Diandre Richie

About Diandre Richie

As a Science-Policy Liaison I am dedicated to closing the gap between complex environmental data and actionable climate policy. My work is driven by the belief that for coastal and marine strategies to be successful, they must be technically rigorous, legally sound, and socially equitable. Across my career, I have found that the most effective solutions exist at the intersection of quantitative modeling and community-driven advocacy.My foundation is built on a technical engine of data science and ecological research. During my time with NOAA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, I specialized in the data-driven \"how\" of conservation—whether evaluating ocean model products for groundfish stock assessments in the Pacific or co-authoring a peer-reviewed national census of U.S. fish passage infrastructure in the Journal of Environmental Management. By leveraging tools like MATLAB, R, and GIS, I have worked to understand how natural systems—from Bering Sea ice to inland waterways—respond to climate stress.However, I believe that data only achieves its full potential when it is translated into the \"so what\" for policymakers and local communities. As a Science Policy Fellow at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and through my Master’s project with the NC Division of Coastal Management, I have pivoted from the lab to the interface of management and law. I transform technical findings into evidence-based restoration strategies, stormwater permits, and resilience frameworks that directly support the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Community Program (RCCP).Currently pursuing my Master of Environmental Management at Duke University, I am focused on building a career as a bridge between researchers, government agencies, and the public. My goal is to advance applied marine ecology that strengthens the science–policy interface, helping our fisheries and coastal communities adapt to a changing climate in sustainable, data-backed, and just ways.Feel free to contact me via LinkedIn or email at d••••••••@gmail.com.Clifton Strengths: Futuristic | Achiever | Communication | Significance | Competition “The sky isn’t the limit, it’s just the view.”

Experience

1. Dr Beth Mcgee Science Policy Fellowship

   Chesapeake Bay Foundation

   Sep 2025 — Present

   Developed white papers, briefing documents, and other scientific communications in collaboration with Advocacy and Restoration Department staff to address complex and emerging challenges in Chesapeake Bay restoration.Compiled and analyzed water quality, climate, agricultural, and economic data to inform policy recommendations and support evidence-based restoration strategies.Conducted literature reviews and identified tools and resources to address unaddressed scientific concerns, while presenting findings through internal briefings and external stakeholder communications.

Education

• University of North Carolina Wilmington

  Major Environmental Science w/ concentration in Biological Sciences, Minor Business, Environmental Science

  2020 — 2024

• Duke University

  Master of Environmental Management (MEM)

• Union Academy

  High School Diploma

• Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment

  Master of Environmental Management, Coastal & Marine Systems, Environmental Economics & Policy

• Reykjavik University

  Sustainability Studies