Hi I’m Jonelle,
I am a graduate from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California with a BS in Environmental Science Planning and Policy. During my time in school I was able to expand my interest in the environmental science field through extracurricular activities. I became interested in environmental justice issues, restoration, mitigation and adaptation projects that were being proposed in the local community and through local government agencies. In my time at Humboldt I joined the nonprofit organization EarthGuardians and participated in the march in San Francisco for global climate change that brings awareness to the UN Summit Climate Action Plan. I’ve volunteered with other non-profit organizations such as Friends of the Dunes in Samoa to restore the dunes where the invasive species plant European Beach Grass has overgrown impacting native plant species. I’ve conducted studies on forest restoration projects, and fisheries production in the Klamath River and South Puget Sound, Washington which are facing issues with sea level rise and ocean acidification. My biggest inspiration for helping the environment has come from my studies about traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable fisheries practice and coastal planning. One of my many achievements in the field was an analysis conducted on the stakeholders near the 101 highway corridor that is expected to be impacted by sea level rise. Since then I’ve broadened my interest in the natural world through my personal experiences and have become equipped to spread awareness to different communities who face these issues today or will in the near future. I am excited to be part of EarthTeam to assist the youth in engaging opportunities in helping their own communities and learn more about the STEM field.