McKenzie Blaine, MEM

McKenzie Blaine joined Silent Spring Institute as a Science Communications Associate in December of 2025, following a Summer Research Associate project with the Institute. In her role, McKenzie works to expand the Institute's impact by contributing to public engagement with science initiatives, developing educational materials and multimedia content, and increasing collaborative efforts with local and national organizations.

McKenzie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Biology from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in 2022. During her studies, she conducted research investigating institutional best practices for mitigating adverse public health impacts from environmental contaminant exposure. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she worked on a water quality project in South Dakota before obtaining her Master of Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment. Throughout her master’s program, McKenzie held positions in social-ecological research, academic teaching, and communications management for the Yale School of the Environment’s SAGE Magazine. Her master's research focused on community water quality concerns in relation to existing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination. 

In addition to amplifying the Institute’s research, McKenzie enjoys hosting friends and loved ones for meals, going on long bike rides, writing, and making self-designed jewelry.