Staff Spotlight: Sierra Killian
Sierra Killian is a recent graduate from Stanford University and Intern at Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions. Sierra first joined the COS team in summer 2017 through the Stanford in Government summer fellowship where she honed her skills in coastal adaptation law and policy and small-scale fishery strategic planning. Sierra's unique skillsets, experiences and knowledge have led her to many opportunities including her extended stay here at COS. Read on to learn about Sierra's passions and growing career as a young researcher.
Your unique skillsets have guided you to a unique position here at COS. Could you tell me a little bit about what you do?
I first worked at COS last summer through a Stanford in Government summer fellowship. I focused on two main projects: one about geospatial zoning data for coastal adaptation policy in California, and the other about small-scale fisheries for use in strategic planning. I was lucky enough to come back to COS this spring as a research assistant. I worked with Meredith Lopuch and Jim on a landscape map of sustainable seafood initiatives to help future COS initiative development in that space, and I worked with Eric and Lisa to integrate UN Sustainable Development Goals into COS's work in the Arctic and Pacific Islands. I also wrote a white paper about the policy landscape surrounding Arctic oil spills for my senior capstone project in collaboration with COS.
What drives your interest? What do you think is the most important part of your job?
I've learned that I really thrive when I can incorporate different ways of thinking into problem-solving. At COS, working directly alongside scientists and policy experts has provided me with that interdisciplinary approach. As a student who will be leaving COS soon, the most important part of my job is to make my work useful and accessible to COS staff after I leave.
What drove you to study Marine Science?
It's been a bit of a winding path to environmental science! I started college intending to major in history or American studies, but I was continually drawn towards environmental issues and wanted the scientific background to be most effective in addressing those issues. I became particularly interested in coastal issues after I worked at the Friends of the San Juans, a nonprofit organization in the San Juan Islands in Washington State, after my sophomore year. Living in and learning about the Salish Sea had a big impact on my plans since then.
What was one of the key hurdles you had to overcome to get where you are today?
I am definitely an introvert, so it has taken me a while to learn how to speak confidently and make sure that I show what I'm capable of. COS's trust in me as an undergrad has helped me feel confident taking charge of my work.
What is something you enjoy doing on your days off?
I enjoy cooking, picking berries, spending time with my friends, running, and hiking.
What is something not many people know about you?
I spent my junior year off-campus in Santiago, Chile; Washington, D.C.; and sailing from Tahiti to American Samoa.
Where did you grow up?
I'm from Portland, Oregon.
What’s one of your fondest memories?
When I was at sea, there was one night when I was on dawn watch (0100-0700) when dolphins started swimming alongside the bow of the boat. It was truly magical.
What does your dream career look like?
At this point, I'd love to work as an attorney in state or federal government with a focus on coastal issues. NOAA's Office of General Counsel or the California Coastal Commission would both be really cool.
