mara unkefer

guide + naturalist + storyteller

I’m a scientist-turned-storyteller focusing on wildlife, health, and the environment.

Hi, I’m Mara

education

B.S. Psychology

George Mason University

M.S. Zoology

Washington State University

Cert. Science Writing

Johns Hopkins University

qualifications

STCW

Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting

Personal Survival Techniques

Elementary First Aid

Personal Safety & Social Responsibility

Security Awareness

Crowd Management

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Bear Patrol (Svalbard Permit)

IAATO & AECO Certified

Adv. Wilderness First Aid (40 hrs)

Maryland Master Naturalist

PGTA Member

USCG Merchant Mariner

experience at sea

  • 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.

experience on land

  • 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.

zoology research

  • 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.

science communication