Growing up on the California coastline with towering redwood forests in my backyard, I’ve been motivated from a young age to advocate for the protection of the natural environment. My academic interests have revolved around the concept of environmental justice, ensuring the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens within communities.

I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and an MSc from Oxford University in Nature, Society, and Environmental Policy. Upon completing my master’s degree in 2017, I moved to Norway and began working with marine litter policy for a small non-profit organization. This experience sparked my interest in Nordic coastal ecosystems, particularly kelp forests and seagrasses.

In 2020, I began working as an independent consultant for the Norwegian Blue Forests Network (NBFN) to contribute to a report that identifies Norwegian priority areas and funding sources for domestic and international blue forests initiatives. I currently work as an Associate Expert within the Marine Environment Programme, where I support multiple projects associated with the protection and management of coastal ecosystems. I work to translate complex science and policy information into concise messages for diverse audiences through various communications products like videos, reports, webinars, and online media.