On Monday, Sept. 16, Melanie Formosa, valedictorian of Stony Brook University’s undergraduate class of 2023, embarked on an incredible journey to Madagascar to work as a communications officer for a research station.

Her bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in environmental humanities have helped her communicate and convey the importance of conservation efforts.

“My major and minor are closely tied to what I’m interested in and to what I’m currently doing,” Formosa said. 

Partnering with Dr. Patricia C. Wright, founder and director of Centre ValBio (CVB) and a distinguished professor in Stony Brook’s Department of Anthropology, Formosa will spend roughly two and a half months at the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) in Madagascar. This institute operates throughout the tropics and provides study abroad opportunities for graduate students doing research. Formosa is currently based at CVB.

To put her journey into perspective, Formosa traveled 8,607 miles from her home on Long Island, N.Y. to Ranomafana, Madagascar. She left behind suburban landscapes for tropical rainforests, mountain ranges and ecosystems that are found nowhere else on Earth.

Formosa works as the communications officer for ICTE and CVB. Her duties encompass a wide variety of tasks, such as “writing CVB’s annual report, managing CVB’s social media presence and writing newsletters, among other things.”

“Working as the communications officer at [CVB] is all about community,” she said. “It’s not just research and conservation; it’s about the research teams, health teams and education teams working together. 99% of the people here are Malagasy — the local people — who are truly dedicated to helping their communities.” 

“The social media is huge because it’s marketing. So many people are addicted to it which means many people will view it. It’s great because what we are posting is positive and educational, not time-wasting.” 

Formosa’s enthusiasm for this project stems from her love of nature. When asked about the challenges of traveling such a long distance and being somewhere so vastly different from the familiarity of Long Island, Formosa expressed eagerness rather than apprehension. 

“It thrills me. It’s a dream of mine being fulfilled. I have always loved the natural world. I’m very much looking forward to being immersed in the unique ecosystems of Madagascar as well as working with a research station that is dedicated to conserving biodiversity. This is an adventure and something that I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience,” she said.

She later highlighted how working as a communications officer further fueled her passion for the environment.

“By working for [CVB] and ICTE, my efforts are behind preserving lemur populations and Madagascar’s biodiversity, helping communities and working for the planet. There is a purposeful and fulfilling reason behind it all, which boosts my excitement and drive for the position,” she said.

While Formosa is passionate about her work, she does acknowledge the possible challenges that lie ahead.

“I’m going to be very busy,” she added. “I’ve been working non-stop, but I do recognize the need for a work-life balance.” 

When asked about her hopes for the long-term impact her work will have in Madagascar, she expressed her admiration for her partnership.

“The work of Dr. Patricia Wright is remarkable and has already made such an impact. I’m very excited and honored to be communicating and contributing to [CVB’s] efforts,” said Formosa.

The definition of success varies from person to person; for Formosa, success is defined by the ability to pursue her passions and make a positive impact.

“Success comes when one does what they love, and they do it to the best of their ability. I’m passionate about what I’ll be doing and feel that it will contribute to the success of it,” she said.

Correction Statement: This article previously stated Formosa was a graduate student. It has since been corrected. Formosa is a Stony Brook University alumni.