Irina Polunina
About Irina Polunina
Irina Polunina is a Social Media Coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Boston's School for the Environment, where she has worked since 2021. She holds a PhD in Marine Science and Technology and has a background in education and research, including roles at Boston Nature Center, Zoo New England, and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Current Role at UMass Boston
Irina Polunina serves as the Social Media Coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Boston within the School for the Environment. She has held this position since 2021 and has contributed to the university's online presence for three years. In addition to her role as Social Media Coordinator, she also works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, a position she has maintained since 2020.
Previous Experience in Education and Nature Conservation
Prior to her current roles, Irina Polunina worked at the Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary as a Teacher Naturalist from 2019 to 2020 for six months. She also served as a Learning Pod Educator at Belmont After School Enrichment Collaborative Inc. from 2020 to 2021 for four months. Additionally, she held the position of Youth Programs Supervisor at Zoo New England from 2019 to 2020 for one year, and worked as a Jr. Zookeeper Educator at the same zoo for two months in 2019.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Irina Polunina studied at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marine Science and Technology, expected to complete her degree in 2025. She previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science with a Minor in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, from 2014 to 2018.
Research Experience
Before her roles in education and social media, Irina Polunina worked as a Research Technician I at Brigham and Women's Hospital from 2018 to 2019 for six months. This position provided her with valuable research experience in a clinical setting, contributing to her academic and professional development.