Posts by: Paola Estrada

Leadership in Action
Putting Science Engagement into Practice with Dr. Matthew Costa
Dr. Matthew Costa’s path to conservation and coastal science began as a curious kid drawn to explore coastal ecosystems in his hometown. That early fascination deepened in college, where hands-on fieldwork showed him the power of asking — and answering — meaningful questions about the natural world.
Since then, Matt’s research has focused on blue carbon ...

Leadership in Action
A ‘Glocal’ Approach to Change with the Brazilian researcher Raisa Pina
Born in Anápolis, Goiás, in the Brazilian Midwest, Raisa Pina grew up witnessing the rapid expansion of JBS, from a family butcher shop in her hometown to the world’s largest meat corporation.
“Every time they opened another butchery, it was a topic of conversation in the city. There was even street art advocating for vegetarianism that played off the comp...

Bridging Communities
Bridging Science & Policy with Emily Patrolia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKUfSw2WLFg
In this insightful interview, COMPASS's Heather Mannix speaks with Emily Patrolia, founder and CEO of ESP Advisors and a COMPASS board member, about the crucial role of science and scientists in informing policy decisions.
They explore the current challenges and opportunities scientists face in engaging with policy...

Bridging Communities
Effective Risk Communication: A Community Member’s Perspective with Sandy Wynn-Stelt
Environmental advocate, Sandy Wynn-Stelt, has become a leading voice on contamination awareness of PFAS, long lasting, manufactured chemicals that have been linked to harmful effects in humans and animals. Her advocacy efforts have uplifted community voices and led to more widespread testing and stronger protective measures.
Since 2020, she’s been an invited e...

Bridging Communities
Listening to Understand
One of the most challenging (and exciting!) aspects of communication is that our audience is never a blank canvas. Rather, getting to know them is more like trying to interpret a Jackson Pollock painting¹. Before we’ve even shared a single word, the person we’re looking to connect with already has a set of existing, entwined beliefs about the world, themselves...