Michelle Benham

Candidate for Communications SpecialistDuke Environmental Leadership Program

Nicholas School of the EnvironmentDuke University

michelleann86@gmail.com 202.316.3258

A storyteller’s perspective…

Profiling star Nigerian teachers at the Microsoft in Education Global

Forum in 2014.

• Skillful ability to find and tell engaging stories that will resonate with the DEL audience.

• Experienced in translating science themes into accessible and compelling stories.

• Skilled at interviewing techniques that draw out captivating narratives.

Interviewing students in Ghana about their science lessons for a teacher training video in 2011.

to grow your brand…As the multimedia producer for NASA’s Operation IceBridge, the largest airborne survey of the Earth’s poles ever flown, I was responsible for updating all platforms and social media outlets from the field on a daily basis. Under tight deadlines with unreliable internet connectivity, I excelled at telling interesting stories about the scientists and the science. I led the team in building a brand that continues to attract dedicated return visitors each Spring and Fall mission; IceBridge is a success story for the Public Affairs Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

• Skilled networker online and offline to reach audiences from a range of demographics.

• Experience managing social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest for NASA, Discovery Learning Alliance and Conservation Leaders in the Caribbean.

• Knowledgeable about Google Analytics to measure success.

with an eye for design…

• Significant experience working with design teams for print, video and web publications including blogs, websites, animations, data visualizations, video graphics and fliers.

• Collaborated with internal and external design teams to produce a 44 page Discussion Guide for DLA’s award-winning film Inside Story featuring in-depth explanations of HIV animations from the film.

• Amateur photographer with professional experience managing media assets in iPhoto, Aperture and Lightroom.

• Experience editing photos and graphics in Adobe Photoshop.

Sample page from Inside Story Discussion Guide.

technical aptitude…

• Skilled video editor.

• Familiar with social media management tools like Buffer, Hootsuite and Tweetdeck to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

• Resourceful and creative approach to mastering emerging technologies.

and love for environmental science.I have maintained an intentional balance between my strengths as a communicator and my love for environmental science through such endeavors as earning my master’s from the Center of Environmental Filmmaking at American University (M.F.A., ‘08), being selected as a participant for the competitive Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program and as a communications consultant and member of the Board of Directors for the Conservation in the Caribbean initiative.

Pausing for a photo with forest rangers and protectors of the endemic Yellow-headed parrot in Belize, where I shot a video for our EWCL group. The video helped raise over $17k and led to successful community outreach programs to save this critically endangered species.

Thank you!