Heather McDuff

Environmental Outreach Specialist

I was born and raised in northeast Massachusetts, and I still think of that as “home”. I studied fisheries and aquaculture at the University of Rhode Island and realized during my junior year that I didn’t have a desire to work in a hatchery, so I joined the US Navy for the opportunity to travel. After 3 years of sea duty, I transferred to and settled in Virginia. I started my master’s degree in biology at George Mason University while still on active duty, concentrating on ecology and environmental public policy. Post-Navy, I prepared documents in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act at Marine Corps Base, Quantico for over 20 years before switching agencies and joining the Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation team at the Department of Homeland Security as an environmental protection specialist. I officially retired from federal service in 2025 after 33 years and am now reinventing myself. Communicating with and educating others has been an important aspect of my entire professional life, and this skill has led me here.
I love to travel both domestically and internationally. Scotland is a favorite destination, and I’ve been there several times as a student, tourist, and long-distance walker on the West Highland Way, John Muir Way, and Rob Roy Way. I enjoy kayaking and fossil hunting for shark teeth when the weather is good, and spending time reading, knitting, and watching “Taskmaster” and English Premier League football with friends. My favorite food is Japanese teppanyaki, and I will eat ice cream at any time of year.