Lee Cannon Joins WRRI, NC Space Grant and NC Sea Grant Teams

Lee Cannon has joined Water Resource Research Institute of the UNC System (WRRI) as the new communications specialist in charge of crafting messaging and sharing outcomes of the program research, education and outreach to audiences across the state and beyond. She will also serve as the communicator for North Carolina Space Grant and will assist the communications team for North Carolina Sea Grant.

Cannon began her communications career in Washington, D.C., where she spent time at the  Embassy of Japan, the Smithsonian Institution and arts and education nonprofits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and writing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s in creative writing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

In her new role, Cannon shares the impacts of WRRI-supported research that fosters improvements in water supply; explores new ideas to address water problems; expands understanding of water-related science; encourages the entry of new scientists, engineers and technicians into water-resources fields; and facilitates the dissemination of research results to water managers and the public.

To facilitate efforts to quickly inform scientists, students, practitioners and the public about pertinent research and opportunities, Cannon has expanded the two programs’ social media presence to include new Facebook and LinkedIn pages for WRRI and a public LinkedIn presence for NC Space Grant. These round out the current portfolio of WRRI’s Twitter account and NC Space Grant’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Each platform will provide content created specifically for the needs of that audience.

Cannon also will be revamping the WRRI news page and NC Space Grant blog to provide to most up-to-date information about the accomplishments of supported researchers, students and staff, as well as to announce the latest funding opportunities.

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