I am a lawyer and policy advocate who is dedicated to advancing holistic and innovative solutions to climate changes in the Arctic. As part of Permafrost Pathways, I am helping to ensure that permafrost thaw processes and impacts are reflected in equitable and actionable government policies.
My work involves strategic collaboration with leading permafrost scientists, policy experts, Arctic Indigenous knowledge-holders, and decision-makers at all levels of government. I lead the development of science-policy briefs and outreach materials, participate in permafrost-relevant science-policy discourse, and help inform adaptation and mitigation strategies to address a rapidly warming Arctic.
For the past decade, I have contributed to policy responses to the most pressing global environmental issues. I began my career with the US Environmental Protection Agency in the Office of General Counsel where I worked with scientists and policy experts to implement environmental safeguards consistent with statutory authority. I subsequently worked with leading academic institutions to advise national and international community-based organizations advocating for environmental policy changes.
My contributions to Permafrost Pathways build not only on these experiences, but also on my history as a fierce defender of human rights, having worked with the United Nations to help countries guarantee universal access to food that is nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced.
I believe that everyone has an obligation to leave the world in a better state than we found it. I hope I can realize this vision by encouraging cooperation and facilitating collaboration between scientific and policy experts.
