Last updated: January 27, 2022
Article
Dare to Imagine: Eryn Campbell
Women Lifting Other Women
“Eryn has two science degrees and is in the process of earning her PhD in climate change communication. Her understanding of the science fundamentals allows her to support two interdisciplinary teams of graduate and undergraduate students who create novel, innovative methods of bring climate science to park units.”
-Ann Gallagher, Biologist, Science Education Coordinator with the National Capital Area and nominator of Eryn to the Dare to Imagine Project.
Eryn, what project would you like to highlight?
I would like to highlight the 4C-NPS partnership for the climate change communication internship in the National Capital Region. This program started in 2012.
Will you tell us a little about that project?
For nearly a decade, the National Park Service’s Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA) and George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) have partnered on a collaborative “research-to-practice” internship program that employs undergraduate and graduate level scientists, writers, filmmakers, and designers to produce interdisciplinary, science-based climate change communication products for parks in the National Capital Region (NCR). Materials created through this program are rooted in social science insights (e.g., trusted sources, social norms, place-based learning), climate science, and the communication needs of participating regional parks.
As a result, the end products (e.g. websites, videos, ranger toolkits) produced by this program fulfill many functions: increasing public awareness of climate impacts on park resources; nurturing the connection between people and places; meeting evolving interpretation demands by developing material for a variety of channels, effectively engaging visitors in climate dialogue; and helping parks lead by example by addressing how a changing climate can alter cultural, natural, historical, and recreational resources. See examples of work below. Since its inception, the success, adaptability, and longevity of this program have provided NCR parks with a wealth of innovative products that support the park stewardship mission to preserve resources for future generations.
What was your path like? How did you get to where you are now?
Unlike those lucky few that knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up, I entered my first year of college blindly. With my interests scattered across disciplines, I found myself unsure of what my future might hold. As the end of my third semester quickly approached, I spent hours researching potential majors and careers. On a whim, I signed up for an introductory geology course in the spring of my second year. It was during the first few weeks of this course that I came to fall in love with the idea of majoring in environmental science. Its interdisciplinary nature had immediately sparked my attention. My decision to declare my major in environmental science left me feeling empowered and repeatedly validated in the coming years through the enjoyment my classes gave me, and I have since become truly devoted to the subject. Eventually, I narrowed my primary interest to atmospheric science. However, it was not my experience in the classroom that reared me towards applying to graduate programs in atmospheric science but rather my research experience in this field. As I entered my final year of undergraduate studies, successful women in science who served as personal role models and my love for research led to the desire to continue my education on the graduate level.
Ultimately, I pursued a master’s degree in an interdisciplinary program on weather, climate, and society. It was during this time—and thanks even more incredible women in science—that I truly realized that the ability to solve the climate crisis goes far beyond understanding the science itself. Understanding the public’s knowledge of the issue and its causes, impacts, and solutions and how it relates to their political and social identities is vital to addressing climate change. After realizing the importance of climate change communication, I began searching for opportunities to gain personal experience in the field. This is when I found and applied to 4C-NPS internship program. In the summer of 2018, I was an intern for the program that I now run. The knowledge and practical experience this program gave me solidified my desire to pursue a PhD in science and climate change communication. Now, I am in the second year of my PhD program and am devoted to communicating the causes, impacts, and solutions of climate change in national parks and beyond.
What was the hardest part about getting where you are? How did you overcome it?
The hardest thing about getting where I am today was building the confidence necessary to succeed as a woman in science. Growing up, I was a dedicated student but was extremely reserved. Once I started undergrad, I was quickly overshadowed by the students who were eager to speak in class and networked for extracurricular opportunities, lab positions, and jobs like it was second nature. My third year of undergrad was when things really changed for me. By this point, I had declared my major in environmental science and found my passion for understanding the world around me. Finally taking classes that truly engaged me, I started to speak more in class and ask more questions. Finding what I was passionate about was the first step. During this time a wonderful female professor gave me the opportunity to work in her lab and go on a research campaign in northern Michigan for the summer. Without her as a role model—one who truly understood the root of my insecurities and lack of confidence—I would not have made it to where I am today. After graduating, I pursued a master’s degree in climate science and society, where I fell in love with science communication. Ultimately, this led me to where I am today—a PhD student studying science communication with an emphasis on climate change. If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I would ever study communication, I would have laughed and said I was too introverted to be a communicator. Now, with the help of some fabulous women in science, I have the confidence I need to be successful and look to guide others like me in their own journeys.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being able to adapt and embrace change both in my professional and personal lives. Change teaches us so much and embracing it has led (and will hopefully lead) me to many adventures!
Favorite Quote
Interns Sophia Koch, Eryn Campbell, Luxianna Watkins, and Jessica Chen
Interns Sophia Koch, Eryn Campbell, Luxianna Watkins, and Jessica Chen were mentored by Shaelyn Patzer to investigate and communicate the impacts of climate change on geology in the National Capital Region. Integrating digital technology and physical products, 2018 interns created a unique toolset to enhance public understanding of how climate change impacts local geography and actions they can take to become better park stewards. They produced a website, entitled “Explore Geology,” developed with ESRI Storymap that discussed key geologic features found in the NCR, their interaction with the ecosystem, and the impact of climate change on that relationship. Additionally, they created a supplementary set of park-specific ‘trading cards’ that highlighted geologic features within each park, personal actions that could be taken by individuals to preserve the park, and a QR code to direct traffic to the website.
Interns Carolyn Caggia, Rebecca Schmidt, and Brian Watts
Alternative Text to Infographic
A long rectactangle graphic with water on one side of a timeline going back to the 1740s and deforested land on the other. From top to bottom. Title reads: A Clear-Cut Lesson in History. Paragraph below reads: Important archeological sites at Harpers Ferry are impacted by flood waters when the Potomac reaches 19.5 or higher. The railroad between Milville and Harpers Ferry floods when water level of the Shenandoah reach 20ft. Major floods on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are defined when water levels reach 24 and 17 feet, respectively (NOAA).Left side Text reads Floods. Timeline begins 1740s-1840s, 100 years, 4 floods. 1843-1852, 9 years, 6 floods. 1861-1865, 4 years, 5 floods "Great Floods". 1870-1929, 59 years, 12 floods. 1936-1942, 6 years, 4 floods. 1955-1996, 41 years, 5 floods. 2003-2014, 11 years, 9 floods.
Right side Text reads Industry. Timeline begins 1740s-1840s, Clear cutting trees begins for the production of coal. 1843-1852, Charcoal production is replaced by coal. Coal releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burned. 1861-1865, Thousands of trees are clear cut to meet resource demands the Civil War. The barren landscape increases flood severity and devastates the town. 1870-1929, A flood in 1924 swept three spans of the Bollman Highway Bridge away and permanently closed the C&O canal. 1936-1942, Clear cutting ends in 1936 after a flood destroys the Shenandoah Pulp Mill. Burning coal for energy still continues today. 2003-2014, Flood severity increases despite forest regrowth. In 1996 two 100 year floods occurred just 9 months apart.
Today: After recovering from two 100 year floods in 1996, Harpers Ferry implemented a flood action plan to evacuate all museum objects, exhibit furnishings, and outdoor props. With flood frequency and severity increasing in the near future due to climate change...How will you help today? Join Us! Created for the National Park Service in partnership with the Center for Climate Change Communication.
The Dare to Imagine Project is funded by an Innovation and Impact Grant provided by the National Park Foundation. This grant supports projects and programs that help the National Park Service share a more comprehensive American narrative that includes the voices of women whose vision, tenacity, and resilience moved them to climb mountains, take down barriers, shape history, protect the environment, and lead social movements. Read more of these women's stories on the Dare to Imagine page.