Paris Martin (MA, 2023)

Paris Martin is a 2023 graduate of the Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) program. Originally from the Hudson Valley, Paris developed a deep connection to the ocean early in his life, growing up going to Prince Island, Canada. There, he explored and discovered marine life, sparking an interest in sustainability.

He pursued his undergraduate degree at Binghamton University, majoring in Environmental Public Policy. After graduating, he gained hands-on experience working with Cornell Cooperative Extension before continuing his education in the Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) program at Stony Brook University. During his time in the MCP program, Paris was mentored by Matt Sclafani and completed an internship at the Flax Pond Marine Lab, where he worked on ribbed mussel spawning. He describes this internship as the highlight of his MCP experience, as it allowed him to collaborate with professionals beyond the program, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.

Following graduation, Paris continued his work with Cornell Cooperative Extension, focusing on invasive species management. Today, he is an Environmental Analyst with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC), working within the Department of Permits. In this role, he collaborates with municipalities, individuals, and companies to review and process permits primarily related to freshwater and tidal wetlands. His work centers on efficient permit processing with environmental protection and public needs. Paris says that his favorite part of the job is working with a diverse group of colleagues, which allows him to continuously learn across environmental disciplines while building strong collaborative relationships.

He credits the MCP program with preparing him with practical career skills, including field sampling techniques developed through his internship and GIS class that he applies daily at the DEC. He also points out the program's strong reputation, noting that many of his colleagues either hold an MCP degree or aspire to earn one, reflecting how highly the DEC values the program.