Our Interview With Melissa Mahoney
We interviewed Melissa Mahoney, a fisheries policy manager who is passionate about creating healthy ocean and fishing communities. Melissa hopes to help with better management of fish resources in a step towards creating a cleaner future.
Currently [I am a] fisheries policy manager for EDF.
I love the ocean, love fish, and enjoy the challenges of fisheries management.
Mostly computer work, phone calls, some in person meetings.
I hope that my involvement contributes to better management of fish resources, a healthy ocean and fishing communities.
I have a M.Sc. in marine science, BS in biology.
Civics in high school, marine biology/field studies in university.
I’ve had many mentors all through school and career. Mentors are sounding boards, cheerleaders, offer thoughtful reflection, write letters of support, and helped me gain confidence in my own abilities. Mentors are great to have!
Find out what makes you tick, try lots of new things, travel when you can. Forget the search ‘to make money’ so much as the search for your passion and to put your unique gifts to work in the world!
Okay, if you must make money, I suggest studying computer science (i.e. programming), spatial analysis (GIS) skills as that is used in practically everything now.
Meditation/mindfulness, emotional intelligence, communication.
Study hard, don’t give up when the science gets tough!
