Nika Blank

Previous Degrees Obtained

Nika Blank holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Biological Oceanography from Florida State University

Research Topic

Nika’s current research examines sustainability in independent boarding schools from a “whole-school” approach, with a focus on how community members interpret and enact sustainability across campus operations, curriculum, and school culture. Her work aims to help schools build sustainability as part of their institutional identity rather than a collection of stand-alone initiatives.

She recently completed the Climate Resiliency Fellowship at Shelburne Farms, where she collaborated with educators nationwide to deepen curriculum around climate science, community resiliency planning, and place-based learning. Her fellowship project explored how empathy, systems thinking, and student-driven action can strengthen climate education in meaningful and equitable ways.

Nika is also a science educator at the Peddie School, where she teaches AP Environmental Science, Biology, and electives in climate change, marine science, and field ecology. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Biological Oceanography from Florida State University, and her work centers on climate literacy, sustainability, and experiential learning that gets students outside and thinking systemically.