Nicholas Nishioka is a partnership coordinator with the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps at Chesapeake Conservancy. Nishioka supports the Chesapeake Tributaries Initiative by working with partners on projects focused on community greening, water quality improvement and wildlife habitat restoration across Maryland. His work includes partner coordination, community engagement, GIS analysis and opportunities for field-based conservation work.

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Nishioka is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and technology and a concentration in natural resource management. Nishioka developed experience in environmental research, education and outreach while building an interest in protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its natural resources. During college, Nishioka spent three summers as an environmental education intern at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, Maryland. His work combined environmental education with hands-on research, including water quality monitoring, eDNA sampling, bioassays and laboratory analysis. He also designed and led educational programs for K–12 students featuring activities such as seining, oyster dissections and canoe tours focused on the Chesapeake Bay and its ecosystems.

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Nishioka also gained experience in environmental outreach while working with Genuine Engagement Fundraising on behalf of The Nature Conservancy. In this role, Nishioka engaged with the public about environmental issues, sustainability and conservation initiatives. Nishioka is from Arnold, Maryland and in his free time enjoys hiking, fishing, camping and spending time outdoors. Growing up near the Chesapeake Bay helped foster his appreciation for the outdoors and his passion for conservation and protecting natural resources.