2023-24 Sustainability Graduate Fellow Joelle Kilchenmann

Joelle KirchenmannJoelle Kilchenmann

Degree Program: PhD, Ecology & Environmental Sciences
Advisor: Joshua Stoll

What problem/s are you working to solve?

I’m looking to understand how institutions shape adaptation in fishery-dependent communities and specifically, how some adaptation strategies result in increased levels of physical risk in an already risky profession.

What progress are you making toward solutions?

So far we’ve been able to demonstrate heterogeneity in risk taking with regards to fishing in risky weather. Basically, we can show that demographics, socioeconomic conditions, and geography affect the types of weather folks fish in.

How could your findings contribute to a sustainable future in Maine and beyond?

Managing natural resource use broadly, and fishing specifically, can often have unintended spillover effects since human behavior introduces a degree of uncertainty. This work helps build out our lexicon of adaptation strategies available, and as such can help managers better predict how harvesters may respond to management action.

Why did you get involved with the Mitchell Center Sustainability Graduate Fellowship Program?

So much of my work is interdisciplinary, relying on methods borrowed from other fields. I was looking for a space to connect with really cool people doing really cool work, hopefully picking up some new skills and friendships along the way!

What sustains you?

I say often that my hobbies are reading and having friends. Give me a good book or a nice dinner party and I’m happy as a (very happy) clam.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

Geographically? Maine! Professionally? Doing more research that feels exciting and useful to the communities it impacts.

What’s your ultimate Maine experience?

My ideal Orono Saturday is getting up early, going to the farmers market before stopping by Ampersand and grabbing a latte to bring to the Orono Public Library to get some work done during their hours from 10-2. At 2, you move to Marsh and keep working, but start dawdling, before grabbing dinner at Woodmans and going for a sunset Riverwalk stroll. It’s not grand, but it’s perfect.