Sydney Chamberlin

Experience

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  Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology

  Jun 2006 - Aug 2006

  Summer Intern

  Constructed a device meant to imitate capillaries in the human brain, and used it to conduct medical imaging tests using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

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  NASA Johnson Space Center

  Jun 2007 - Aug 2007

  Intern

  Used a computer model to investigate solar-driven changes on the lunar surface.

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  Utah State University

  Jan 2008 - May 2009

  Undergraduate Research Fellow

  Developed new computational tools for the mathematics software "Maple" to facilitate research in mathematical and gravitational physics/relativity.

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  University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

  Aug 2014 - May 2015

  Conducted research in gravitational physics. Work focused on developing the data science needed to detect gravitational waves (tiny signals produced in violent astrophysical or cosmological processes) using data from radio telescopes and laser interferometers. Tasks included algorithm development, mathematical analysis, writing, and communicating results to both expert and non-expert audiences. Developed and taught graduate-level course, "The Art and Science of Teaching Physics."

  • Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant

    Aug 2009 - May 2015

  • Instructor

    Aug 2014 - Dec 2014
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  Penn State University

  Aug 2015 - Jul 2018

  Contributed to the first direct detection of gravitational waves as member of the the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration:• Developed algorithms and software (python, git, SQL) to search for gravitational-wave signals produced in violent astrophysical phenomena, including strategies to mitigate unwanted noise in the LIGO detectors.• Wrote scientific papers and reports and developed a wide range of other communication materials for diverse audiences. Developed and delivered presentations to describe complex quantitative research to a variety of audiences including other research scientists, college students, and the public.• Taught undergraduate physics courses. Developed curriculum and lectures for courses (2) with a focus on active-learning techniques. Managed course logistics including grades.• Organized science outreach events to share physics with the public, including a workshop for high school students. Mentored group’s graduate and undergraduate students in sharing complex, abstract scientific concepts with the public. Show less Developed and implemented materials science outreach programs, and engaged in capacity-building initiatives to support Center’s research and outreach objectives:• Managed outreach efforts across diverse, interdisciplinary research Center: designed novel "outreach team" structure to increase graduate student participation in MRSEC outreach programs; trained graduate students in science communication; built relationships with faculty members and external partners; and helped implement outreach programs and events. • Led 6-week residential K-12 “Research Experience for Teachers" program: recruited teachers and faculty members; conducted teachers/faculty mentor pairings; organized workshops, seminars, and training events for teachers; and evaluated program impacts.• Prepared funding proposals (awarded $33k from NSF) and collaborated with Center leadership to prepare annual reports.• Developed brochures, posters, manuals, and written content for the MRSEC website, MRSEC members, and other stakeholders. Show less

  • Postdoctoral Researcher

    Aug 2015 - Jul 2018

  • Physics Instructor

    Aug 2016 - Aug 2017

  • Postdoctoral Scholar, Penn State Materials Science Research & Engineering Center (MRSEC)

    Aug 2015 - Jan 2017
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  California Council on Science and Technology (CCST)

  Nov 2018 - Nov 2019

  CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow

  Science Policy Fellow with the Senate Committee for Natural Resources & Water. Under tight deadlines, conducted research to analyze proposed legislation on climate change, natural resource management, and water in California. Negotiated complex agreements with legislative and administrative staff, NGOs, and other stakeholders to meet competing policy demands and political realities. Collaborated with diverse stakeholder groups and legislative staff to develop language for, obtain support for, and steer Committee bills through the legislative process. Researched environmental policy and related proposed legislation, and made recommendations to Chairman Stern for Senate Environmental Quality Committee hearings. Show less

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  The Nature Conservancy

  Nov 2019 - now

  Lead the strategic development of TNC’s climate mitigation work in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and advance policies and research to scale nature-based climate solutions (NBS) in California, with a focus on wetland restoration: • In coordination with other TNC program leads, develop TNC’s climate strategy for the Delta. Collaborate with TNC science staff and external partners to advance scientific understanding of Deltaic climate mitigation pathways and identify areas with significant reduction potential. Align Delta climate mitigation strategies with TNC goals for water, biodiversity, and clean energy.• Develop strategic communication materials for Delta landowners, farmers, policymakers, and funders.• Oversee a 5,000-acre rice/wetland voluntary carbon offset and demonstration project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including fundraising, managing contractors, facilitating project verification, and developing communication strategies to engage Delta landowners, potential funders, and policymakers.• Co-lead coalition of 10+ NGOs in aligning on NBS advocacy efforts. Engage with governments and other partners on behalf of TNC, and serve as member of California Climate Insurance Working Group.• Lead and contribute to collaborative projects that involve NBS policy development, carbon accounting, and incentives to scale NBS (including carbon markets and insurance). Show less Advance policy and conservation solutions that accelerate the use of nature-based strategies (NBS) to address climate change in California: • Co-lead coalition of 10+ NGOs in California’s natural and working lands sector in advocating for nature-based climate policies in regulatory proceedings. • Manage a 5,000-acre climate and voluntary carbon offset project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including advancing project registration with the American Carbon Registry and securing more than $6.7M to implement the project. • Secure competitive internal funding for NBS work at TNC ($225k awarded from TNC’s North America Team over 3 years). • Engage with the state, other NGOs, and other partners on behalf of TNC, including through the development of reports, fact sheets, web content, comment letters, and talking points. Work collaboratively with partners to advance research and strategies to scale NBS in California and elsewhere. • Lead in TNC’s climate insurance work in California through participation with the Department of Insurance’s California Climate Insurance Working Group, managing projects and relationships with private-sector insurance partners, and developing insurance policy priorities and legislative language. • Facilitate ongoing climate collaboration efforts across TNC’s US West Coast states. Show less

  • Project Director, Climate & Nature-based Solutions

    Dec 2023 - now

  • Project Manager, Climate and Nature-based Solutions

    Nov 2021 - Dec 2023

  • Climate Policy Associate

    Nov 2019 - Dec 2021