About

Before I came to environmental journalism, I worked in editorial and communications roles in Washington, D.C., including as communications manager for the Newseum, a museum that explored the history and craft of journalism, and editorial manager for the American Press Institute, a think tank serving the news industry. I’ve also had volunteer stints teaching English in Mexico, analyzing archaeological artifacts in Virginia, and leading tours of a colonial-era apothecary, also in Virginia.

In 2022 another volunteer stint, this time as a citizen scientist helping with restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay, led me to change course in my career. I followed my growing curiosity about science and nature to the University of Florida, where I earned a master's degree in ecology in 2024. My research, which involved many hours interviewing biologists and environmental engineers working in the Everglades, was used by the U.S. Geological Survey to develop tools to plan for sea-level rise.

To continue my environmental education, I’m currently working toward my certification as a Florida Master Naturalist. When I'm not working, I love exploring Florida's springs, swamps, beaches and forests—the natural places that make this state like no other.

You can view my resume here, or reach out to me at slecastellano@gmail.com.