Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Simon, Mobile Baykeeper AmeriCorps Program Member

Meet Elizabeth Simon, AmeriCorps Patrol Member, current serving with the Mobile Baykeeper organization, in the Mobile Baykeeper AmeriCorps program.

1. What motivated you to join AmeriCorps? I was motivated to join AmeriCorps because I wanted to gain valuable experience in my field before I complete my bachelor’s and move on to graduate school. I also wanted the opportunity to give back to my community and serve my environment. AmeriCorps through Mobile Baykeeper allows me to do just that.

2. What would you like to get out of this service opportunity? Through this service opportunity, I wish to gain professional and public speaking experience. I also want the chance to improve the water quality of my watershed and the health of my community.

3. What will your service focus on for the 2019-2020 program year? During this program year, my service will focus on testing for and monitoring bacteria levels in the Mobile Bay Watershed. This is in addition to monitoring specific sites for construction stormwater runoff, which negatively affects fish and wildlife in our area. I would also like to focus on community outreach to further spread the word about Mobile Baykeeper and what we do.

4. What are your plans after AmeriCorps? After AmeriCorps, I plan to finish my Bachelor’s in Biology and move on to graduate school for a Master’s in Environmental Science. After completing my master’s, I hope to work in a position where I can continue to advocate for my environment. I also hope to travel around the world, preferably ending up in Australia or New Zealand.

Thank you for your service, Elizabeth!