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Associate Director of Science

Background:
Molly received her undergraduate degree from Vassar College. She conducted ethnobotanical research abroad with Bribri Indian and Afro-Caribbean elders in the Talamanca Region of Costa Rica, where she witnessed a steady degrading of indigenous botanical knowledge. This interest in health led to several years in nonprofit management with Planned Parenthood, where Molly developed a keen interest in the interplay between science and policy. She received her Master of Science degree in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development and her Master of Public Policy degree in Environmental Policy, with a certificate in Economics, from the University of Maryland, College Park. During her tenure at UMD, Molly worked with the United Nations Foundation’s India Initiative, Anne Arundel County’s Critical Area Commission, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. These experiences fostered a deep interest in conservation planning at scale and economics.

Current Projects/Professional Focus:
Molly manages the conservation planning and GIS functions of the Washington Chapter. Her primary focus is facilitating application of the principles of Conservation by Design in Washington decision-making, including ecoregional assessments, conservation action plans , and development and implementation of a measures program. This extends into relationships with partner agencies who are interested in applying these principles to their respective planning processes. Molly has a strong research interest in ecosystem services, particularly valuation methodologies and mapping. Her background in science, policy and economics melds into a focus on conservation strategies that galvanize communities towards ecologically, socially and politically sustainable futures.

Fun Fact: Molly has spent many years as a volunteer teacher of poetry classes for at-risk youth.