Lela DeVine is a B.A. candidate at Barnard College of Columbia University majoring in Molecular Biology and minoring in Science and Public Policy. She is a researcher with a background in marine pharmacology and microbiology. Her environmental and ocean advocacy stems from her experiences in her hometown of Hilo, Hawai'i, and focuses on scientific communication in the policy context, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the High Seas, and research. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and as a Youth Leadership Council Member at EarthEcho International, placing youth at the forefront of critical ocean and climate conversations.