Carolyn Doherty Turks and Caicos Fall '09 graduated early from the University of Richmond last December in order to start an experience of a lifetime in American Samoa, as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Management Fellow.
"My fellowship focuses on climate change implications for American Samoa's coral reefs and the communities that depend upon reef resources. My work varies on a daily basis - from developing management policies for the Territory to implementing climate change-based outreach projects within the communities," she said.
As an undergraduate, Carolyn Doherty soaked up a wide range of environmental studies classes, ranging from law and economics to chemistry and oceanography. Her semester with SFS in the Turks and Caicos Islands not only gave her a chance to try practical fieldwork, it also helped her focus her interests to community-based coastal management.
Carolyn can name specific projects and research she carried out on South Caicos that contribute to her work today.
"Our class had some hilarious mnemonic devices to help us remember the scientific names of all the species of algae, reef fish, and corals. I actually still remember most of them! And creating a Coastal Zone Mapping Plan for South Caicos Marine Protected Areas and researching how to implement a Sustainable Livelihoods Framework on the island helped define my career path," she said.
Her work with NOAA isn't limited to coastal management. She is also working with a group of colleagues to create a Territorial Climate Change Framework for American Samoa.
"This document, when completed, will serve as a comprehensive guide to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in American Samoa. The Framework will describe how to incorporate climate change adaptation into future management plans. This progressive project fits well with my academic research background: climate change and small-island nations."
Communicating with a wide variety of audiences is crucial to success in her work, Carolyn said. She works with colleagues in local villages as well as government officials and agency representatives, and must be able to share research with people from diverse backgrounds - including students.
"I am currently in the final stages of integrating a climate change-based science program into the Territory's core curriculum. This program will provide teachers with lesson plans and activities that will emphasize local climate change implications and potential solutions, ultimately encouraging a better sense of environmental stewardship among American Samoa's youth."
