This UMES grad student is learning science policy up close

Kayle Krieg, a marine, estuarine, environmental science doctoral student at UMES, was awarded a competitive Maryland Sea Grant State Science Policy Fellowship. She worked directly with Dr. Peter Goodwin, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences in Cambridge.

“It’s a new fellowship designed to provide experience working with state agencies at the science policy interface,” Krieg said. “I’m working with the Office of the Vice President for Sustainability in the University System of Maryland in part by supporting the Science and Technical Working Group of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change. In addition, I will be collaborating with USM institutions in the best ways to share knowledge and progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a goal of net zero by 2045.”

Krieg is among three fellows as part of a second cohort. She attributes her educational background and outreach experience as having helped her qualify for the position. Krieg was active in the Advancing Indigenous People in STEM, Society for Women in Marine Science and the American Fisheries Society.

Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Krieg is Anishinaabe from the White Earth reservation, part of the Minnesota Ojibwe. She was raised in Tucson, Arizona, and earned a bachelor’s in environmental science and a master’s in natural resources from the University of Arizona.

Raiford Box of Middletown, De., left, and Stacey Carver Jr. of Randallstown, Md., are in the assembly area prior to UMES’ 25th Winter Commencement.

Sophia Chacon hoists the school name high as she leads SANS graduates in the processional as part of the Winter 2022 Commencement.

Autumn Smith has her stole adjusted by fellow SANS graduate Bethany Ngere during the university’s Winter Commencement.

The William P. Hytche Athletic Center was brimming with grateful and enthusiastic graduate candidates and their family and friends during UMES’ Spring 2023 Commencement.

Yeganeh Mansourian, named the top SANS student during the university’s 17th annual Honors Convocation, shows off her mortar board during spring commencement.