Meet Rising Water Professional Laura Anderson

Share with us a bit about who Laura Anderson is.

I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and have always loved the city. My academic background is in marine biology, environmental policy, and environmental communication, and I’m drawn to working where those fields intersect. I currently work as a program officer at Ocean Visions in the Reach program, which has allowed me to focus on potential solutions for ocean health and climate stabilization, and the science and policy needed to advance them

How did you know you wanted to work in a marine-focused career?

I’ve always been interested in the ocean, but I actually entered college thinking I might double major in History and East Asian Studies. Once I started taking marine biology courses, and especially after I spent a summer assisting with kelp forest ecology research, I found that I really liked the professors, community and material, so I decided to keep exploring the field. That next summer, I was fortunate to be a NOAA Hollings Undergraduate Scholar interning with the Ocean Acidification Program, and that science-policy interface was where I felt I could make a difference.

What has been your favorite position to date and was there one project or activity from that role that has stuck with you?

I started working at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions as a student and continued in various roles for a few years after receiving my Master’s. One project that has stuck with me was supporting the Blue Food Assessment, an initiative that coordinated the work of over 100 scientists that was focused on further understanding the role that blue foods (e.g. foods from oceans, rivers, or lakes) play in global food systems. It opened my eyes to just how significant food systems are, and how they impact so many aspects of life from health and nutrition, to livelihoods and culture.

Aside from your day job you are also on the board of the Women’s Aquatic Network (WAN). Can you tell us about their work?

WAN is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization in the D.C. area that brings together professionals with interests in marine, coastal, and aquatic affairs. We organize events throughout the year to encourage career development and fellowship among our members. Last year, we celebrated WAN’s 40th anniversary! I’ve really enjoyed serving on the Executive Board and being part of the WAN community.

When you’re not working or helping with WAN activities how do you like to spend your free time?

I love being outdoors and there are some great walking and running routes in the D.C. area. I’ve enjoyed running races in the spring and fall and using those as a good excuse to explore cities along the east coast. I’m a lifelong DC sports fan and enjoy going to watch baseball at Nationals Park. I also love our local theaters, going to concerts, and checking out the many free public events the city has to offer.

What’s one water challenge you hope is solved in your lifetime?

I hope that the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers are safe, clean, and open for swimming in my lifetime. There really has been a lot of effort in the past few decades towards this goal, including clean ups, community monitoring, and advocacy. It’s inspiring how much water quality has improved. I really do feel like having swimmable DC rivers could be a reality!