Hello PSE Health Energy!

I am both excited and hopeful as I submit my application for the position of Community Impact Scientist with your non profit. I truly believe that meaningful and effective communication of science among businesses, non profits, universities, governments, and communities is crucial towards creating an equitable and sustainable future.

Since graduating with my MS in 2015 from Edinburgh Napier University, it has been my greatest joy to work with local and international organizations to promote efficient science communication and education. Currently, I am in my 4th year teaching as an Assistant Professor in the environmental science program at Vanguard and Chapman University. In addition, I manage a grassroots education and conservation communication project called, Frost Fund. Through both of these pursuits, it is my continual goal to engage interactively and efficiently with audiences to increase their understanding of and involvement with conservation science.

Below are just a few examples of businesses, universities, and community focused organizations I have worked with in the name of science communication and education:

• FirstCarbon Solutions – Sustainability Project Manager and Blog Manager.
• UAnimals – Organized and executed a Sweat to Protect fundraiser across 3 counties in Southern California for animals in Ukraine. This fundraiser was featured on news platforms and brought together people from different backgrounds to support one greater cause.
• Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary – Lead the production of weekly educational videos to update supporters on the nation’s largest rescue of 4,000 beagles from an Envigo breeding facility.
• Red List Rescue – Creator of the social media advocacy team that works with shelters, non profits, rescue organizations, and the public to save the lives of animals facing euthanasia.
• Vanguard and Chapman University – Teach and design new courses in the environmental sciences using online, in-person, asynchronous, and synchronous formats.
• Friends of Long Beach Animals – Board member working within communities and with local representatives to increase humane education.

As an academic, I absolutely love both analyzing data and communicating with stakeholders to provide a well rounded approach towards solving current and future environmental challenges. From my experience and research, I believe that knowing data is important, but being able to kindly and professionally engage with others to help relay important scientific messages is also necessary.

My strongest analytical strength resides in qualitative research including coding, semantics identification, and the use of NVivo Data Analysis Software. I have used Nvivo both in graduate school and later in public research with the Cheetah Outreach. The goal of my research with the Cheetah Outreach was to identify potential ways of increasing public support for more positive human-wildlife interactions in South Africa. I was able to share the successful findings of my month long study with the board and the staff of the Cheetah Outreach. Additionally, I have strong skills in interpersonal communication, writing, speaking, adapting quickly, and executing project plans. I am frequently hired to film, edit, and write educational narratives for science and animal related non profits. (Really, anything related to science communication gets me excited and ready to work.)

Please take a few moments to view two recent examples of my work with Get Inspired Inc. and West Yost Water.

Ultimately, I believe that my greatest strength in science communication is being able quickly and efficiently interpret and disseminate valuable information in meaningful ways. It brings me joy to assist stakeholders in realizing the beauty and importance of the environment around them while also understanding how to properly manage it for future generations. In addition to qualitative analysis, I have used R for quantitative analysis in graduate school and studied GIS in college. II would be thrilled to take an updated course in either or both of these to sharpen my skills.)

I do believe that an interview with PSE would allow me to share more about my specific skills, excitement, and qualifications related to the role of Community Impact Scientist. Being able to talk with, learn form, and share my experience in science communication with like-minded individuals at PSE would be an honor.

Thank you for consideration!

Brittnei Schaeffler

Link to Frost Fund website and resume: