Introducing Alice Chou, the Mystic River Watershed Association’s new Education Manager! Learn more about Alice and what she’s looking forward to in this role:
Q: Tell us about an experience that has led you here:
A: I would say there are two key experiences that led me to my current position at MyRWA. The first was my last semester as an undergraduate where I met a scientist who really encouraged me to follow my curiosity, even (especially?) if it led me deeper into the unknown. Being brave is scary, but actively choosing to be brave and scared is more empowering than frightening. More recently, I was a Science Communication Fellow onboard the deep sea exploration vessel Nautilus. There, I got to work with incredible folks who were game to share knowledge and skills so we could find out the answers to ‘what if?’ together.
Q: What’s something about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
A: I like to drink ice cold water in the mornings to wake myself up.
Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
A: I love to read and usually have a book on me to pull out at a moment's notice. Anything from the goofiest feel-good stories to more experimental, cerebral reads. I especially enjoy reading translated works and debuts that may be overlooked by bestseller lists, and figuring out the perfect recommendation for anyone looking for their next read. Other than that, you can also find me making art for my tiny business, Salty Radish Ceramics, dreaming up cool collaborations with new and old friends, or napping with my cat.
Q: What is your favorite place?
A: The water. I know that’s not a very useful answer, but I am usually happiest when I am in (or on, or around) water. Doesn’t matter if it’s freshwater, saltwater, in a hot tub, on rocky intertidal zones, or miles away from any landmass. The silly thing is that I don’t like being wet, which I maintain is a condition exclusive to being in air.
Q: What is your favorite type of food to cook?
A: My favorite type of food to cook is any food that I’m making with and for the people in my life! Creating big flavors together, improvising creative substitutions when we unexpectedly run out of ingredients, and sharing the usually delicious results around a big table. Bonus points if the gathering is a potluck. Compliments to the chef(s) are also encouraged.
Q: What is your favorite thing in nature?
A: I love what I would call the uncharismatic microfauna - all the living things that get overlooked in favor of the cuter, postcard-ready parts of nature. There’s something very grounding in poking around during a slow walk or swim, and appreciating the value every little organism brings to our world.
Q: What part of your job are you most excited about?
A: I’m really looking forward to getting to know the watershed better, especially learning from the incredible communities that work so closely together to ensure that our local green and blue spaces are just, resilient, and accessible to everyone.
Have questions or want to introduce yourself? Send Alice an email at Alice.Chou@mysticriver.org.
