Khushi Patel
2026–2027 Chesapeake conservation & Climate corps member
kpatel@shorerivers.org
443.385.0511 ext. 256
As the 2026–2027 Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps member, Khushi will assist the Riverkeeper department with collecting water quality data to inform restoration efforts and support the Education department by delivering programs on local ecosystems to encourage environmental stewardship. She will also strengthen connections with the local community through outreach events.
Khushi recently graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. During her time at St. Mary’s, she served as a Coastal Community Resilience intern for two years before stepping into the role of lead intern during her final year, where she developed and delivered youth environmental action workshops for local high school students. For her senior thesis, Khushi conducted independent research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the St. Mary’s River through field sampling and data collection. Her work will serve as the foundation for future PFAS studies in the area.
Outside of school and work, Khushi enjoys carpentry, gardening, learning new skills, and cooking for her friends and family.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps increases access and opportunities to green careers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program supports and trains the next generation of stewards in professions that restore and protect our environment and natural resources ensuring a healthy place for all of us to live.