Ria is pursuing her Master’s in Public Affairs in International Relations at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), with a particular focus on Arctic policy. The Arctic is entering a phase of significant and rapid transformation driven by climate change, globalization and competing interests. New environmental, security, economic, and social challenges are emerging in the region. Ria’s interests lie in finding nexus in these challenges, and identifying solutions based in collaboration and inclusion. She is excited to expand her knowledge of climate adaptation measures and other facets of climate change response through the Environmental Policy Associates program.

Prior to SPIA, Ria was an Economist for the State of Alaska, specializing in fiscal policy analysis and revenue forecasting. There, her work was closely tied to natural resource policy, and required close evaluation of the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s economy. She also spent multiple summers working as a commercial fisherman in the Shelikof Strait off the coast of Alaska, where she experienced firsthand the impacts of climate change on fishery resources. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Williams College