Mentorship Spotlight: Entering Adaptation with Confidence

Mentee Lucienne Cross works in climate adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and disaster risk reduction. She currently works for Miyamoto International, an international disaster management consulting firm. Previously, Lucienne worked on adaptation and conservation throughout the Caribbean with a focus on community- and nature-based solutions to the impacts of climate change.

Mentor Beth Stys is an Associate Research Scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. She has worked for the FWC for over 28 years, focusing on spatial analyses for landscape level and statewide conservation planning. She has been involved with FWC’s climate change work since 2008 and currently serves as the Climate Change Team lead. She also leads an FWC agency-wide landscape conservation initiative. Beth is an instructor for several U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service climate change courses. She received a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University and an M.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology from Mississippi State University.

Through their mentorship conversations, Beth has been helping Lucienne structure her approach and timeline for returning to school for a Masters in Environmental Management. Lucienne details that, “Beth has provided advice about the field and what kind of tools and skills are most useful,” and, “it has given me the opportunity to talk through some different options.” Beth is also sharing her expertise in shoreline conservation and vulnerability assessment tools with Lucienne, which Lucienne has applied to one of her current projects for coastal resilience.

Beth’s perspective has given Lucienne valuable assurance as she learns to navigate new areas of the adaptation field and apply to graduate programs. Coming from a public health and engagement background, Lucienne appreciates Beth’s help with particular technical aspects of adaptation work. Lucienne underscores, “it has been immensely helpful to talk to my mentor about the language, terms, and tools used in her field.” With better understanding of the field, Lucienne is taking more confident steps toward a new graduate degree and at work.

While getting to know each other, Beth and Lucienne connected over their love for the rich biodiversity and environments of the Galapagos Islands. 

Thanks to both for sharing what they’ve learned!