People

Sarah brings nearly two decades of experience leading major scientific initiatives across academic, nonprofit, and federal institutions. An ocean carbon cycle scientist by training, Sarah focuses on ensuring Earth system science is used to inform decision making and drive effective, real-world action. Before joining ESIP, she served as the Director of NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), and Senior Director of Climate Science at Ocean Conservancy.

She led or coauthored ocean-focused chapters in the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report, the U.S.’ 5th National Climate Assessment, and USGCRP’s 2nd State of the Carbon Cycle Report. Sarah believes in making science accessible and actionable by all. She uses interdisciplinary research and science storytelling to make sure decision-makers and communities understand Earth system science and have the knowledge they need to respond to emerging issues. She builds strong partnerships to elevate the voices of impacted communities and focus scientific efforts on what communities need most. Sarah is excited to bring her collaborative, interdisciplinary, and human-centered approach to ESIP, where Earth science data are being so innovatively applied to today’s challenges.

In her free time, Sarah can be found in Northern Virginia doing outdoor things with her two sons, husband, and two rescue dogs, or enjoying a cup of tea and a good book.

For Maire, the best part of nonprofit operations is the variety. With more than ten years of experience, she has intentionally built a toolkit that spans HR, accounting, events, and tech systems. Whether balancing a budget, reviewing policy, or orchestrating a conference, Maire’s focus is on making systems actually make sense to the people using them by ensuring they are as accessible and people-centered as they are efficient.

Outside of work, Maire stays grounded by getting outside in all weather with her local running group and making up silly dances with her daughter.

Alycia is dedicated to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability in science communities, drawing on her expertise in environmental science, citizen science, and community engagement. With experience spanning academia, nonprofits, and large-scale research initiatives, she excels at building and strengthening networks that empower individuals to share knowledge and make positive impacts. She believes that well-supported communities are the foundation for better science and drive more effective solutions to complex global challenges.

Aaron Friesz is a seasoned geospatial professional with a passion for advancing open and collaborative science. He brings over a decade of experience working with NASA’s Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC), where he played a key role in facilitating data access and community engagement. Prior to his tenure at NASA, Aaron worked as a contract research geographer at the USGS EROS.

Aaron is dedicated to lowering barriers around data access and fostering connections among diverse communities. He is excited to have joined the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) community in November 2024.

Outside of work we can find Aaron at dance competitions for his two daughters or upkeeping his landscaping and fruit plants at his home in Fort Myers, FL – it’s impossible to keep up with.

Zoe is a science communicator and writer, with a focus on earth sciences and the environment and a strong background working for non-profits. She also has experience in policy and public affairs, having worked for the U.S. Congress as a Knauss Sea Grant Fellow. Zoe is invested in bringing the impact of science to the public, collaborative researchers, and key decision makers. Joining ESIP in 2025 as Communications Director, she manages the website; drives the content and creation of blogs, newsletters, social media; and helps connect community members and ESIP Partners.

Zoe’s academic background is in oceanography and deep-earth geochemistry research at the University of Rhode Island, with some acoustics work at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. In her spare time, she competes in rowing, takes care of her garden, and can be found either hiking or skiing with her husband along the Colorado Front Range.