Open to opportunities

Kaitlyn Nichols

@kaitlynnichols

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Marine scientist and program lead with expertise in oceanography.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role in a collaborative environment focused on impactful conservation efforts.

As a dedicated marine scientist with a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, I have spent the last eight years honing my skills in oceanography, geospatial analysis, and conservation policy. My journey began as a former foster youth in Sacramento, where my first encounter with the ocean ignited a lifelong commitment to protecting natural environments. This passion has driven my academic and professional pursuits, leading me to significant roles at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other esteemed institutions.

At WWF, I have successfully led the Marine Protected Area PADDD initiative, coordinating global efforts to manage and analyze data on protected areas. My work has involved building partnerships with various organizations, conducting complex research, and publishing findings that inform policy and conservation strategies. I am skilled in using ArcGIS Pro and R to analyze spatial impacts and have authored technical documents that enhance understanding of marine conservation challenges. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to teams that share my commitment to environmental stewardship and equity.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Program Lead – Marine PADDD Initiative

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Jun 2024 - Present (1 year 1 month)

Led global coordination of WWF’s Marine Protected Area PADDD initiative across multiple regions, managing relationships with international partners to support data accuracy and conservation outcomes. Directed strategic planning for the Version 3 global PADDD data release, including marine and terrestrial datasets, and authored the official Version 3 Technical Note.

Data Management Strategic Planning Technical Documentation Conservation Stakeholder Management Project Management

Research Lead – Marine PADDD & Industrial Activity Overlap

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Jun 2024 - Present (1 year 1 month)

Led the first global analysis quantifying industrial infrastructure and vessel overlap within legally altered marine protected areas for publication in Marine Policy Journal. Conducted legal and spatial analysis using PADDDtracker.org, Global Fishing Watch, and WDPA data to evaluate industrial pressures on marine conservation.

Spatial Analysis R Statistical Modeling Marine Policy Data Analysis Research Environmental Conservation Global Fishing Watch PADDDtracker.Org

Researcher - Oceanography

UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)

Jun 2023 - Present (2 years 1 month)

Led a research project on the ecological impacts of projected marine heatwaves on foundational marine species in Southern California, emphasizing climate adaptation strategies. Utilized large-scale sea surface temperature datasets and R programming to analyze spatiotemporal trends in ocean warming and kelp forest dynamics.

R Programming Data Analysis Climate Adaptation Marine Biology Statistical Modeling Presentation Skills Oceanography

Researcher - Climate Science & Epidemiology

UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)

Investigated the intersection of industrial pollution and environmental justice by analyzing NO₂ emissions associated with Amazon warehouse locations in Los Angeles’ marginalized communities. Produced spatial visualizations in R and contributed to multi-disciplinary research on public health and climate impacts.

Spatial Analysis R Programming Data Visualization Urban Environmental Health

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)

Master of Advanced Studies, Climate Science and Policy - Oceanography

Earned a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy with an emphasis in Oceanography. This program focused on the ecological impacts of marine heatwaves on California sea lions, utilizing R for large-scale environmental dataset analysis.

UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)

Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology

Activities and societies: Publisher for the Scripps Education Association

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology through Revelle College. Contributed to research on pollution in marginalized communities and served as publisher for the Scripps Education Association.