Being an avid backpacker, I cherish the view of the stars from the mountain top. They shine victoriously and consume the night sky. It's hard to close your eyes and fall asleep under the mesmerizing view. The first time I went backpacking in California, I had never seen a night sky quite like that. Outside of my home in New Jersey, the streetlights block the natural view. This has more negative effects than we realize. Light pollution affects our health and alters the ecosystems and natural functions of the wildlife around us. This is one concern of many. I often think about the future, and the world I will raise my children in. I hope they will see the night sky, as it was made to be seen, illuminating the earth, shining victoriously.
I enjoy science communication and plan to make this a focus in my future career. My studies focus on Human Ecology, and the relationship and impact humans have on the environment. I am fascinating learning about how connected we are to the environment, and how hurting our environment will in turn hurt our species. I am concerned for our future and the future of our planet. I am passionate about sharing this message with the public. Through One Planet Podcast and The Creative Process, I am reporting, interviewing, and getting a chance to communicate science to the public so that we can work in unison to save our planet.Storytelling and creativity are so important in environmental/science communication because you have to keep the audience engaged. It is important to prioritize the receptiveness of the audience. The goal is to have them take away lasting key points. With creative strategy, the communicated message can have an enormous impact on a person.
I am gaining experience in podcasting, interviewing, film, broadcasting, and journalism. I would like to expand my work in science communication and get hands-on experience!
My personal pledge is to share my education and findings with the public. In my own personal outreach and educational efforts, I have discovered how bypassed environmental concerns are to people on a daily basis. I pledge to inspire social change. I have researched, analyzed, and studied multiple environmental solutions. It is clear to me that social change is a priority. For this reason, I will prioritize science communication, and advocate for social change. I am currently managing two events:
Barnegat Bay Day- an environmental and coastal conservation event. My mission for this event is to provide environmental education, introducing the public to non-profits in New Jersey. The goal is to inspire them to learn more about environmental concerns and make changes in their own lives. I am in charge of outreach, planning, promotion, social media marketing, graphic design, and photography.
The second event I am managing is the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences Art Fair. This fair brings art and science to life! Artists are invited to showcase work, and the public is invited to enjoy local art, food, and music. I am also incorporating environmental aspects into this event. Since the hosting Foundation is an environmental conservation center, I am creating hands-on arts and crafts activities that focus on the environment (for example seashell painting/raising money for conservation). I am in charge of outreach, planning, promotion, social media marketing, graphic design, and photography.