We’re excited to introduce two new staff members: Shayan Kaveh and Sophia Wilmore! Both Shayan and Sophia are joining the team as Science Communicators, bolstering Sustainable Conservation’s ability to weave technical expertise into compelling narratives across all programs.
Shayan (he/they) is a recent graduate of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management who is passionate about creating persuasive scientific communications that highlight environmental justice and marginalized voices. His graduate research with Conservation International and the Public Policy Institute of California focused on projections of international agricultural abandonment and identifying priority restoration regions on these lands in California and Brazil.
Before joining Sustainable Conservation, Shayan worked for the youth empowerment organization Amigos de las Americas, where he managed programs for 40+ youth from the US and Latin America to experience cultural immersion, food justice, and indigenous activism in host communities. As an undergraduate in Environmental Toxicology at UC Davis, Shayan worked at the university’s student farm and performed eDNA research with the Genomic Variation Lab on bat diets in the Sacramento Valley, post-fire pollination in the Sierras, and aquatic species surveys in the Suisun Delta.
When he’s not working, Shayan enjoys cooking, running, and exploring California by foot, wheel, or water.
Sophia (she/they), a dedicated Science Communicator at Sustainable Conservation since 2023, possesses a rich history of engagement with impactful organizations. From Aquaponics Manager to Seabird Biologist, from Sustainable Food Systems Researcher to Food Justice Program Analyst, and even as a Emergency Room Aide, Sophia’s journey underscores their commitment to understanding the intricate interplay between human and environmental health.
At the heart of Sophia’s mission lies the belief that engaging dialogues on sustainability and community resilience catalyze tangible positive change. Recognizing the power of storytelling, Sophia champions narratives that amplify individuals and communities. With climate change touching us all, Sophia advocates for inclusive storytelling that brings diverse voices to the forefront of conversations about our shared past, present, and future. Embracing the wisdom of the past, addressing present needs, and fostering hope for a sustainable future form the cornerstone of Sophia’s approach.
Beyond their professional pursuits, Sophia is an lover of creative writing, poetry, painting, and upcycling, all of which reflect their passion for communication and sustainability.
Sophia’s alma matter includes the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.