PEOPLE
Anita Morzillo, Principal Investigator
Ph.D. Michigan State University
M.S. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
B.S. State University of New York (SUNY) College at Plattsburgh
My career path has included corporate, federal, and academic settings. Prior to my current position, I served as an Assistant Professor at Oregon State University, and a postdoctoral fellow at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Corvallis, Oregon. Work-life balance is important to me. I enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons (hiking, running, mountain and road biking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, camping, backpacking...), yoga, reading, playing violin, street art, watching sports, traveling, finding cool rocks, and wandering aimlessly.
Ph.D. Michigan State University
M.S. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
B.S. State University of New York (SUNY) College at Plattsburgh
My career path has included corporate, federal, and academic settings. Prior to my current position, I served as an Assistant Professor at Oregon State University, and a postdoctoral fellow at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Corvallis, Oregon. Work-life balance is important to me. I enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons (hiking, running, mountain and road biking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, camping, backpacking...), yoga, reading, playing violin, street art, watching sports, traveling, finding cool rocks, and wandering aimlessly.
CURRENT STUDENTS AND STAFF
Brandon Younan, M.S. student
B.S. Michigan State University
Brandon is interested in the human dimensions of natural resources and conservation. His involvement in ecology has encompassed GIS work for Ducks Unlimited, and forest pathology research with Michigan State University and Holden Forest and Gardens. For this thesis, he will focus on the dynamics and interactions among forest managers, energy resilience, and forest management in the context of community climate resilience and ecosystem services goals
B.S. Michigan State University
Brandon is interested in the human dimensions of natural resources and conservation. His involvement in ecology has encompassed GIS work for Ducks Unlimited, and forest pathology research with Michigan State University and Holden Forest and Gardens. For this thesis, he will focus on the dynamics and interactions among forest managers, energy resilience, and forest management in the context of community climate resilience and ecosystem services goals
Nicholas Harms, M.S. student
B.S. Kutztown University
Nick is interested in resource management, human-wildlife interactions, and fire ecology. He has worked as a Stewardship and Outreach Associate at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, the Aquatics Director at Trexler Scout Reservation, and as an associate at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Center. He plans on pursuing a career in forest ecology and resource management. In his free time, Nick can be found backpacking, skiing, and traveling to new places.
B.S. Kutztown University
Nick is interested in resource management, human-wildlife interactions, and fire ecology. He has worked as a Stewardship and Outreach Associate at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, the Aquatics Director at Trexler Scout Reservation, and as an associate at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Center. He plans on pursuing a career in forest ecology and resource management. In his free time, Nick can be found backpacking, skiing, and traveling to new places.
Chris Cane, M.S. student (co-advised with Laura Cisneros)
B.A. University of Massachusetts Boston
Chris is interested in local community engagement in environmental management, and applications of media and technology in civic ecology. Former positions included Environmental Educator at Common Ground High School and New Haven Ecology Project, FoodCorps Service Member at Green Village Initiative, and Landscape Gardener at The Apple Orchard School. His thesis will focus on sustainability of community environmental stewardship and education programs.
B.A. University of Massachusetts Boston
Chris is interested in local community engagement in environmental management, and applications of media and technology in civic ecology. Former positions included Environmental Educator at Common Ground High School and New Haven Ecology Project, FoodCorps Service Member at Green Village Initiative, and Landscape Gardener at The Apple Orchard School. His thesis will focus on sustainability of community environmental stewardship and education programs.
Laura Kelly, M.S. student
B.S. Juniata College
Laura is interested in the management of public lands as places where people and nature can flourish. Her long-time broad interest in ecology led her to many different seasonal positions, and internships with the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service. She has worked in interpretation, environmental education, fisheries, resource management, trails, and visitor services, and has enjoyed her time in the field. She hopes to pursue a career in conservation and public lands management.
B.S. Juniata College
Laura is interested in the management of public lands as places where people and nature can flourish. Her long-time broad interest in ecology led her to many different seasonal positions, and internships with the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service. She has worked in interpretation, environmental education, fisheries, resource management, trails, and visitor services, and has enjoyed her time in the field. She hopes to pursue a career in conservation and public lands management.
Emlyn Crocker, M.S. student
B.S. St. Lawrence University
Emlyn is interested in the intersection between humans and wild spaces in Northeastern forests. She has worked with common loons, leatherback sea turtles, and middle school students. Emlyn spent three years working in community engagement and outreach at St. Lawrence University. She plans to pursue a career in forest ecology with an emphasis on cooperation with regional communities. In her free time, Emlyn combines her love of food and nature through farming, back-country cooking, wild foraging, and picnics.
B.S. St. Lawrence University
Emlyn is interested in the intersection between humans and wild spaces in Northeastern forests. She has worked with common loons, leatherback sea turtles, and middle school students. Emlyn spent three years working in community engagement and outreach at St. Lawrence University. She plans to pursue a career in forest ecology with an emphasis on cooperation with regional communities. In her free time, Emlyn combines her love of food and nature through farming, back-country cooking, wild foraging, and picnics.
Devenny Widmer, Undergraduate research technician
Devenny is interested in the intersections of human dimensions and wildlife management in the Northeast. She has worked at the Audubon Society assisting with animal handling and care, and completed a study abroad in South Africa. She hopes to further her education by pursuing a graduate degree related to mesocarnivores and conservation. Devenny combines her interest in nature and love of hiking through mushroom identification and foraging.
Devenny is interested in the intersections of human dimensions and wildlife management in the Northeast. She has worked at the Audubon Society assisting with animal handling and care, and completed a study abroad in South Africa. She hopes to further her education by pursuing a graduate degree related to mesocarnivores and conservation. Devenny combines her interest in nature and love of hiking through mushroom identification and foraging.
Kate Cullinan, Undergraduate research technician
Kate is interested in the intersection of environmental sciences and economics. They hope to learn more about sustainability practices that can be implemented in the future. Kate plans to pursue a career in natural resources management. In their free time, Kate likes to read about Greek mythology, listening to music, and tending their plants.
Kate is interested in the intersection of environmental sciences and economics. They hope to learn more about sustainability practices that can be implemented in the future. Kate plans to pursue a career in natural resources management. In their free time, Kate likes to read about Greek mythology, listening to music, and tending their plants.
Carissa Horton, Undergraduate research technician
Carissa is interested in the intersection between ecological principles and how they are perceived and communicated by people. Carissa has worked in a variety of places studying these connections, including a microdairy farm startup in Oregon, an international team of students focused on health solutions through environmentally based concepts, and the office of Sustainability at UConn. In their free time, Carissa continues their love of the environment by hiking, wild foraging, and stargazing.
Carissa is interested in the intersection between ecological principles and how they are perceived and communicated by people. Carissa has worked in a variety of places studying these connections, including a microdairy farm startup in Oregon, an international team of students focused on health solutions through environmentally based concepts, and the office of Sustainability at UConn. In their free time, Carissa continues their love of the environment by hiking, wild foraging, and stargazing.
Ken Bingham, Undergraduate research technician
Ken is interested in using GIS and remote sensing technology to understand impacts of land use policy on the environment. Ken is a veteran of the US Navy, and now is studying natural resource management with a focus on sustainability. He intends to continue his education by pursuing a graduate degree related to land surveying. In his free time, Ken enjoys hiking, trail running, and playing with his dog Gracie.
Ken is interested in using GIS and remote sensing technology to understand impacts of land use policy on the environment. Ken is a veteran of the US Navy, and now is studying natural resource management with a focus on sustainability. He intends to continue his education by pursuing a graduate degree related to land surveying. In his free time, Ken enjoys hiking, trail running, and playing with his dog Gracie.
PAST GRADUATE STUDENTS
Jacob Cabral, M.S. University of Connecticut
B.S. Bridgewater State University
As an undergraduate, Jacob was interested in environmental conservation policy, geographic information systems, and remote sensing. After graduating, he interned with the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance to measure terrapin habitat, and worked for Veolia, collecting data on underground utilities and mapping stormwater systems. His thesis focused on information-sharing and social networks associated with roadside forest management. Jacob currently is a GIS analyst at AgriCapture.
B.S. Bridgewater State University
As an undergraduate, Jacob was interested in environmental conservation policy, geographic information systems, and remote sensing. After graduating, he interned with the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance to measure terrapin habitat, and worked for Veolia, collecting data on underground utilities and mapping stormwater systems. His thesis focused on information-sharing and social networks associated with roadside forest management. Jacob currently is a GIS analyst at AgriCapture.
Abbey Dunn, M.S. University of Connecticut
B.S. Otterbein University
Abbey is interested in how humans view and interact with the environment, with particular interest in wildlife. Her research goals were cultivated by her past experiences working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Ohio Wildlife Center, and Cleveland Metroparks. Her thesis focused on human dimensions of timber rattlesnake management to reduce human-wildlife conflict. She currently is an Environmental Technician for the Davey Resource Group.
B.S. Otterbein University
Abbey is interested in how humans view and interact with the environment, with particular interest in wildlife. Her research goals were cultivated by her past experiences working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Ohio Wildlife Center, and Cleveland Metroparks. Her thesis focused on human dimensions of timber rattlesnake management to reduce human-wildlife conflict. She currently is an Environmental Technician for the Davey Resource Group.
Steven DiFalco, M.S. University of Connecticut
B.S. SUNY New Paltz
Steven is interested in invasive species ecology, forest management, and how humans interact with the environment. He has worked at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Prospect Park Alliance, and Scenic Hudson doing forest restoration, native plant propagation, and vegetation monitoring. His thesis focused on spatial analysis of resident attitudes toward roadside vegetation management as part of the Stormwise program. He is a a GIS and Land Data Manager for Scenic Hudson.
B.S. SUNY New Paltz
Steven is interested in invasive species ecology, forest management, and how humans interact with the environment. He has worked at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Prospect Park Alliance, and Scenic Hudson doing forest restoration, native plant propagation, and vegetation monitoring. His thesis focused on spatial analysis of resident attitudes toward roadside vegetation management as part of the Stormwise program. He is a a GIS and Land Data Manager for Scenic Hudson.
Danielle Kloster, Ph.D. University of Connecticut
B.S. and M.S. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
For her Masters degree, Danielle worked on the Willow Project, modeling the potential for soil erosion from willow shrubs produced for bioenergy. Her dissertation research focused on the biophysical, economic, and social potential for the use of wood recovered through tree removals by utility companies as part of the Stormwise program. She is an Instructor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
B.S. and M.S. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
For her Masters degree, Danielle worked on the Willow Project, modeling the potential for soil erosion from willow shrubs produced for bioenergy. Her dissertation research focused on the biophysical, economic, and social potential for the use of wood recovered through tree removals by utility companies as part of the Stormwise program. She is an Instructor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Nick Yarmey, M.S. University of Connecticut
B.Sc. University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty
Nick is passionate about the messy world of human-human and human-nature
coexistence. Undergraduate research projects on attitudes toward beavers and
wetland mitigation sparked his interest for the field of human dimensions of wildlife.
His thesis focused on human dimensions of wildlife, particularly how to better
understand and manage for human-black bear conflicts. He is a Research Associate at
University of Alberta.
B.Sc. University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty
Nick is passionate about the messy world of human-human and human-nature
coexistence. Undergraduate research projects on attitudes toward beavers and
wetland mitigation sparked his interest for the field of human dimensions of wildlife.
His thesis focused on human dimensions of wildlife, particularly how to better
understand and manage for human-black bear conflicts. He is a Research Associate at
University of Alberta.
Daniel Hale, M.S. University of Connecticut
B.S. University of Vermont
Dan is interested in forest ecology and working with people for forest management. He has worked for the American Chestnut Foundation, Washington Department of Ecology, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and ski patrols in Vermont and Utah. His thesis focused on spatial and landscape analysis of human perceptions of roadside vegetation management with the Stormwise program. He is now the New England Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
B.S. University of Vermont
Dan is interested in forest ecology and working with people for forest management. He has worked for the American Chestnut Foundation, Washington Department of Ecology, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and ski patrols in Vermont and Utah. His thesis focused on spatial and landscape analysis of human perceptions of roadside vegetation management with the Stormwise program. He is now the New England Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Lindsay (Keener-Eck) Larson, M.S. University of Connecticut
B.S. University of Maine
Lindsay's interest in herpetology was piqued by her undergraduate senior thesis on depredation of salamander eggs. Field experience has included projects involving box turtles, rattlesnakes, desert tortoises, bats, and fish. Her thesis focused on human dimensions of rattlesnake management in Connecticut. She formerly was the Conservation Projects Leader with the Housatonic Valley Association, and now is a Project Manager at the Center for Housing Opportunity, Litchfield County.
B.S. University of Maine
Lindsay's interest in herpetology was piqued by her undergraduate senior thesis on depredation of salamander eggs. Field experience has included projects involving box turtles, rattlesnakes, desert tortoises, bats, and fish. Her thesis focused on human dimensions of rattlesnake management in Connecticut. She formerly was the Conservation Projects Leader with the Housatonic Valley Association, and now is a Project Manager at the Center for Housing Opportunity, Litchfield County.
Evan Bredeweg, Ph.D. Oregon State University (co-advised with Tiffany Garcia)
B.S. Pacific University
As an undergraduate, Evan worked on projects ranging from toxicology to amphibian reproductive behavior. He spent a year in New Zealand on a Fulbright Grant researching the reproductive biology of the Tuatara, then three years working in an analytical agricultural laboratory. His dissertation research examined how different land management practices affect amphibian habitat connectivity. He is a Postdoctoral Scholar at Oregon State University.
B.S. Pacific University
As an undergraduate, Evan worked on projects ranging from toxicology to amphibian reproductive behavior. He spent a year in New Zealand on a Fulbright Grant researching the reproductive biology of the Tuatara, then three years working in an analytical agricultural laboratory. His dissertation research examined how different land management practices affect amphibian habitat connectivity. He is a Postdoctoral Scholar at Oregon State University.
Deya Ramsden, M.N.R. Oregon State University (distance education)
B.S. Oregon State University
Deya works for the Virginia Department of Forestry as a project coordinator for the Middle James River forest watershed project. Previous positions included forest restoration technician with the Natural Resources Group, a street tree Forester for the borough of Staten Island, and other forestry-related work with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Her capstone project focused on restoration of urban natural areas, with emphasis on reforestation and invasive plant control.
B.S. Oregon State University
Deya works for the Virginia Department of Forestry as a project coordinator for the Middle James River forest watershed project. Previous positions included forest restoration technician with the Natural Resources Group, a street tree Forester for the borough of Staten Island, and other forestry-related work with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Her capstone project focused on restoration of urban natural areas, with emphasis on reforestation and invasive plant control.
Kristina Kline, M.S. Oregon State University (co-advised with Jimmy Taylor)
B.S. Fort Lewis College
Kristina worked as an environmental scientist at CH2M Hill, and volunteered as a field
assistant on a black bear project with Colorado Parks and Wildlife . Her graduate research
focused on economic impacts of black bear damage on Oregon and Washington
timberlands . She is now a Wildlife Biologist with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
B.S. Fort Lewis College
Kristina worked as an environmental scientist at CH2M Hill, and volunteered as a field
assistant on a black bear project with Colorado Parks and Wildlife . Her graduate research
focused on economic impacts of black bear damage on Oregon and Washington
timberlands . She is now a Wildlife Biologist with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Brenda Wasler, M.N.R. Oregon State University (distance education)
B.S. Gannon University
Brenda is the Acting Chief of Resource Management at the National Park Service, Greater Pittsburgh Region. Prior positions included Environmental Protection Specialist for the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Project Manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Her capstone project focused on invasive species and ecological restoration in
Valley Forge National Historical Park.
B.S. Gannon University
Brenda is the Acting Chief of Resource Management at the National Park Service, Greater Pittsburgh Region. Prior positions included Environmental Protection Specialist for the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Project Manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Her capstone project focused on invasive species and ecological restoration in
Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Meagan Atkinson, M.N.R. Oregon State University
B.S. Texas A&M University
Meagan has taught high school science, and has worked in consulting and natural resource management in Texas, California, and Oregon. She has used GIS to analyze cultural risk posed by oil drilling, biodiversity data uncertainty, and wetland restoration. For her capstone project, she evaluated influences of geography, environmental values, and socioeconomics on preferences for water management policy. Meg is now a Biologist at Quantum Spatial.
B.S. Texas A&M University
Meagan has taught high school science, and has worked in consulting and natural resource management in Texas, California, and Oregon. She has used GIS to analyze cultural risk posed by oil drilling, biodiversity data uncertainty, and wetland restoration. For her capstone project, she evaluated influences of geography, environmental values, and socioeconomics on preferences for water management policy. Meg is now a Biologist at Quantum Spatial.
Maggie (Massie) Romo, M.S. Oregon State University (co-advised with Todd Wilson)
B.S. University of California, Berkeley
Maggie has worked with the Forest Service in Oregon and California, and the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery project in Hawaii. For her thesis, she completed a protocol for climate change monitoring in the 450 Research Natural Areas in Oregon and Washington. She is a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
B.S. University of California, Berkeley
Maggie has worked with the Forest Service in Oregon and California, and the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery project in Hawaii. For her thesis, she completed a protocol for climate change monitoring in the 450 Research Natural Areas in Oregon and Washington. She is a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Taylor (Williams) Tibbals, P.S.M. Oregon State University
B.S. Oregon State University
Taylor has worked for the Student Conservation Association as a Vegetation Research Intern in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, and for the US Forest Service. For the Forest Service, she first served as a Recreation Technician and then as a Forest Protection Officer in the Ochoco National Forest. She focused her Master’s program on land conservation and management. Taylor formerly worked for the Bayfield Regional Conservancy, and now is a Senior Manager for the White Oak Initiative, at the American Forest Foundation.
B.S. Oregon State University
Taylor has worked for the Student Conservation Association as a Vegetation Research Intern in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, and for the US Forest Service. For the Forest Service, she first served as a Recreation Technician and then as a Forest Protection Officer in the Ochoco National Forest. She focused her Master’s program on land conservation and management. Taylor formerly worked for the Bayfield Regional Conservancy, and now is a Senior Manager for the White Oak Initiative, at the American Forest Foundation.
Alex Mauroner, P.S.M. Oregon State University
B.S. Westminster College
Alex has served as a volunteer research assistant for Ocean Spirits, a leatherback sea turtle protection and monitoring organization in Grenada. He focused his Master’s program on natural resource management. He has worked for the IUCN's Freshwater Fish Specialist Group, and Chief Operating Officer for the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation.
B.S. Westminster College
Alex has served as a volunteer research assistant for Ocean Spirits, a leatherback sea turtle protection and monitoring organization in Grenada. He focused his Master’s program on natural resource management. He has worked for the IUCN's Freshwater Fish Specialist Group, and Chief Operating Officer for the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation.
Stephanie (Graham) McLerran, P.S.M. Oregon State University
B.S. Edgewood College
A.S. Madison Area Technical College
While a nutritional chemistry analyst at a large corporation, Stephanie observed that business and science often are interconnected. During her Master’s program, she focused on water resources, with an internship at the Washington Department of Transportation. Her interests focus on fresh water resources restoration and management. She is a
Senior Environmental Specialist with the Missouri Department of Transportation.
B.S. Edgewood College
A.S. Madison Area Technical College
While a nutritional chemistry analyst at a large corporation, Stephanie observed that business and science often are interconnected. During her Master’s program, she focused on water resources, with an internship at the Washington Department of Transportation. Her interests focus on fresh water resources restoration and management. She is a
Senior Environmental Specialist with the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Matthew Schwartz, P.S.M. Oregon State University (advised by Joan Hagar)
B.S. College of Charleston
Matt has worked as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, and on fisheries and wildlife projects for the Institute for Bird Populations, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, Oregon State University, US EPA, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. His interests include human impacts on wildlife, spatial analysis, and multi-stakeholder approaches to conservation. Formerly a Senior Research Scientist for
the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, he now is Fish and Wildlife Administrator for the
Bonneville Power Administration.
B.S. College of Charleston
Matt has worked as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, and on fisheries and wildlife projects for the Institute for Bird Populations, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, Oregon State University, US EPA, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. His interests include human impacts on wildlife, spatial analysis, and multi-stakeholder approaches to conservation. Formerly a Senior Research Scientist for
the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, he now is Fish and Wildlife Administrator for the
Bonneville Power Administration.
Rebecca Steinberg, M.S. Yale University (co-advised with Susan Clark)
B.S. Barnard College, Columbia University
Rebecca’s experience includes field projects with carnivores and wolf-elk-cattle interactions, and wildlife rehabilitation. She worked at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, NY, and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust in Kent, CT. Her Master's thesis focused on non-target effects of rodent control products on wildlife. Formerly the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at the Greenbelt Land Trust, she now is a Land
Transactions Project Manager at Peninsula Open Space Trust.
B.S. Barnard College, Columbia University
Rebecca’s experience includes field projects with carnivores and wolf-elk-cattle interactions, and wildlife rehabilitation. She worked at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, NY, and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust in Kent, CT. Her Master's thesis focused on non-target effects of rodent control products on wildlife. Formerly the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at the Greenbelt Land Trust, she now is a Land
Transactions Project Manager at Peninsula Open Space Trust.
PAST UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Geré Johnson, B.S. University of Connecticut
Geré is interested in human dimensions of urban agriculture with regards to BIPOC communities. She was a two year fellow and mentor for the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River, where she was an educator, and focused on increasing community engagement of Philadelphia public parks. She also studied the impacts of climate change in Mongolia, and hopes to pursue a graduate degree to study urban farm adaptation to climate change.
Geré is interested in human dimensions of urban agriculture with regards to BIPOC communities. She was a two year fellow and mentor for the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River, where she was an educator, and focused on increasing community engagement of Philadelphia public parks. She also studied the impacts of climate change in Mongolia, and hopes to pursue a graduate degree to study urban farm adaptation to climate change.
Abigail Bernstein, B.S. University of Connecticut
Abby is interested in the role of human dimensions in conservation. She has campaigned for Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and completed a study abroad in South Africa. Other past positions have included a NSF REU focused on environmental impacts of ranavirus on wood frogs, and assisting with classroom laboratory setup, both at University of Connecticut. In the future she hopes to pursue a graduate degree related to wetlands and wetland conservation.
Abby is interested in the role of human dimensions in conservation. She has campaigned for Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and completed a study abroad in South Africa. Other past positions have included a NSF REU focused on environmental impacts of ranavirus on wood frogs, and assisting with classroom laboratory setup, both at University of Connecticut. In the future she hopes to pursue a graduate degree related to wetlands and wetland conservation.
Marissa Naclerio, B.S. University of Connecticut
Marissa is interested in the interactions between communities of color and their environments. As an undergraduate, she has advocated for environmental justice, diversity, and equity in environmental spaces. She studied mangrove ecology as an NSF-REU student at Penn State University. She intends to pursue further study on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Puerto Rico, and hopes to apply her experience to work within her Latinx community. In her free time, Marissa enjoys dancing to Latin music, reading, and paddle boarding.
Marissa is interested in the interactions between communities of color and their environments. As an undergraduate, she has advocated for environmental justice, diversity, and equity in environmental spaces. She studied mangrove ecology as an NSF-REU student at Penn State University. She intends to pursue further study on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Puerto Rico, and hopes to apply her experience to work within her Latinx community. In her free time, Marissa enjoys dancing to Latin music, reading, and paddle boarding.
Maggy Walrath, B.S. University of Connecticut
Maggy is interested in involving communities in natural resources management at the local level. She hopes to pursue a career focusing on human dimensions of sustainable development practices and implementation.
Maggy is interested in involving communities in natural resources management at the local level. She hopes to pursue a career focusing on human dimensions of sustainable development practices and implementation.
Amanda Salazar, B.S. University of Connecticut
Amanda pursued a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources with a concentration in Wildlife and Fisheries. She is been involved with Groton's Environmental Project O, the non-profit organization NYCH20 in New York City, and served as a camp counselor at the New York Aquarium. She hopes to pursue a career focusing conservation and sustainability.
Amanda pursued a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources with a concentration in Wildlife and Fisheries. She is been involved with Groton's Environmental Project O, the non-profit organization NYCH20 in New York City, and served as a camp counselor at the New York Aquarium. She hopes to pursue a career focusing conservation and sustainability.
Meagan de Nicolo, B.S. University of Connecticut
Meagan has worked for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station on a tick integrated management project, and served as an intern with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Conservation Wildlife Division for a project focused on the New England Cottontail. She hopes to pursue a career focusing on sustainability and conservation.
Meagan has worked for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station on a tick integrated management project, and served as an intern with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Conservation Wildlife Division for a project focused on the New England Cottontail. She hopes to pursue a career focusing on sustainability and conservation.
Michaela Poppick, B.S. University of Connecticut
Michaela is interested in human impacts on the environment and bridging the gap between scientists and the public. Her internship with The Nature Conservancy on Block Island elevated her interests for engaging communities as active participants in conservation and environmental stewardship.
Michaela is interested in human impacts on the environment and bridging the gap between scientists and the public. Her internship with The Nature Conservancy on Block Island elevated her interests for engaging communities as active participants in conservation and environmental stewardship.
Alessandra Alling, B.S. and B.A. University of Connecticut
Alessandra completed a B.S. in Natural Resources and a B.A. in Political Science. An internship that she completed with the Open Space and Natural Resources Manager in her hometown strengthened her interests in human dimensions of natural resources. Her honors thesis focused on factors affecting stakeholder participation in collaborative conservation projects.
Alessandra completed a B.S. in Natural Resources and a B.A. in Political Science. An internship that she completed with the Open Space and Natural Resources Manager in her hometown strengthened her interests in human dimensions of natural resources. Her honors thesis focused on factors affecting stakeholder participation in collaborative conservation projects.
Zoë Smiarowski, B.S. University of Connecticut
Zoë completed a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Horticulture. She has interned with a local land trust, Yale University, UConn Avery Point, and served as a Summit Steward at Acadia National Park. Projects included creating a flood map for an agricultural area. She is interested in a career in conservation.
Zoë completed a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Horticulture. She has interned with a local land trust, Yale University, UConn Avery Point, and served as a Summit Steward at Acadia National Park. Projects included creating a flood map for an agricultural area. She is interested in a career in conservation.
Theresa Armijo, B.S. University of Connecticut
Theresa completed a B.S. in Natural Resources with a minor in Environmental Economics
and Policy. Recent internships have focused on water quality research with non-profit
organizations. She is also currently involved with two water quality research projects at
UConn. Theresa's research interests focus on understanding human impacts on the
environment and water quality.
Theresa completed a B.S. in Natural Resources with a minor in Environmental Economics
and Policy. Recent internships have focused on water quality research with non-profit
organizations. She is also currently involved with two water quality research projects at
UConn. Theresa's research interests focus on understanding human impacts on the
environment and water quality.
Lena Ives, B.S. University of Connecticut
Lena completed a B.S. in Natural Resources with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation. Her field experience working with coastal waterbirds in Connecticut and ongoing research in the management of ungulate species in the US Midwest have come together to spark her interest in the human dimensions of wildlife. She hopes to pursue a career in wildlife biology and management that involves working with the public.
Lena completed a B.S. in Natural Resources with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation. Her field experience working with coastal waterbirds in Connecticut and ongoing research in the management of ungulate species in the US Midwest have come together to spark her interest in the human dimensions of wildlife. She hopes to pursue a career in wildlife biology and management that involves working with the public.
Latifa Salih, B.S. Oregon State University
A.A. Portland Community College
Latifa recently completed her Bachelor’s in Environmental Science with a Geography minor. Her interests include water resource policy and management. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Oregon State University.
A.A. Portland Community College
Latifa recently completed her Bachelor’s in Environmental Science with a Geography minor. Her interests include water resource policy and management. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Oregon State University.
Jessica Morgan, B.S. Oregon State University
A.A. Umpqua Community College
Jessica transferred to OSU to pursue a degree in forest engineering. She has worked for the US Forest Service for five years, which included two seasons on a botany crew, two seasons on a fire crew, and one season on an archaeology crew.
A.A. Umpqua Community College
Jessica transferred to OSU to pursue a degree in forest engineering. She has worked for the US Forest Service for five years, which included two seasons on a botany crew, two seasons on a fire crew, and one season on an archaeology crew.
PAST UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS NOT PICTURED
University of Connecticut: Dayanara Avilez (Arizona State), Julia Guay, Alexandra Price, Taylor Lukeski, Emma Saavedra, Anne Schindler, Angie Green (Virginia Tech), Cynthia Garcia, William McIntosh, Robyn French, Thomas Powell, Anthony Aguiar, Kyrianna Raymond
Oregon State University: Kurt Tibbals, Gwen Hill, Herman Flamenco, Tyler Eastman, Eva Arndt (undergraduate thesis), Rebecca Brenton, Gina Martinez
Michigan State University: Jayson Egeler, Kimberly Borland, Stephaney Keroson
University of Connecticut: Dayanara Avilez (Arizona State), Julia Guay, Alexandra Price, Taylor Lukeski, Emma Saavedra, Anne Schindler, Angie Green (Virginia Tech), Cynthia Garcia, William McIntosh, Robyn French, Thomas Powell, Anthony Aguiar, Kyrianna Raymond
Oregon State University: Kurt Tibbals, Gwen Hill, Herman Flamenco, Tyler Eastman, Eva Arndt (undergraduate thesis), Rebecca Brenton, Gina Martinez
Michigan State University: Jayson Egeler, Kimberly Borland, Stephaney Keroson