Jade Delevaux, PhD
Life Science Researcher at the Natural Capital Project (Stanford University)
Madagascar
New Caledonia
New Caledonia
Field of study/specialty
I specialize in integrating the management of terrestrial and marine ecosystems to support human wellbeing and equity.
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
My professional path has strongly been shaped by my upbringing in Madagascar and the Pacific. On islands, landscape and seascape, nature and culture are inseparable dualities. In Madagascar, nature is weaved in local peoples’ ties to the land and ocean, but growing economic pressures also brought about deforestation, pollution, and habitat degradation, resulting in loss of biodiversity and food sources once at the heart of our livelihoods and identity. As an islander, I know that a culturally grounded approach, which recognizes connections between land and sea, is necessary to meet conservation outcomes. So from a young age, I wanted to play a role in conserving our island to support healthy people.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
Through my work in the Pacific, I have learned that a community-centric, place-based approach that links people and nature is necessary to meet conservation outcomes. Through my experience as a scientist straddling the terrestrial and marine realms, I learnt that it is essential to surround yourself with a supportive team of people to integrate and create transdisciplinary science.
I specialize in integrating the management of terrestrial and marine ecosystems to support human wellbeing and equity.
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
My professional path has strongly been shaped by my upbringing in Madagascar and the Pacific. On islands, landscape and seascape, nature and culture are inseparable dualities. In Madagascar, nature is weaved in local peoples’ ties to the land and ocean, but growing economic pressures also brought about deforestation, pollution, and habitat degradation, resulting in loss of biodiversity and food sources once at the heart of our livelihoods and identity. As an islander, I know that a culturally grounded approach, which recognizes connections between land and sea, is necessary to meet conservation outcomes. So from a young age, I wanted to play a role in conserving our island to support healthy people.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
Through my work in the Pacific, I have learned that a community-centric, place-based approach that links people and nature is necessary to meet conservation outcomes. Through my experience as a scientist straddling the terrestrial and marine realms, I learnt that it is essential to surround yourself with a supportive team of people to integrate and create transdisciplinary science.