Congratulations are in order for NOAA LMRCSC doctoral fellow and Oregon State University graduate, Brittany King. Not only did King successfully defend her dissertation in September of 2021, but the academic scholar also earned a new position at NOAA’s headquarters, located in Silver Spring, Md.
In October, the recent graduate started working as an environmental scientist with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Competitive Research Program. The scientist’s new role focuses on incorporating environmental justice components into the research portfolios of NOAA programs.
King, who holds a doctorate degree in fisheries science, is no stranger to the social impact of marine science. During her academic tenure, the research scholar’s work focused on the human dimensions aspect of fisheries. Her dissertation, “Diversity and Inclusion? An Examination of Gender and Racial/Ethnic and Social Identities in Marine Aquatic and Fisheries Science,” explored underrepresentation in marine and fisheries science by examining career influences, experiences, and perspectives at different life and career stages.
In addition to her research at Oregon State University, King also completed a graduate internship with NOAA‘s Northwest Fisheries Sciences Center. During her time at the agency, King worked on a project that explored if salmon habitat restoration efforts, in the Puget Sound, flowed towards certain types of ecological and social communities, and the potential equity and environmental justice implications of those actions.
“It is important to realize that environmental protection and resources are not always evenly distributed,” stated King. “This may result in some communities, many times communities of color or areas of lower socioeconomic means, being underserved when it comes to access to resources and protection.”
Having a social science background has made King well prepared for her role at NOAA. Her skillset is necessary in order to explore the human dimension components of how science, and agencies such as NOAA, can better assist underserved communities. Because of the recent graduate’s efforts and hard work, she now will bring her social science background to her new position, thus continuing the promotion of environmental equity and justice at the federal level.
