MESM 2026
Bio
Haven Parker graduated from Duke University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science and Policy; she minored in Political Science. During her time at Duke, she interned for Senator Kamala Harris, researching environmental management issues such as fisheries legislation and natural disaster relief programming. At the Duke University Marine Lab, she conducted research on regulatory barriers to ocean aquaculture. The passion she developed at Duke for policy work led her to join the founding cohort of Lead for America, a fellowship that places fellows in their hometown governments for one year of service.
Haven returned to her hometown of Santa Cruz, CA, where she enjoyed exploring the coastline and surfing. Her love for the ocean is coupled with a drive to ensure its responsible and equitable use. She spent the last five years in public service work to advance coastal access at Santa Cruz County Parks Department and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Haven's experience in the public sector developed her interests in balancing resources between communities. She is specializing in Environmental Policy at Bren to advance her professional career in ocean resource management and environmental justice.