mara unkefer

guide + naturalist + storyteller

George Mason University

Washington State University

Johns Hopkins University

Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting

Personal Survival Techniques

Elementary First Aid

Personal Safety & Social Responsibility

Security Awareness

Crowd Management

Celebrity Cruises
Alaska - June-September 2023
Arctic - August 2024
Delivers location-specific narratives about marine biology, ornithology, wildlife, and glaciology to up to 2,800 cruise guests, including on-site location interpretation and theater-based lectures.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Antarctica - Nov 2023 - Mar 2024
Arctic - Aug-Sep 2024
Antarctica - Nov 2024 -
Provides engaging interpretation on ship, on shore, and during zodiac cruises. Supports operations from trail opening to zodiac shuttles. Delivers a diverse range of lectures and recaps. Supports bear patrol in the Arctic.

Skinner Laboratory
Washinton State University
2015 - 2016
Managed a research team to analyze the generational impacts of environmental toxicants on rat health, genetics, and epigentics.
Crespi Laboratory
Washington State University
2012 - 2015
Measured neuroendocrine, genetic, and geographic variation in foraging behavior of the freeze-tolerant Alaskan wood frog.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
2013
Conducted amphibian population surveys to identify factors associated with the survival of the Panamanian golden frog.
Edwards Laboratory
George Mason University
2010 - 2012
Developed genetic profiles of endangered black howler monkeys and black rhinoceros using fecal samples.
Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Section on Behavioral Genetics
National Institutes of Health
2004 - 2006
Performed behavioral studies on social groups and mother-infant pairs of rhesus monkeys.

Green Row Group, LLC
2015 - present
Specializing in biology and technology, I work with clients to build engaging narratives about complex topics. I use proven methods to create compelling, data-driven storylines for modern science communications and marketing.
Presentation Partners
2019 - present
Focusing on the biotechnology sector, I work with businesses large and small to develop compelling narratives for brand identities and critical presentations.
Quartzy
2023
Supported the development of a marketing content and communications strategy.
Natera
2021 - 2022
Supported marketing and content strategy across genetic testing portfolios in reproductive health, oncology, and organ transplant health.
Blackbriar Regulatory Services
2020 - 2021
Developed and managed in-house consumer research capabilities for regulatory and marketing initiatives, providing significant cost savings. Managed all stages of population health and marketing summaries and documents through the regulatory process. Interfaced with clients to develop marketing plans, facilitate research needs, and communicate findings to stakeholders and FDA.
Washington State University
2012 - 2015
Delivered lectures and hands-on biology education to undergraduate students.