Education

Bachelor of Science, University of Delaware; Newark, DE                                                                                                      Dec 2012

Major: Plant Science and Natural Resource Management; Minor: Food & Resource Economics

Relevant Experience

Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Eastern Shore Grassroots Field Specialist; Easton, MD                                 July 2014 – Present

Develops and implements strategies for organizing Eastern Shore communities around CBF priorities, such as the Talbot County Ditch Restoration Project and the Salisbury Stormwater Utility, to ensure effective implementation of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Project manager on homeowner stewardship program in the city of Cambridge, designing and installing best management practices on residential property.  Revived Clean Water Captains and Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards advocacy and education programs on the Eastern Shore. Effectively recruits, inspires, and manages new and returning Bay advocates. Develops materials to engage the public, including the Eastern Shore newsletter, Eastern Shore Office Facebook page, and various electronic action alerts. Plans, promotes, and executes all Eastern Shore community programming, such as the annual Clean Water Concert Series, information sessions on legislative bills, the annual Rod & Reef Slam Fishing Tournament, canoe trips, and restoration events. Assists with grasstops and statewide projects as assigned.

Georgetown County United Way VISTA Collaborative; Georgetown, SC                                                       June 2013 – June 2014

Increased the capacity of Miss Ruby’s Kids through grant proposal writing, creation of marketing materials, use of social media, and email communication. Assisted in volunteer recruitment, retention, coordination, and created a volunteer recognition procedure. Developed a system of obtaining, storing, and evaluating student test scores in order to increase the effectiveness of the mentor program and improve literacy rates. Coordinated quarterly professional development meetings for the VISTA Collaborative.

Bell Nursery, Distribution Assistant; Newark, DE                                                                                           March 2013 – June 2013

Responsible for hiring of seasonal workers. Created new employee orientation manual. Completed ordering and receiving paperwork. Monitored new product for quality control. Performed order audits to compile data on accuracy and efficiency of orders.

Star Roses & Plants, Intern Plant Breeder; Jennersville, PA                                                                            June 2012 – Sept. 2012

Learned laboratory and propagation techniques, such as making growth media, controlled pollinations, embryo rescue, and tissue culture. Data collection and entry of plant evaluation results.

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Intern; Pittsburgh, PA                                                                 June 2011 – Aug. 2011

Constructed new edible garden and maintained during its first year. Maintained two water lily ponds, Welcome Center, Japanese bonsai garden, children’s garden, and two formal gardens. Managed and educated high school interns about sustainable agriculture.

Blackbird Heritage Farm Intern; Townsend, DE                                                                                                        Mar. 2010 – Nov. 2010

Assisted in all aspects of vegetable production and with care of poultry and livestock. Acquired knowledge about seed saving, heirloom vegetables, heritage meats, and organic farming methods.