Janelle Christensen, MESM
Janelle Christensen, a Public Affairs Specialist, strives to communicate the human element of USGS science – showcasing the dedicated individuals behind the research, highlighting the valuable lessons we can glean, and emphasizing the profound impact it has on our lives.
Janelle is driven by a passion for connecting people with the science that impacts their daily lives. She hopes that understanding the intricate connections that shape our world can create a better future for us all. In her career, Janelle has worked across all stages of science. She has seen how science touches every aspect of our lives and how understanding it gives us freedom. This freedom has shown up throughout her life - she has seen sea otters support healthy economies and salmon provide a town with clean water. As a volunteer in the Peace Corps, she witnessed firsthand how local communities were grappling with the impacts of climate change exacerbated by deforestation. This experience helped her recognize the critical need to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community understanding.
Janelle believes that by making science more accessible and engaging, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their lives and communities. She strives to communicate the human element of USGS science, showcasing the dedicated individuals behind the research and highlighting the valuable insights their work provides for society.
Janelle holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara.