Melissa Whaling
919-623-5003
Education:Master of Environmental Management May 2017
Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC.
Concentration: Coastal Environmental Management.
Certificate: Community-Based Environmental Management.
Masters Project: How Tos for Turtle Tourism: A Regional Review of Sea Turtle Tourism Best Practices and Guidelines to Inform Stakeholders in Martinique.
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Summa cum laude. December 2014
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC.
Concentration: Marine Conservation.
Honors: Chancellor’s Achievement Award, Dean’s List.
Work Experience:Science and Policy Intern,The Southern Environmental Law Center, Chapel Hill, NC. 2016
Conducted research to inform ongoing litigation for defending coastal resources in the State of North Carolina. Prepared research memos, reports, and white papers on a wide range of coastal topics, including beach nourishment, coastal resiliency, coastal development, and hazard mitigation. Significantly increased knowledge of environmental law and policy and greatly improved writing and overall communication skills.
Ecology Lab Assistant, Duke University, Durham, NC. 2015-2016
Managed, organized, and prepared large datasets from field studies in Gabon for analysis by the Poulsen Ecology Lab. Collaborated with PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers. Enhancedorganizational skills and proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS.
Educator and Group Events Coordinator, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, NC. 2013-2015
Launched programs on child yoga, STEM, and marine science. Recruited, coordinated, and led field trips, fundraisers, and outreach events. Designed, planned, and built “The Sea and Me,” a family-friendly exhibit intended to educate the public about coastal and marine habitats and conservation. Participated in board meetings and provided monthly progress reports. Applied skills in creativity, marketing,education,multi-tasking, and self-motivation.
Relevant Experience:Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Intern, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital,Surf City, NC. 2014
Providedveterinary care of endangered marine turtles, released rehabilitated turtles, and educated visitors about sea turtle conservation. Gained greaterproficiency in volunteer training, public communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Ichthyology Field and Lab Assistant,UNC Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, NC. 2014
Assessedthe effect of beach nourishment on fish migration through participation in a Master’s project. Accumulated insight about the anthropologic impacts on beach habitats.
Marine Biology Teaching Lab Assistant, UNC Wilmington, Wilmington, NC. 2014
Assistedprofessors and labstudents with fish husbandry and preserved sample curation for the Marine Biology Teaching Lab. Gained organization, communication, and analytical skills.
NC Coastal Ecology Field Student, UNC Wilmington, Outer Banks, NC. 2014
Assisted in a long-term study on benefits of dune vegetation for longevity of barrier islands. Identified hundreds of plant species, which required collaborative researchcapabilities.
Clubs and Activities:Ocean Policy Working Group, Duke University. 2016-2017
Social Media and Marketing Chair,The Basketball Committee, Duke University. 2016-2017
Forest Elephant Working Group, Duke University. 2015-2016
The Coastal Society, UNC Wilmington and Duke University. 2013-2017
Study Abroad Ambassador, UNC Wilmington. 2013-2014
AdditionalSkills:Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Qualtrics, ArcGIS, Logikcull, Survey Design, Social Media