Heather-Forest Leigh
They/Them | She/Her
I am queer and I am a community science coordinator.//
I work at a science-based nonprofit with an aquarium that is so LGBTQIA+ friendly that we host an annual drag show and a bimonthly cocktail night where we teach guests about sexual fluidity among sea creatures. All through graduate school, I knew that I wanted to work in community science, and I am very grateful to have found such a perfect fit that combines so many aspects of my identity! I mentor community science volunteers, write newsletters, perform quality assurance analysis, and share data with local and state agencies. I like community science because I get to see the direct impacts of the work in the form of new policies, resources, and feelings of belonging and stewardship.
When not working on research or science outreach, I enjoy rock climbing, making all sorts of art, and introducing my curious bunny to new experiences and places.