Degree program: J.D./M.M.A.
Year accepted: 2024
Advisor: TBD
Research: Offshore renewable energy
Background: B.S. in Environmental Science, minor in Marine Affairs from the University of Tampa

Rebekah Wagoner joined the University of Rhode Island as a joint MMA/JD major in the Fall of 2024. Rebekah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Marine Affairs from the University of Tampa in 2016. She then received her Paralegal Certificate in Litigation Law from Loyola University in Chicago in 2020. Shortly after receiving her paralegal certificate, Rebekah worked as a Case Manager for the law firm Keller Postman until July 2022 when she enrolled in the JD program at the Roger Williams University School of Law. Rebekah then landed a coveted internship with Louisiana Sea Grant Law & Policy Program the following year. 

Rebekah has always loved the ocean, particularly marine mammals, but decided to pivot to addressing environmental issues as her way of contributing to ocean stewardship. The joint degree program with Roger Williams University is what led her to the URI’s Marine Affairs program. Rebekah would like to focus her thesis on exploring offshore renewable energy efforts. This may include either monitoring for net positive biodiversity around off-shore farms or improving the site analysis of off-shore renewable energy operations over the long-term periods.  

After graduation, Rebekah would like to pursue a career that involves writing federal legislation to support more renewable energy projects like off-shore wind. In her spare time, she likes to watch documentaries on the History Channel, especially if it involves a good conspiracy theory. If you have any questions for Rebekah or would like to collaborate with her, please don’t hesitate to reach out to her via email.