Christie Mazzeo Pfoertner (MA, 2014)

Christie Mazzeo Pfoertner, from Long Island’s East End, began her academic journey at Farmingdale State College studying German. She decided to transfer to Stony Brook University to enroll in a more comprehensive language program, but after taking an introductory oceanography course, her passion shifted. She changed her major and ended up graduating with a degree in environmental studies with a focus in marine science. 

Christie went on to enroll in Stony Brook’s Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) program, attracted by the coastal location and the accelerated pace of the program. As part of her capstone project, she collaborated with Dr. Andrew Fields at the Marine Molecular Ecology Lab to research shark populations and genetics in the mid-Atlantic and Caribbean regions. Their findings indicated species diversity with implications for fishery management. 

Today, Christie works as an Ocean & Great Lakes Technical Specialist in Albany, NY, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion and climate change adaptation and mitigation. She is actively involved with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), concentrating on renewable energy, communications, and water quality.

One of her most memorable experiences during the MCP program was studying abroad in Belize, where she conducted conchsurveys and participated in shark DNA sampling and tagging. She emphasizes how the MCP program set her up for success in her current role by helping hone her communication skills, allowing her to confidently articulate her work and engage in public speaking.