معرفی
Jessica Balerna is a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Climate Measurements Center of Excellence (CMeC) within the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont (UVM). She holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from the University of South Florida (2023) and a B.S. in Environmental Science from American University (2017). Her work bridges freshwater ecology, biogeochemistry, and environmental anthropology to study human-natural systems.
- Ph.D., Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 2023
- B.S., Environmental Science, American University, 2017
Her research focuses on socio-ecological systems, particularly how groundwater management and climate change affect wetland hydrology and ecosystem services. She investigates trade-offs between water extraction and wetland biodiversity, carbon storage, and cultural value. Additional work includes environmental justice in stream restoration and urban pollutant transport dynamics.
Jessica's publications highlight her expertise in wetland hydrology, climate assessments, and human-environment feedbacks. She has been recognized with teaching awards and multiple research grants.
- Provost's Outstanding Teaching Award
- Tharp and Genshaft Fellowships
- Dan Austin Award for Ethnobotany
- Society for Freshwater Science Endowment Award
- Garden Club of America's Coastal Wetlands Award
She has mentored over 15 undergraduate students in research methods and career development. Her postdoctoral work at UVM involves coordinating focus groups and surveys on flood risk perception and mitigation strategies under NOAA's CIROH program.
