Interview with Student Technical Writer Nicole LeBlanc
Nicole LeBlanc joined the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center in 2023 as a writer for the Policy Center’s podcast. She has worked with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection editing the 2nd edition of the Climate Resilience Workbook. Her studies as a technical writer include climate resiliency-related public policy, nature writing, and issues concerning incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into sustainability education for both K-12 and higher education classrooms. Nicole aims to graduate in 2026 and continue onto graduate school.
Can you describe your role and any current projects you’re working on?
At the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, I am a writer for the podcast Maine Policy Matters. I write and revise episode scripts based on peer-reviewed articles published by the Center, as well as pitch ideas for the podcast about policy issues relevant to the state of Maine. I am a part of an editorial production team that writes each episode and chooses interviews with professionals in various fields and industries.
Is there a recent project you’ve completed?
Recently I received the hardcover copy of Diversifying the Space of Podcasting: Access, Identity, and Reflective Practices, a book in which I co-authored a chapter called “Efforts in Diversity” with Jayson Heim. The chapter focuses on our commitment to accessibility as well as an equal platform to engage with diverse perspectives on every episode we record.
What recent conferences, workshops, or events have you attended or presented at?
I attended the 2023 Maine Summer Government Internship Program Graduation in Augusta, Maine. As I have a research interest in climate change adaptation policy, I attended via Zoom a meeting in June of 2024 of the Maine Geological Survey, as well as the June 2024 Maine Climate Council meeting.
Could you summarize any research you’re currently involved in?
I am currently researching and working on my senior honors thesis at UMaine, which is situated in the area of Indigenous Knowledge solutions to climate change problems in the Arctic, and how different cross-cultural partnerships with Western science researchers can work to effectively implement these solutions through an anti-colonial framework.
Have you or your team received any awards, recognitions, or certifications recently?
I recently earned an official certification in B2 level French, after four months of participating in the Institut de Langue et de Culture Français (ILCF) at Universite Catholique de Lyon.