As The Everglades Foundation’s Ecosystem and Resilience Scientist, Meenakshi merges advanced knowledge of Everglades ecosystem science, ecosystem services valuation, and resilience planning for the natural and built environment in South Florida. She applies that knowledge to tracking and understanding how decision-making focused on the Everglades and our communities affects ecological and economic outcomes across the ecosystem. Meenakshi’s research has contributed to the fields of economic decision making in risk management, valuation of ecosystem services in policy making, and on the inclusion of sustainability, economic efficiency, and social equity in resilience planning for climate change.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Meenakshi was Research Scientist with the USAID-funded Disaster Risk and Resilience in the Americas Program at Florida International University’s (FIU) Extreme Events Institute, where she evaluated the economics of USAID risk reduction projects in the Americas. Meenakshi earned a Ph.D. in Earth Systems Science from FIU, a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from FIU, and a master’s in Zoology from the University of Delhi.
REEF Fish & Friends is a free, monthly seminar series that features engaging ocean-themed presentations from guest speakers. Snorkelers, divers, and marine life enthusiasts are invited to join informal discussions and mingle with members of our friendly, ocean-minded community. Complimentary light refreshments are provided. The evening kicks off with a social from 6:15-7pm, followed by a presentation from 7-8pm. Seminars are also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.