Alison Thompson

Alison Thompson has a diverse work experience in various roles related to sustainability and environmental research. Their most recent role is as a Planetary Solutions in Clean Energy Fellow - Community Programs at Rewiring America, where they focus on community outreach and engagement for clean energy initiatives. Prior to this, they worked as a Partnerships Research Assistant at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, where they supported strategic communication campaigns for climate action. Alison also served as a Research Assistant for the Nature and Health Initiative at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment, where they contributed to research and partnership development for nature and health community working groups.

Before their time at Yale, Alison worked as an Operations & Policy Consultant and later as an Operations & Policy Manager at Heal The Ocean, where they undertook projects related to environmental issues such as Styrofoam recycling, sea-level rise adaptation, and septic-to-sewer conversion. Alison also coordinated project development, researched for grant reporting, and organized outreach events.

Alison started their career as a Research Intern at the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, where they contributed to the development of a species management program by researching endangered giant sea bass migration. Alison also analyzed data and engaged with research staff to develop project details.

Prior to that, they worked as a Student Assistant at UCSB Orientation & Parent Programs, where they managed calendars and email, coordinated events, and provided customer service to campus partners and visitors. Alison also gained experience as a Science Communications Intern at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, where they drafted content and developed social media campaigns to increase public engagement.

Alison's early research experience includes positions as a Research Assistant in Dr. David Pellow's research lab at UCSB, where they contributed to a project addressing environmental justice and incarceration, and as a Research Assistant in Dr. McCauley and PhD Candidate Lacey Hughey's research lab, where they assisted in researching large animal community dynamics and migration patterns.

Before their research positions, Alison worked as an Office Assistant/File Clerk at Declues, Burkett & Thompson, APC, where they developed office skills and performed various tasks such as photocopying, scanning, and legal filing.

Overall, Alison Thompson's work experience showcases their strong commitment to sustainability, environmental research, and community engagement.

Alison Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara between 2014 and 2018. Alison then pursued a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) degree from Yale School of the Environment, starting in 2022 and expected to complete in 2024.