Welcome!
Hi, I’m Maggie! I’m an Ecologist and advocate for nature-based solutions. I live for blending science, design, and creativity to shape a more sustainable future.
I’m always looking to collaborate and connect, whether it’s through support, funding, or just sharing ideas. I believe that when we all work together, we can create something truly impactful.
Feel free to explore the rest of my site to learn about my research accomplishments and current ponderings, and let’s see how we can join forces to make a difference!
Accomplishments
With a Masters of Science degree in Sustainable Resource Management from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and field-based experience in empirical freshwater ecology, I view sustainability through an interdisciplinary lens.
I’m all about diving into urban ecology, hands-on ecological planning, and bringing nature-based solutions to life. My passion drives me to apply my knowledge practically to create resilient, sustainable communities that integrally thrive with the environment.
I specialize in translating complex research into actionable strategies that foster biodiversity, mitigate climate challenges, and create healthier spaces for people and wildlife alike.
View some of my work below:
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For my master’s thesis, I focused on the endangered yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), analyzing population data and assessing individual body condition to identify optimal reproductive habitats. Temporary wetlands emerged as a critical solution for breeding success, achievable through strategic restoration and human intervention.
Key Takeaways:
Developed practical methods for restoring habitats to support population growth.
Highlighted the role of ecological restoration in species conservation.
Contributed actionable strategies to conservation frameworks.
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I worked with the Danube flood protection team to optimize habitats while maintaining flood-control structures. My role involved planning maintenance, repairing bird habitats, and enhancing biodiversity—all while communicating and planning in German.
Key Takeaways:
Balanced ecological restoration with infrastructure needs.
Improved habitat quality to ensure long-term biodiversity.
Collaborated with experts across disciplines to maximize impact.
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During a career pivot, I explored social media strategy, managing content creation, engagement, and campaign planning. By incorporating AI tools, I streamlined workflows and achieved measurable growth.
Key Takeaways:
Increased follower count by 300% and engagement by 45% in six months.
Created authentic, engaging content to connect with niche audiences.
Leveraged AI for efficiency and insights in creative workflows.
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Conserve it.
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Explore it.
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Rewild it.
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Capture it.
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Discover it.
Research Publications
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For my bachelor’s thesis, I studied how Northern Zigzag Salamanders on the Tennessee Cumberland Plateau adjust their behavior to cope with predators, particularly after shedding their tails. I collected 86 salamanders, randomly assigned them to two treatments (one experiencing tail shedding, one without), and observed their movements, shelter use, and feeding habits. The results showed that salamanders altered their behavior based on prior predation experiences, contributing new insights to animal behavior research and suggesting directions for future study. -
Over one summer in college, I worked with my advisor to study how habitat disturbance affects the behavior of larval Black-bellied Salamanders in Appalachia. We tested three hypotheses, focusing on whether salamanders in deforested stream reaches (with canopy gaps) were bolder, more reactive, and smaller in size compared to those in forested areas. After collecting larvae from four fishless streams in North Carolina and Georgia, we conducted behavioral experiments and assessed how salamanders from degraded habitats responded to light, shelter, and predators. Our findings showed that while these salamanders exhibited greater behavioral plasticity in response to environmental cues, they had reduced body condition, highlighting the potential costs of living in disturbed habitats and the need for conservation measures.
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Bliss, M.M., A. Smith & K.K. Cecala. 2015. Notopthalmus viridescens: Diet. Herpetological Review.
For a Freshwater Biology course, my classmate and I studied the diet of Eastern American Newts in Sewanee, TN, to see if their diets varied across ponds and if they showed prey preferences. We found that the newts consumed prey items in proportion to their availability, regardless of differences in pond conditions, providing insights into their foraging behavior for future research.
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Nurture it.
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Preserve it.
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Present it.
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Shape it.
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Transform it.
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. ”
Approach
Living My Values
What I do professionally aligns closely with how I live my life. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s in everything I do. From going plant-based at 18 to choosing urban living for its sustainability and convenience, my lifestyle choices reflect my commitment to a shared, sustainable future. Living my values, leading with tolerance, and learning from others in the same way has had the greatest impact on me and those around me.
Embracing Change, Working Together
I thrive in dynamic environments, where flexibility and collaboration are key. Whether it’s navigating a new language and country or learning a new skill, I always stay open-minded and eager to collaborate with people from all walks of life. I believe the most effective solutions emerge when diverse perspectives come together, whether through exploring new cultures or embracing diverse mindsets.
Charting the “Uncharted”
Nature and science are my endless playground. One observation or question sparks another, and my river of curiosity overflows, carving through everything it encounters. A new research question, an emerging technology, or the next sustainability breakthrough–all inspire me to dive deeper and uncover new possibilities.
Solutions That Already Exist
I believe in keeping things simple and practical. Over eons, nature has already solved many of the problems we face—it’s up to us to recognize and apply these solutions in a way that works for us. That’s why I’m so passionate about nature-based solutions. They’re simple, effective, and sustainable, and I’m committed to bringing these real-world solutions to the forefront of environmental work.
Contact me.
blissmm16@gmail.com
(314) 484-0485
Washington, DC