Fellow Spotlight: Dr. Claire Knox

Who or what inspired you to enter into public service?

My father. He was physically disabled but remained engaged with our local government through the weekly Parish Council meetings on the local TV station. We would watch it together and I quickly learned the how important local government was and how it operated. When I was about 7, he saw how upset I was that the old telephone books were going to the landfill. As we did not have curbside recycling, he found me a wagon, called the neighbors, and watched as I walked my neighborhood picking up old telephone books for the recycling center. I learned that I was not too young to care about the environment and to take action. Later, I and other like-minded community members pushed for the local government to expand recycling throughout the Parish and local university, install bike lanes, and organize hazard waste days.

What area of public policy interests you the most and why?

Policies that strengthen the resilience of coastal communities, which is often at the intersection between environmental and emergency management policies.

What is your favorite cuisine?

As a Cajun from Coastal Louisiana, I love gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, boiled seafood, and po’boys. My favorite is boiled crawfish.

What is your favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love being in nature and hiking trails. While I grew up surrounded by wetlands, my favorite ecosystem is the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest (Coastal Redwood Forests). When I am not hiking, I am reading a good legal thriller or murder mystery.

Who in your life has been an influential mentor or inspiration for you?

My inspiration for environmental issues includes Rachael Carson, Lois Gibbs, Dr. Wilma Subra, Erin Brockovich, and Jane Goodall. These women fought for those who often do not have a voice or seat at the table. My inspiration for emergency management includes Kay Goss, Dr. Louise Comfort, and Craig Fugate, who have revolutionized the practice and study of emergency management. Finally, my students inspire me with their passion for public service and innovative ideas.

What was your dream job as a child?

I wanted to be an environmentalist and lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.