Donna McDermott

Bio

I am a PhD Candidate in Emory University’s Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution program. I study how bumble bees communicate about flowers. I also study how college students learn ecology. I have worked as a wildlife biologist, an educator, and a ghost tour guide. I coordinated a scientists-in-classrooms outreach program with Science ATL and helped organize ComSciCon-Atlanta. In my free time, I am the head of public relations for Atlanta Roller Derby. I am thrilled to report on energy and the environment with StateImpact PA as a Mass Media Fellow.

@DonnaRMcDermott

Clips

• State Supreme Court denies Sunoco’s appeal over permits for Mariner East 1 buildings in Lebanon County

• Household chemicals that harm fish were found in Susquehanna River. This Penn State research aims to help lessen the problem

• Penn State researchers still need the public’s help to fight the spotted lanternfly, but a new tracking technique can help target emerging infestations

• Scientist Spotlight: Dr. Camille Gaynus

• Climate change, structural racism pose double threat to Black parents. Birth workers can help

• Scientist Spotlight: Dr. Aja Carter

• Scientist Spotlight: Ellie Nasr

• Environmental Justice Explainer

• Nature organizations say they’re working to reach out to Black environmentalists. They need to go deeper, an environmental justice expert says

• Scientist spotlight: Dr. Aja Carter, who studies dinosaurs, says climate change is outpacing animals’ ability to evolve

• Scientist spotlight: Penn State’s Ellie Nasr on how wetlands can mitigate effects of climate change

• Scientist spotlight: Dr. Camille Gaynus finds climate connections in coral reefs