Connor McHugh (he/him/his) is a master's student in Journalism and Media Communication at Colorado State University, pursuing his third degree from CSU. He previously earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Communication and a Master of Conservation Leadership from the Warner College of Natural Resources. Throughout his academic career, Connor has explored the challenges of conservation communication, particularly the complexities of place-based messaging in the digital age. Originally from Long Island, New York, his passion for water issues and coastal sustainability drives his research. His current work focuses on documentary filmmaking, highlighting the connections between inland communities - like those in Colorado - and ocean sustainability through river systems.