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Dr Anne Christianson PhD

Biodiversity Conservation

From: Minnesota, USA / Washington DC

Having worked as an advisor to a US Congressman, Anne believes the world’s best chance for change lies at the nexus of science and power. She heads to Antarctica in search of ways to change and cope with a political culture that does not welcome women. But on board, Anne is confronted by very different issues.

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“I would hope that science underpins every decision that is made in DC from climate change to healthcare to housing policies. I mean this all science whether it’s ecological science or social science or chemistry or physics.”

ANNE CHRISTIANSON

"In Washington DC less than 20% of members of congress are women. What we do in Washington will impact the rest of the world.

ANNE CHRISTIANSON

"I might be one of those women in 30 years that was saying I waited my whole life for a woman president, like I saw my mom saying you know I think it’s finally here. I don’t think she’s going to see a woman president in her lifetime. So, it’s very personal."

ANNE CHRISTIANSON

What is Anne doing now?

Anne Christianson is currently a PhD candidate in the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Science and Management program. Her research focuses on using nature-based solutions to build community resilience to climate change, with a focus on gendered vulnerabilities to climate impacts.  She is a native Minnesotan who grew up hiking, fishing, swimming and exploring in the North Woods.  Anne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy from St Olaf College, and a Master’s in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Oxford. Previously, she worked in the US House of Representatives writing and advising on energy and environmental legislation, for Ocean Conservancy advocating for science-based marine policy, and held the position of Vice President of DC EcoWomen, a non-profit organisation working to empower women to become leaders in the environmental field. She currently works for a large environmental non-profit in the Washington, DC area.

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