First Year EMAP Students

Reagan Giesenschlag

Reagan Giesenschlag is Director of Chemicals, Materials, and Sustainability Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where she advises member companies and advocates on key environmental and chemical policy issues. Her portfolio includes chemical manufacturing and use (including PFAS, TSCA, and chemical risk management), clean air and water regulations, recycling policy and the circular economy, and plastics. Before joining NAM, Reagan worked in regulatory affairs at The Fertilizer Institute, engaging with federal agencies and coalitions on environmental, health, safety, and security matters. She brings expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks to support sustainable manufacturing and responsible chemical management. Reagan earned her B.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Jennie Lee

Jennie Lee earned her B.S. in Chemistry with a Green Engineering minor at Virginia Tech. Her prior research experience spans from observing secondary organic aerosol reaction kinetics to characterizing atmospheric microplastic deposition in Southwestern Appalachia. She is passionate about utilizing analytical and physical chemistry to understand the composition and abundance of pollutants in the atmosphere and waterways to protect human health. At Georgetown University’s EMAP program, she wishes to learn more about the intersection of analytical chemistry and policy to prepare for a public research position and further deepen her research skills in this realm. During her free time, she loves to attend concerts, visit new cafes, and collect many little trinkets.

Bethany Perkins

Bethany Perkins is from a small town in Vermont and has lived in the DMV for seven years. She earned her BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Public Health from American University, where she researched pollutants in the Anacostia River through organic geochemistry methods. Bethany has worked in the metals industry professionally for two years, focusing on a wide range of projects including life cycle assessment, sustainability data, circular economy, and environmental and human health. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Georgetown’s EMAP program to deepen her technical expertise and explore the complexities of environmental policy. Outside of work and school, she leads volunteer EMS training at a Montgomery County fire department, is an avid scuba diver and rock climber, and has two sweet cats, Berry and Glen.

Pattara (Bank) Pooresatith

I was born and grew up in Bangkok, Thailand until I finished high school. I then spent four years in Seattle, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Washington.

With an interest in polymer chemistry and instrumental analysis, and a desire to solve environmental problems both in my homeland and globally, I decided to join the EMAP program. I hope to learn and contribute at the real frontier of environmental science and policy.

In my free time, I love watching movies, especially at independent cinemas. When I am looking to socialize and meet new people, I enjoy attending Lindy Hop dance social events.

Yuxin Zhou

I graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University with a degree in Environmental Science and Engineering.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I engaged in a range of research projects—from drug delivery using metal-organic frameworks, to pollutant dispersion modeling in marine systems, and sustainability accounting under UN frameworks. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in environmental science and data analysis. However, I came to realize that while technical progress is essential, its real-world influence often depends on effective implementation and policy design.

At Georgetown’s Environmental Metrology and Policy (EMAP) program, I aim to further explore the integration of scientific evidence with policy-making. I am particularly interested in environmental governance and compliance, and hope to contribute to building systems where sustainability goals can be translated into tangible outcomes that improve lives.