My name is Janssen Marie Gallenero, a junior from Queens, NY, with a deep passion for environmental conservation. My journey began as a child visiting gardens, zoos, and the aquarium, each trip sparking my love of the environment. Growing up in New York City made me aware of the plastic pollution produced by this city, which has always motivated me to make a difference.

Currently, I’m interning at my local park, focusing on environmental conservation and marine ecology. I also co-founded an initiative to engage youth in environmental conservation through chemistry. I hope with my initiative that more youth will be encouraged to be environmentalists with the hands-on science activities and lessons that my initiative aims to create.

I am excited to be a part of the Marine Plastics Ambassador Program, hoping that I can contribute to the reduction of plastics on a larger scale.