Heidi is UC Center Sacramento’s summer GOLD Fellow and, this summer, she will be interning with Ocean Science Trust. Heidi will contribute her expertise in marine science and conservation, scientific training, and communication skills to Ocean Science Trust’s projects. As a fellow, she will gain hands-on experience in policy work while also learning about the relationships between academics and decisionmakers.
Heidi’s passion for the ocean and marine animals began early in life while exploring Florida estuaries and coastlines as a child. Following her interest in marine science, she completed a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Central Florida while conducting research on living shorelines, oyster reef restoration, and microplastics. Heidi then headed across the pond to learn more about protecting nature through conservation. There, she completed a MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management at the University of Oxford, UK. Now as a PhD student in Dr. Cascade Sorte’s climate change lab at the University of California Irvine, Heidi studies the impact of climate change on intertidal animals across their life cycles. In addition to research, she loves organizing outreach events, engaging in science communication activities, and participating in STEM diversification initiatives. As an intern at Ocean Science Trust, Heidi is excited to gain indispensable experience and skills that will propel her in the direction of a career in science policy.
