NOAA EPP/MSI CESSRST Graduate Scholar, Wendy Prudencio Utilizes the 2021 VADM Conard C. Lautenbacher, Jr. Public Service Scholarship to Pursue her Passion for Community Service

Posted on July 12, 2021

NOAA EPP/MSI CESSRST Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing graduate scholar and 2021 VADM Conard C. Lautenbacher, Jr. Public Service Scholarship recipient, Wendy Prudencio pursues her passion for community service by volunteering at Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRK) and Ocean Conservancy. She also continues her NOAA mission-driven doctoral research titled, ‘The Impact of Resource Distribution After Hurricane Maria in Coastal Areas in Puerto Rico.’ She is conducting the research under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies (NOAA CESSRST) faculty advisor Fernando Tormos-Aponte, Assistant Professor of Public Policy at The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). 

Wendy received the 2021 VADM Conard C. Lautenbacher, Jr. Public Service Scholarship at the 20th Annual NOAA CREST Day on April 29th, 2021. Utilizing the scholarship, she began volunteering at PRK as the Citizen Scientist and at Ocean Conservancy as a volunteer in June 2021. At PRK, she collects the water samples to study pH levels and determine the quality of the water in the Potomac River on a weekly basis. Commenting on the most fulfilling element of her role at PRK, Wendy said, “I feel great that my work enables others to enjoy the Potomac River’s water.” At Ocean Conservancy, Wendy collects trash and debris from waterways (rivers). She contributes to the ‘Fight for Trash-Free Seas.’ She believes that by cleaning up the trash that could end up in the oceans, she is making a difference in the lives of humans, wildlife, and marine life. Further, volunteering for these organizations made Wendy realize that humans play a vital role in littering and polluting the waterways but it can be changed by educating them about the importance of keeping our water clean

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