Madeleine Siegel

Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Putting science into action to support people and the planet

Madeleine is a doctoral candidate passionate about using science to advocate for people and the planet. Her research has spanned a range of environmental topics, including climate change solutions and marine conservation, with a focus on kelp forest restoration and kelp aquaculture. Currently, she serves as Compliance and Research Manager for Los Angeles Waterkeeper.

While pursuing her master’s degree at Columbia University, Madeleine conducted research for the New York Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau. Additionally, she worked as a Graduate Student Researcher for the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School.

As a Project Manager at Brooklyn Grange, Madeleine led teams in building multi-acre rooftop farms in New York City. She has also worked at UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, advocating for girls’ STEM education and women in science. As an environmental educator at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, she developed curricula on community health and environmental conservation.

Madeleine’s writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and in Climate Currents, the publication of UCLA’s Center for Diverse Leadership in Science. In 2021, Madeleine hiked the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine.