Sierra is a coastal resilience scientist with a focus on coastal hazards and how they impact communities in California. With technical expertise in data analysis and GIS, Sierra investigates how conditions are changing and best practices for adaptation and resilience. She distills complex science and synthesizes findings for decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public. Sierra works collaboratively with stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities, build interactive tools, and develop a diverse range of adaptation strategies. Her background in anthropology and geography allows her to bring a holistic lens and move between technical and human-center work smoothly and effectively. Alongside technical analysis, she works to ensure local perspectives are meaningfully integrated into planning and design. She is particularly passionate about nature-based solutions that work harmoniously with physical, ecological, and social systems and aims to produce impactful multi-benefit solutions.

Sierra works on a range of projects for a wide array of clients at local, regional, and state levels. Her projects include the San Francisco Waterfront Flood Study, the City of Santa Cruz Living Shorelines, Nature Based Solutions, and Sand Management Feasibility Study, the San Mateo County Sea Level Rise Policy Implementation Guidance, the Valley Transportation Authority Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, among others.

Sierra is a Bay Area native and you can usually find her somewhere on the California coastline. She currently lives in Santa Cruz and spends her time in the sun, on the water, or in foggy redwood forests. She loves tying local ecology into different art forms, listening to live music, eating good food, and spending lots of time with loved ones.