Mara MacDonell is a Masters of Environmental Science student at the School of the Environment. Mara studies identity, values, community development, and environmental justice within rural communities in the American West. At CBEY, she writes for the Conservation Finance Network. She is also part of the UCross High Plains Stewardship Initiative, the CBEY 2050 Fellows program, and Forestry Club.

Prior to Yale, Mara worked in social services policy and programming in Telluride, CO. She also coached Nordic skiing, served as an AmeriCorps VISTA, and guided backcountry canoe and backpacking trips. She holds a BA in geology from Carleton College.

In her free time, Mara enjoys playing outside and a good book.