Marissa Rice

Marissa Rice is a graduate research associate working with BlueAdapt in the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) at the University of Exeter. Marissa mainly works on the development of LCAT (Local Climate Adaptation Tool), which aims to guide local decision-makers with a tool that combines future climate models, health and community impacts of climate pressures and evidence-based adaptations. In this role, she conducts literature reviews, creates impact pathways, and assists with stakeholder engagement among other tasks. In addition to LCAT, Marissa has been co-leading the organisation of the 2024 BlueAdapt Annual Meeting. Outside of BlueAdapt, Marissa has worked on various research projects within ECEHH such as REGREEN and a collaboration with the National Trust.

Marissa has a BSc in Biology with a minor in Medicine, Literature, and Culture from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and a MSc Medical Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. Marissa has over a decade of experience in academic research environments. Initially, she spent several years working as a research technician in neuroscience laboratories before moving to the UK to explore her trans-disciplinary interests. Through her MSc program, Marissa kick-started her interest in climate change research with her dissertation “The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge Regarding Coastal Ecosystems in Climate Change Studies and Indigenous Self-determination.” From this research project, Marissa has continued to expand her understanding of approaching climate change impacts and adaptations in an ethical manner that considers human-nonhuman interactions and outcomes alike as well as providing spaces in Western academia for non-dominate voices to contribute and lead on this work.