Chloé Camacho
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Long-term Fellow: August 2023 - 2025
Mentored by Dr. Marilyn Brandt, University of the Virgin Islands
Chloé Camacho is a current Master of Marine and Environmental Studies (MMES) candidate at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Chloé’s journey into marine science has been profoundly shaped by the support provided through the Large-scale Coastlines and People (CoPe) award, Reducing Climate Risks with Equitable Nature-based Solutions: Engaging Communities on Reef-Lined Coasts, and her Navigating Home fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Marilyn Brandt. Through this fellowship, Chloé was able to attend the CoPe annual meeting in Miami in the summer of 2024 and Reef Futures in December 2024—opportunities that connected her with a global network of professionals and broadened her academic and professional horizons.
Currently, Chloé is developing an exciting new initiative, Corals in the Classroom, inspired by the success of Mangroves in the Classroom. In collaboration with Dr. Brandt, local educators, and outreach professionals, she is designing a curriculum and framework to launch the program at a local public high school in Fall 2025. Additionally, she is contributing to the Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) program by creating lessons and activities on coral and mangrove restoration in partnership with the Grimes Lab. Alongside these efforts, Chloé continues to support the UVI Acropora Monitoring Program (AMP) and participate in outreach events across St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Reflecting on her experiences, Chloé shares: “The support I have received through this fellowship has allowed me to broaden my horizons academically, professionally, and personally. I have been able to travel to parts of the world I’ve never been to before and meet such unique people who share my love for the environment above and below the ocean. The exposure I’ve gotten while attending conferences and meetings has widened my perception of what my future career can look like because there are so many different avenues in marine science that I hadn’t known before.”
Chloé credits the financial assistance from CoPe as a key factor in her ability to pursue a master’s degree. Without it, she is unsure if she would have pursued graduate education—or been able to do so while remaining close to home. Staying on-island has allowed her to maintain deep connections with her community while advancing her education.
In addition to financial support, Chloé recognizes the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Brandt. Under her guidance, she has been encouraged to identify her purpose in marine science, advance her diving certifications, and inspire the next generation of scientists through community engagement. Chloé values her relationship with Dr. Brandt, describing it as one of mutual respect and collaboration, where she feels supported and her ideas are valued.
Looking back, Chloé reflects on her academic journey with newfound perspective. While she once viewed higher education as a challenge, she now sees it as a gateway to building her dream life. Through the opportunities provided by the CoPe program and her fellowship, Chloé is actively working toward a future where her contributions to marine science inspire meaningful environmental change and empower her community.