Dana Colihan

Experience

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  Living Machine - Adam Joseph Lewis Center

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2017

  Operator of the Living Machine

  Maintained Living Machine (natural wastewater treatment system) through running labs on dissolved oxygen content, fecal coliform content, and pH. Took water quality measurements and calibrated probes at the Oberlin wastewater treatment plant. Lead education tours of the Living Machine to visiting programs and college students.

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  Camp Fuller

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2014

  Program Head of Marine Biology

  Led groups of children ages 8-15 on boats to explore the different local flora and fauna of Point Judith Pond, a salt water tidal pond.

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  Oberlin Bike Co-op

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2016

  President

  Oversaw the operations of the Oberlin Bike Cooperative, a volunteer non-profit organization serving Oberlin College and community. Oversaw weekly shifts as a Head Mechanic, teaching students and community members how to fix their bikes. Organized out-reach events, facilitated weekly meetings, and advised other Bike Co-op Officers. Encouraged and helped women gain confidence fixing and building bikes.

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  Cape Eleuthera Institute

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  Coral Reef Ecology Intern

  Conducted and participated in field and lab marine ecology research related to Lionfish, coral reef nurseries, fish abundance, and the effects of climate change on critical reef species.

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  Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ)

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2016

  Water & Environment Department Intern

  Edited grant proposals in regard to managing existing environmental problems and measuring their impacts for ARIJ, a non-profit environmental organization working for the self-determination of Palestinian resources

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  Hurricane Island Foundation

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2016

  Science Education Intern

  Taught classes and developed curriculum for middle and high school students on research methods, environmental studies, and marine ecology using STEM methods and experimental education skill. Lived in and worked in community on a remote island with co-workers, devoted evenings and weekends to supervising student programs.

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  Hurricane Island Foundation

  Jan 2017 - Jan 2017

  Science Educator

  Delivered hands-on experiential science education programs to middle and high school students. Created and delivered lesson plans, specifically working toward growing the social and environmental justice curriculum on the island. Mentored a Teaching Assistant Intern, facilitating growth her as a confident, independent educator. Regularly contributed to official blogs.

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  Community Action Works

  Jan 2018 - Jan 2022

  Maine State Director

  Provided side-by-side grassroots organizing assistance to communities cleaning up or preventing pollution in the state of Maine. Supported communities by leading organizing consultations, connecting activists to issue experts, and networking to other affected communities.

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  Hurricane Island Foundation

  Apr 2018 - Jan 2018

  Program Manager

  Communicated with facilitators, participants, teachers, and staff to provide logistical support for programs. Managed island and program boat schedules, interfacing with contracted and island-based boat captains. Organized and prepared program spaces, ensuring smooth transitions of student and adult education programs. Acted as a secondary, on-call administrator. Participated as a full member of the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership's intentional community.

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  Slingshot

  Jan 2022 - now

  Co Executive Director

  Working with frontline communities across the Northeast to take aim at polluters and build community power. Organizing nationally with impacted communities for a PFAS free world.