Andrea Fisher: Collaborating to Bring Arctic Science and Indigenous Knowledge to Policymakers

While studying at MIIS, I had the opportunity to work for the Center for the Blue Economy (CBE) assisting with the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) as a research assistant. I was drawn to the program after learning about their efforts to better connect Arctic science and decision making. I felt offering my skills in science communications and experience in policy-world outreach was a fair exchange for the amount I would be learning about the Arctic (and wow, I have learned a lot — ranging from sea ice research to some of the concerns of certain Indigenous communities).

After I graduated in December 2018 with my International Environmental Policy degree, I started working with SEARCH full-time. My projects are mainly related to a novel Arctic conference that will be held in Washington, DC in September of 2019. I have been managing activities to elevate the role of Indigenous representatives at the conference, as well as working with a researcher to visualize the interface of science, Indigenous knowledge, and policy.

Background:  Dr. Brendan P. Kelly joined the Center for the Blue Economy as a Senior Fellow in 2015.   He had taken on the role of Executive Director of SEARCH:  The Study of Environmental Arctic Change, an NSF funded multi-disciplinary group tasked with bringing the latest “state of the science” on the rapidly changing Arctic to the realm of state and national policy makers.  He needed a home base, and the Center for the Blue Economy was thrilled to have a veteran Arctic researcher join our team.   Little did we realize the immense benefit that Dr. Kelly would bring to the students in our International Environmental Policy program.  Over the years, he has incorporated our students into research during the academic term, provided internships, and several alumni have landed paid positions through Dr. Kelly’s connections.   We are so grateful for this collaboration.