Jessica Forrest

About Jessica Forrest

I am a professional with interest in applying the best of science to drive decision-making, particularly with regards to environmental sustainability. Applications of this information include policy and management decisions by government and business, strategic planning, sustainability goals and metrics, and marketing and communications. I have experience working in the non-profit, for-profit, government, and multilateral agency sectors. I spent several years as a staff scientist in research and development groups, with results presented in the form of reports, peer-reviewed papers, web materials, and data visualizations. Through this work, I developed strong data analysis and research skills. My products have influenced and educated different audiences, including scientists, decision-makers, and the general public. I have significant expertise in the different facets of capacity building: I have developed and implemented trainings and workshops, and strategies for the distribution of tools, information, and other resources for globally based individuals. I hold a M.B.A. from the University of New Hampshire, and a M.A. in Conservation Biology (an interdisciplinary degree focusing on the science, policy and economics of environmental issues) from Columbia University. I earned my B.A. from Duke University, with majors in Biology and Environmental Science and Policy.

Experience

1. Consultant - Science, Strategy, Sustainability

   Melissa Gillis Care

   Jan 2019 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Conduct projects requiring expertise in strategic and spatial planning, research and writing, project management, corporate social responsibility, databases and data analysis, workshops and trainings, non-profits and for-profits. Recent work completed in collaboration with the Chesapeake Conservancy, University of Vermont, and the State of Maryland; the City of Concord; New Balance, Inc; the PivotGoals project team/Vanderbilt University, and the NH Charitable Foundation.

Education

• University of New Hampshire Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

  M.B.A.

  2018 — 2019

• Columbia University

  MA

  2001 — 2003

• Duke University

  BA

  1995 — 1999

Skills

• Gis
• International Development
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Nonprofits
• Biodiversity
• Spatial Analysis
• Environmental Awareness
• Redd
• Environmental Science
• Protected Areas
• Conservation Issues
• Capacity Building
• Climate Change
• Natural Resource Management
• Ecosystem Services
• Sustainability
• Ecology
• Sustainable Development
• Remote Sensing
• Environmental Policy