Catherine Kemp Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Greater Detroit Area

I supported the FloodWise Communities research project with 50+ Gulf Coast cities, including city communications, workshop logistics, and grant reporting. I trained Gulf Coast city officials on climate vulnerability assessments through a series of customized in-person and Zoom workshops for cities ranging in size from 1,000 to 60,000 residents. I also developed resources to help Great Lakes cities incorporate climate information into planning efforts, supported the Great Lakes Climate Adaptation Network, and conducted and analyzed semi-structured interviews with Great Lakes city practitioners.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

I supported a variety of projects in CMAP’s Local Planning and Plan Implementation divisions. I conducted data analysis and web research, contributed to plan development, and assisted with virtual community engagement, including facilitating online meetings and creating informational content and online surveys.

Anchorage, Alaska

I collaborated with city staff and University of Alaska Anchorage representatives on the Anchorage Climate Action Plan Steering Committee. I facilitated the community engagement process for the plan, coordinated the Outreach and Education chapter, and worked closely with city departments to identify mitigation and adaptation goals and actions. I managed a portfolio of projects focused on increasing park access, residential solar development, and financial empowerment. I applied for and administered several grants, facilitated community meetings, and coordinated cross-departmental efforts.

Anchorage, Alaska Area

I served in the Mayor's Office at the Municipality of Anchorage through the Resilience AmeriCorps VISTA program sponsored by Cities of Service. I collaborated with a variety of local organizations and residents to plan, implement, and sustain school and community gardening initiatives that advanced food security and community resilience in Anchorage. My projects included an edible landscaping installation at a local park, construction of a school garden and greenhouse, and the creation of the Anchorage School Garden Network, which supports educators in their efforts to promote learning about local food production.

Greater Chicago Area

I conducted interviews with floodplain managers and homeowners about their experiences with flooding and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). I also drafted a report that informed a series of advocacy materials from the Natural Resources Defense Council about climate-smart flood insurance reforms.

Urbana, Il

The Illini 4000 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to documenting the American cancer experience through The Portraits Project, raising funds for cancer research and patient support services, as well as spreading awareness for the fight against cancer through annual cross-country bike rides. I served on the board as the director of the Portraits Project (portraitsproject.org) and served as ride leader for the summer 2016 bicycle ride from NYC to San Francisco.

Urbana, Il

I co-led a project to research, design, and implement a pilot bike share program at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois. We coordinated with multiple University departments, community members, and the cities of Urbana and Champaign. We negotiated terms of purchasing agreements and recruited students to volunteer and join the bike share program.

Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Area

I conducted a qualitative study about people’s attitudes and behaviors related to the spread of aquatic invasive species. I recruited study participants and conducted semi-structured interviews. I utilized SPSS and Atlas.TI to analyze data and researched and wrote a literature review. I presented my results at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center intern symposium and at the Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. I collaborated with University of Illinois faculty and staff to publish a journal article in Biological Invasions.

Chicago, Il

I developed outreach materials related to outdoor water conservation efforts in the Chicagoland area in collaboration with staff at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Northwest Water Planning Alliance. I researched and wrote a white paper about local food production--specifically, the connections between agriculture and water consumption. I also supported outreach efforts of two community gardens in the Chicagoland area.

Urbana, Il

Urbana, Il

Master Of Science; Master Of Urban And Regional Planning, Environmental Policy And Planning

Bachelor’S Degree, Natural Resources And Environmental Sciences

Activities and Societies: Illini 4000, The Portraits Project, The Green Observer, Student Sustainability Committee, YMCA Student Board.

Spanish Language And Culture

Semester-long study abroad program from January 2015-May 2015. Lived with a Spanish host family and attended a Spanish language institute.

Education record