center research facility in Woodbridge, VA.
In support of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, I, working with PEREC, have delivered meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs), to thousands of Prince William and Fairfax County youth since 2014.
Field/Lab Work
From 2014-2022, I have worked as a field, lab, and boat technician at the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center. Field work includes fish and zooplankton tows, as well as collecting water and sediment samples. Each winter, I also count and identify zooplankton for the three decade, annual Gunston Cove ecosystem study.
Image shows me rinsing a ponar sample during research with PEREC. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University.
Fellowships
Knauss Fellowship
I am currently a 2024 Knauss Fellow with NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce.
Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering & Science Fellowship
During the summer of 2021, I was thrilled to work as a science advisor for a state delegate, as a part of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine COVES Fellowship.
I and another Environmental Science and Policy graduate student represented George Mason this summer.
During my 2021 COVES fellowship, I was honored to work in Delegate Rodney Willett’s office. Throughout the course of the fellowship, I gained experience in multiple stages of policy development, from initial idea to draft legislation. My research was led by a combination of my expertise, the office’s needs and values, constituent concerns, and shifting concerns within the Commonwealth.
I researched both science and policy on topics of environmental protections, campus sexual assault, public comment periods, and mental health policy. I participated in policy meetings with state agencies and advocacy groups to develop relationships, further research and worked with the legislative aide and member to develop policy recommendations and draft legislation. I produced informational materials that communicate science research and policy for legislative members and the general public and also assisted with responding to constituent emails.
Due to the nature of policy development in Virginia, much of my work will not see fruition for months or even years. Therefore, at the conclusion of the fellowship, I provided the office with a multi-chapter document that can be referred to in the future, providing detailed information about past and current state policy and the current state of research.
This process gave me a deeper understand of how science is used in policy and in the intersection of state and local laws. The fellowship has also allowed to me to create long-term relationships with individuals in the state government, and we have made plans to continue our work on legislation in the upcoming legislative session.
The fellowship also gave me some much needed information about how science is used in policy, which will be relevant in my upcoming dissertation research. I’m very honored and thankful to have gained this experience over the summer.
Team Science Training
In 2023, I participated in the Virginia Sea Grant Team Science Training. This consisted of multiple trainings and a two-day workshop. Through this, I learned best practices to maximize efficiency in a transdisciplinary team.
Economics Fellowships
I have participated in the Don Lavoie (Spring 2021); Frédéric Bastiat (Spring 2022), and Oskar Morgenstern (2022-2023) Fellowships through the Mercatus Center (Read Elinor Ostrom if you haven’t. Really can’t recommend Governing the Commons enough).