Open to opportunities

Ella Persson

@ellapersson

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Environmental scientist blending marine research and policy insights to turn complex data into actionable regulation.

Zimbabwe

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for work at the intersection of environmental science and regulation—turning complex datasets and evidence into structured reports and practical recommendations with real consequences for people and the environment.

I’m an environmental scientist with a dual background in Marine Biology and Political Science, and I’m drawn to the practical moment where environmental science meets policy, regulation, and governance. I’m detail-oriented and analytical by training, with experience managing complex datasets and producing structured, accessible reports.

In my research internships, I processed and analyzed biologging and acoustic datasets to model prey spacing and density patterns from whale foraging behavior. I also built literature-based reports on marine protected area design and coral reef fish ecology, synthesizing evidence and translating it into clear recommendations.

Across my work, I’ve learned to communicate technical findings to both technical and non-specialist audiences—whether analyzing phytoplankton responses to marine heatwaves or writing policy-facing materials. I take pride in maintaining clarity around dependencies, timelines, and quality standards in multi-step projects.

My experience also includes seasonal work supporting environmental health monitoring, where I collected, recorded, and managed 1,000+ oyster samples into structured databases in compliance with strict regulatory protocols. I’m genuinely interested in developing into a professional who works on cases with direct consequences for people and the environment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Deep-Diving Cetacean Foraging

NIOZ - Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research

Feb 2026 - Aug 2026 (6 months)

Processed and analyzed biologging and acoustic datasets, using statistical methods to model prey spacing and density patterns from whale foraging behavior. Coordinated data collection, processing, and analysis workstreams and produced structured, accessible outputs.

Excel RStudio Matlab Statistical Analysis Data Modeling

Marine Protected Area Literature Review

University of Amsterdam

Oct 2025 - Dec 2025 (2 months)

Produced a literature review assessing how carbon emissions affect coral reef sustainability and the effectiveness of marine protected areas. Synthesized evidence to propose recommendations for MPA design aligned with fish lifecycle requirements.

literature review Evidence Synthesis Report Writing

Phytoplankton Response to Heatwaves

University of Amsterdam

Feb 2025 - Aug 2025 (6 months)

Analyzed datasets on marine phytoplankton community genetic makeup to quantify responses to temperature change associated with increased carbon emissions. Presented findings to technical and non-technical audiences and contextualized results within broader climate change and marine heatwave scenarios.

Excel RStudio Data Analysis Biological Dataset Analysis Technical Communication

Seasonal Aquatic Animal Health Biologist

State of Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources

Sep 2023 - Dec 2023 (3 months)

Collected and managed data across 1,000+ oyster necropsies, building structured databases and maintaining accurate records in compliance with strict regulatory protocols. Contributed to a formal state report on oyster population health to support sustainable oyster fisheries.

Data Collection Database Management Regulatory Compliance Oyster Health Monitoring Data Reporting

Research Intern

Levoca Impact Labs

Jun 2022 - Sep 2022 (3 months)

Authored a white paper on sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia by researching and synthesizing regulatory, environmental, and financial frameworks for non-specialist audiences. Analyzed how innovative finance mechanisms, including impact bonds, could be applied to sustainability and conservation targets.

Policy Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Amsterdam

Master of Science, Freshwater and Marine Biology

2024 - 2026

Grade: GPA: 8.23/10

MSc in Freshwater and Marine Biology (2024–2026), including coursework in scientific writing, data management & visualization, and biological oceanography.

University of Washington

Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology

Grade: Honors, Cum Laude; GPA: 3.84/4.0

BSc in Marine Biology (completed June 2023) with honors and coursework covering global warming and carbon emissions, marine biogeochemical cycles, and conservation of aquatic resources.