Based in New Orleans, LA, Maria Brodine is the Water Program Specialist at Groundwork USA. Originally from the Southwest, she earned her B.A. in English and Anthropology from San Diego State University, then went on to obtain her M.A. in Anthropology and Education at Columbia University. After moving to New Orleans to study the history of water management practices, she became involved in doing applied work through Groundwork New Orleans, where she led and supported program and staff development, designed and implemented an interdisciplinary research program, and secured a variety of funding sources to expand organizational capacity. As Water Program Specialist, she co-coordinates the Urban Waters Learning Network, conducts research and analysis, writes and edits content for the website, translates and interprets scientific data and reports, and engages in program development in the areas of environmental anthropology and communication.