We are excited to welcome Sierra Barkdoll to the REEF staff team as Citizen Science Coordinator. Sierra joined the staff in June 2022 after serving as a REEF Marine Conservation Intern (MCI) and Lead Intern over the past year and a half. In her new staff role, Sierra will work closely with Janna Nichols, REEF's Citizen Science Program Manager to support the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, REEF's cornerstone citizen science program. She will also assist with event logistics at the REEF Campus, continue to coordinate the Conservation Challenge program (which she started during her internship), and provide mentorship and guidance for the MCI Program.
Sierra grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland, where she was minutes away from the Chesapeake Bay. While spending many hours on the bay, Sierra developed a love for nature and aquatic environments. She graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2020 with a B.S. in environmental science and geography, a minor in biology, and a GIS certificate. Sierra enjoys getting people excited about fish and marine conservation. By working closely with the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, she hopes to instill an excitement for marine environments in others. Please give Sierra a big, fishy welcome!