A. As a child, I split my time between my parents, spending summers living in Detroit, Michigan, and the school year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have spent my adulthood living and working in Philadelphia. 

 

A. I hold a B.A. in political science from the University of Pennsylvania and I am working toward completing my masters in environmental studies, also at the University of Pennsylvania. 

 

A. When I graduated with my undergrad degree, it was a toss up between working for a publishing company or an environmental group. I went to work for Natural Resources Defense Council as a research assistant in their Water and Oceans Department, and the rest is history. Growing up in cities with heavy industry along river ways, the rivers were often seen simply as dividing points from one part of the city to another in Philadelphia, or as a flowing borderline from one country to another in Detroit. It fascinated me to learn that life was as busy below the surface of these metropolitan rivers as it was above, and that they were both affecting one another in some visible but often invisible ways. I would have to say that’s where my journey to understand the complicated relationship between humans and water began, and the curiosity and desire for a mutualistic relationship between the two has continued to drive my work.  

 

A. It changes daily. During the winter, I am mostly teaching science once a week at Jubilee School, curriculum planning for boating season, or developing concepts for new bodies of artwork. Spring and summer are go-time for me! I am on the river most of the time, giving history and ecology tours at Bartram’s and Glen Foerd. I also take high school students to perform scientific monitoring of the Schuylkill River, read and write about my reflections on space and society, or just nerd out with some sci-fi to unwind. 

 

A. The youth I work with each day. Someone before me worked really hard and overcame challenges and busted down barriers so that I can do the work I am passionate about today. My hope is to make the path a little wider for the next generation.

 

A. They may seem a bit unconventional as inspiring female leaders but I would have to say Storm from the X-Men and Octavia Butler. Storm is a fictional mutant super hero from Marvel who has the ability to control the weather. In her early years and eagerness to provide the village she was living in with relief from a drought, she brought on rain, and unfortunately the incident threw off the natural course of nature and wreaked havoc elsewhere resulting in lives lost. She lamented what she had done and learned to be more careful and thoughtful with her powers. For me, this stands out as an anecdotal reminder that good intentions are not always synonymous with what is right or even helpful. Careful thought and the absence of ego are important in making a difference for the better. Octavia Butler is a brilliant Sci-Fi author. She has a unique way of weaving science, social justice and storytelling together that is compelling and innovative. Her books still hold relevance today. I have always enjoyed using science-fiction or narrative in my teaching and art practice. In my mind, she is the standard for how to do it.  

 

A. According to statistics, women make up around half of the world’s population. The majority of studies are based on sex and not gender, so the numbers are subject to being flawed on the actual specifics. To this day, women are underrepresented in the sciences and politics. There is a significant loss of insight and perspective that is needed for scientific interpretation, policymaking, and advocacy, stunting growth and innovation. 

 

A. The biggest challenge in my work at the moment is a lack of STEM and STEAM programs in schools due to scarce resources. There are more youth interested in the programs I work with than can be accommodated, which is a tragedy. There are youth in their formative years interested in science and they can’t explore those inklings or sparks of curiosity that could potentially lead to job security, a diverse field of experts, and a better future for everyone, simply because the funding isn’t being allocated to the right places. Another challenge I often face is that of representation. I am often one of very few people of color in the room when attending environmental conferences. Though in recent years, environmental justice has become a main focus for larger organizations, and communities of color have been a focal point, there is still a lack of actual representation from these communities in discussion, planning or decision-making.

 

A. If we can improve school funding and get STEM and STEAM programs into the schools, bring communities of color into the planning process as we create policy and develop cities, and acknowledge our history, even when it is problematic, by promoting more truthful narratives of the past, I think we have a chance. We are in a place at the moment where I believe if we plan carefully, PA has the ability to become a leader and model, specifically for water conservation efforts and for large cities moving toward renewable energy.