At Cummins Cederberg we have some incredible employees, so we decided to make some waves and introduce you to those incredible people who make it all happen!
Francesca Fourney is a Project Manager and Marine Scientist who specializes in marine resource surveys including seagrass, coral, and mangroves and mitigation efforts. Francesca’s focus is on conducting these surveys, writing the subsequent reports which involve mapping and describing the resources and habitats, and obtaining the proper permits from the appropriate environmental agencies depending on the project characteristics.
CC: Where did you grow up?
FF: Sicklerville, New Jersey; just outside of Philadelphia.
CC: Why were you interested in studying marine biology?
FF: As a child I always had a passion and curiosity for nature and animals. In kindergarten, I told my parents I wanted to be a veterinarian. I was fortunate enough to have grandparents who owned a home at the “Jersey Shore”, so my interest quickly shifted to the ocean as I lived and surfed there every summer!
CC: What is a normal day for you?
FF: My day is always different and that’s what I love most! I am either spending my days in the office writing reports, creating permit applications, analyzing data and photos, and coordinating with clients/agencies or out in the field diving, collecting data, and handling equipment. I’ve also had several opportunities to work in the Caribbean, which is always exciting.
CC: What has been your favorite project so far?
FF: They all have been unique and challenging in their own way! However, I’d choose the Port Everglades South Jetty Coral Relocation. These were long, strenuous but successful field days and it was rewarding knowing a portion of the corals were donated for vital research projects to Nova Southeastern University, which is my alma mater.
CC: How would you explain your job to a child?
FF: I help protect the plants and animals in our oceans where we build things on the water.
CC: If you could switch jobs with anyone here, who and why?
FF: This is tough because I enjoy my role so much and everyone has such a unique contribution. If I had to choose, I’d like to learn more about GIS. Spatial data is so important, and Brent makes beautiful maps. I would miss the water way too much though!
CC: What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you recently here?
FF: While doing a survey in the Bahamas, Jessica and I were getting back into the boat after a day in the field, which was beached on the sand. As I was helping her in, the waves pushed the boat parallel to shore and we started tipping and I tried to grab her but she still fell out! Nobody was hurt in this process thankfully, but we definitely had a laugh the whole time. Oh and anytime being in the field with Christie! She always has fun!
CC: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
FF: I make a pretty mean limoncello, passed down from my grandmother’s recipe.
