The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

Student Quotes

"I met a lot of great people from places all around the country. I learned a lot of great information that I can use in my home town..."

"Among the many lessons I took away from the Summit, probably the biggest would be the importance of confidence. If you want to make a difference in the world you can't be afraid to step up and ask questions, and you can't be afraid to fight for what you believe in even in the face of opposition. Confidence in your beliefs and the ability to be proven wrong are the most important traits for young leaders to possess."

Speakers & Staff

2013 Speakers

Keynote Speaker
Michael L. Connor, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Michael L. Connor was confirmed Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation by the United States Senate on May 21, 2009.

Connor has nearly two decades of experience in the public sector, including having served as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee since May 2001. At the committee, Connor managed legislation for both the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey, developed water resources legislation and handled Native American issues that are within the Energy Committee's jurisdiction.

From 1993 to 2001, Connor served in the Department of the Interior, including as deputy director and then director of the Secretary's Indian Water Rights Office from 1998 to 2001. In this capacity, Connor represented the Secretary of the Interior in negotiations with Indian tribes, state representatives, and private water users to secure water rights settlements consistent with the federal trust responsibility to tribes.

Before joining the Secretary's Office, he was employed with the Interior Solicitor's Office in Washington, DC and in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He began his Interior career in the Solicitor's Honors Program in 1993. Connor received his J.D. from the University Of Colorado School Of Law, and is admitted to the bars of Colorado and New Mexico. He previously received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from New Mexico State University and worked for General Electric.

The Bureau of Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency and the largest wholesale provider of water in the country. It brings water to more than 31 million people, and provides one out of five Western farmers with irrigation water for farmland that produces much of the nation's produce. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States with 58 power plants.

Leonard Jordan, Regional Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA

Leonard Jordan is the Regional Conservationist for the Southeast, serving in that position since January 2009. Currently, Mr. Jordan is serving as the Acting Associate Chief for Conservation and is responsible for the delivery of conservation programs and initiatives throughout the agency.

During his distinguished 36-year career with NRCS, Mr. Jordan has worked in a variety of positions across the agency’s disciplines. Rapidly progressing up through the ranks, he joined the National Headquarters leadership team in January 2005.

Before becoming Regional Conservationist, Mr. Jordan was Deputy Chief for Strategic Planning and Accountability (SPA). Prior to leading SPA, he was Division Director of Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance and Director of the Conservation Easement Programs Division.

He has served as State Conservationist for both Georgia and Washington and worked in five States serving as Assistant State Conservationist, Area Conservationist, Area Resource Conservationist, Area Agronomist, District Conservationist, Soil Conservationist, and Conservation Technician.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Jordan graduated from Tennessee State University and is the proud father of two children.

Mr. Jordan has a special appreciation for the work done by NRCS’ frontline employees, particularly those who work directly with customers.

Dr. Chris Parsons, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Policy and Social Science

Dr Parsons has been involved in whale and dolphin research for over a decade and has conducted projects in South Africa, India, China and the Caribbean as well as the UK. He is currently involved in research projects on coastal dolphin populations in the Dominican Republic, and a new project based in Pakistan. Before moving to the US, Dr Parsons was the Director of the Research and Education Departments of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), from 1998 until 2003. Prior to this, he was involved in research on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises in Hong Kong and China, which involved studies on the behavior and ecology of Hong Kong's cetaceans, marine pollution and its effects on marine life.

He earned his PhD in 1997 from the University of Hong Kong, and has a BA and MA from Oxford University (St Peter’s College - matriculated 1988).

An acknowledged international expert on cetaceans, Dr. Parsons has been a member of the scientific committee of the International Whaling Commission since 1999 and a board member of the Society for Conservation Biology's Marine Section since 2006. He was awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Geographical Society in 1997, won a Scottish Thistle Award in 2000 for his work in Environmental Tourism, and was acknowledged a young achiever in Scotland for his achievements in cetacean conservation by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1999. In addition, Dr. Parsons has published over 80 scientific papers and reports.

Emily Adams, Staff Researcher, Earth Policy Institute

Emily Adams, Staff Researcher, received a Master of Environmental Management degree in 2010 from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment with a focus on the intersection of science and policy. Emily is glad to return to the city of her undergraduate institution, American University, where she studied environmental science and graduated magna cum laude. Prior to joining Earth Policy Institute, she spent a year living in Geneva, Switzerland learning French, hiking, and working at the World Meteorological Organization. At EPI, Emily contributes to the research, writing, and editing of releases and follows global environmental trends.

Courtney Hight, Deputy Political Director, Sierra Club

Courtney Hight began her environmental career as a student at the University of Oregon, where she helped develop a campaign to make her campus more energy efficient. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies, she worked with the Oregon Student Association and the United States Student Association to empower and mobilize young people. She also worked with the Obama campaign, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the Energy Action Coalition, encouraging students to vote and have their opinions about environmental issues heard. As Deputy Political Director of the Sierra Club, Ms. Hight helps develop and implement electoral strategy and plans, oversees day-to-day operations and contracts of the political team, and works with climate campaign teams to inject political strategy into the campaigns.

Dr. Mark Houck, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason University

Dr. Houck was appointed Professor of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering at George Mason University in 1992. He is also an Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, and the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Previously, he held faculty appointments in Civil Engineering at the University of Washington at Seattle (1976-78), and Purdue University (1978-91); and visiting faculty appointments at The Johns Hopkins University (1989-90), and Heriot-Watt University in Scotland (2003). In the private sector, he has served as an officer of two firms specializing in water resources engineering. Dr. Houck is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), a Diplomat of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers, and was awarded the Huber Research Prize by ASCE. He is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, a registered Professional Engineer, and a Professional Hydrologist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science (BES) and a doctor’s degree in environmental engineering (PhD) from The Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Houck’s research and teaching interests include water and environmental systems engineering. He has taught courses on statistics and probability; environmental economics; systems analysis and engineering; mathematical modeling (optimization and simulation) of complex engineering systems; operations research; urban systems engineering; and all aspects of water management and engineering, including hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources. His most recent research work has been in the area of water and wastewater infrastructure security.

Dr. Paul Houser, Science Advisor, Bureau of Reclamation

Dr. Houser is an expert in local to global land surface-atmospheric remote sensing, in-situ observation and numerical simulation, development and application of hydrologic data assimilation methods, and global water and energy cycling. He received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Hydrology and Water Resources from the University of Arizona in 1992 and 1996 respectively. Dr. Houser joined the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Hydrological Sciences Branch and the Data Assimilation Office in 1997, and served as manager of NASA’s Land Surface Hydrology Program from 1999-2000, and served as branch head of the Hydrological Science Branch from 2000-2005. In 2005, he joined the George Mason University Climate Dynamics Program as the professor of Global Hydrology, and formed the Center for Research on Environment and Water. In 2008 Dr. Houser worked with Geovesi Holdings Ltd. to help countries solve their fresh water shortages by providing satellite-based local short term statistical information on rainfall, snowpack and glaciers. From 2011-2012, Dr. Houser rejoined federal service where he served as the Bureau of Reclamation Science Advisor where he led strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of Reclamation’s science program and related activities.

Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf, Managing Director, Species Conservation, World Wildlife Fund

Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf is the managing director of WWF's Species and Wildlife Trade Programs since January 2009. Dr. Klenzendorf is an expert on tiger conservation, bears, other large mammal conservation issues, human-wildlife conflict, and carnivore. Previously she directed all mammal-related programs in Asia for WWF. Her work includes technical advisor for field projects, writing proposals and reports, media relations, and interagency communications. Before joining WWF in 2002, she was a field biologist for the Virginia Fish and Game Department, studying Alleghany black bear ecology and management for her PhD degree. She also worked for a team in Europe to design an Austrian brown bear management plan, which earned her an M.S. degree. A native German, Sybille came to the United States in 1994 and has continued to work internationally finding solutions for wildlife-human conflicts. Sybille received her B.S. in Biology at George Mason University and her Ph.D. in wildlife science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Dr. Barry Klinger, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator-Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences

Dr. Barry Klinger received his undergraduate degree in Physics as well as his PhD in physical oceanography from Massachusetts Institute of Technology—Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 1992. He is currently an Associate Professor at George Mason University and Adjunct Research Scientist for the Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies. Dr. Klinger's current research interests center on numerical, analytical, and laboratory modeling of geophysical fluid dynamics and processes relevant to ocean general circulation and climate dynamics. Before joining COLA and GMU, Dr. Klinger was a postdoctoral associate at MIT (1992-1994) and an assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University (1994-2000).

Chris Moore, Senior Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Chris is currently the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Hampton Roads Senior Scientist where he leads policy development and technical support for a variety of Chesapeake Bay water quality and fisheries restoration efforts. His water quality work involves a wide range of activities from on-the-ground restoration to working with elected officials through all levels of government to ensure legislative decisions that ensure enhancement of the Bay watershed. Mr. Moore also works to build sustainable fisheries issues through oyster restoration efforts and proactive management of important Bay fisheries such as blue crab and Atlantic menhaden. He is also a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain and runs educational and restoration boat trips for volunteers, media, elected officials, and decision makers.

Chris received his undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies in 1997 from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. While at Randolph-Macon he worked outside of the classroom with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District. Chris received his Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University (GMU). At GMU his class work in Environmental Science and Engineering led to research focused on anadromous fish passage in Maryland and Virginia.

Chris currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife Kristyn, children Aubrey and Callen, and dog named "Grady". An avid sportsman, Chris spends as many days as possible on the waters and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.

Paul Schopf, Professor of Oceanography Associate Dean for Research and Computing

Professor Paul Schopf is the Associate Dean for Research and Computing of the College of Science. He holds Sc.B and Sc.M. degrees in engineering from Brown University and Ph.D. in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics from Princeton. Professor Schopf is well known for his work on computer modeling of the ocean and climate, particularly his pioneering work on the theoretical basis for the climate variability known as El Nino. He was appointed Associate Dean upon the creation of the College of Science in 2006, following 4 years as Assistant Dean for Research in the School for Computational Sciences. He spent nearly 20 years at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center before joining George Mason in 1997. He serves as a Professor of Oceanography in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences. Professor Schopf has served on several national and international scientific committees, advisory boards and panels related to Climate Variability and Change, High Performance Computing and Communication, and Oceanography. He has over 60 publications and conference proceedings, and his work has been cited over 1500 times in the scientific literature.

Andrew Wingfield, Associate Professor, New Century College

Andrew Wingfield's main interest as a writer and teacher is exploring the ways that people and places shape each other. His 2005 novel, Hear Him Roar, deals with human-mountain lion interactions in the northern California region where he was raised. His short story collection, Right of Way, presents a group of stories set in the same gentrifying neighborhood near the nation's capital. Right of Way won the Washington Writers' Publishing House 2010 fiction prize. Prof. Wingfield also writes place-based personal essays. His work has appeared in Prairie Schooner, The Antioch Review, Resurgence, and other magazines. Since joining New Century College in 2000, Prof. Wingfield has collaborated with other faculty members on courses that use interdisciplinary approaches and outdoor activities to explore the aesthetic, ethical, and ecological dimensions of the relationships people form with the places they inhabit. In 2006, he received Mason's Teaching Excellence Award and in 2009 he was recognized by Mason's Office of Sustainability as a Sustainability Hero for his efforts to integrate sustainability into the university's curriculum and co-curriculum. He helped develop and now co-directs Mason's Sustainability Studies Minor.

Advisory Board

Chair
Mark Bauman, Executive VP of National Geographic TV

The 2011 Chair for the WYSE Advisory board, Mark Bauman brings more than 20 years of award-winning experience to his roles as Vice President of Media Strategy for National Geographic Mission Programs, and Executive Vice President of National Geographic Television, overseeing natural history, music and adventure series for PBS, NGC and NGCI -- as well as National Geographic's radio and web video production. He has been recognized with numerous broadcast and print journalism honors, including an Emmy, more than a dozen Cine Golden Eagles, and various film festival awards. Bauman also launched an international film festival for at the Society, showcasing cutting edge works from indigenous and minority culture filmmakers around the world.

Before coming to National Geographic, Bauman, who is fluent in Spanish, Russian, Czech and Italian, was based in Eastern Europe and Latin America for ABC News, where he ran Baghdad and Balkan coverage for extended periods of time. He has also covered war and genocide in Central Africa, Lebanon, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq for world class media outlets, including ABC, the BBC, CNN, The Christian Science Monitor, The Dallas Morning News, Izvestia (Russian), The Ladies Home Journal, The London Observer Sunday Magazine, The Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine, National Public Radio, New York Newsday, Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Russian), Reflex (Czech), The San Francisco Chronicle, Spy, Time, The Village Voice and The Washington Post.

Bauman holds a masters degree in journalism from Columbia University, in addition to a masters in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He resides in Washington, D.C., where he delights in writing very silly songs with his wife and two daughters.

Dr. Tom Lovejoy, Past President of the Heinz Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment

Thomas E. Lovejoy became the first recipient of the newly created Heinz Center Biodiversity Chair in August 2008. Previously he served as President of the Heinz Center since May 2002. Before coming to The Heinz Center, he was the World Bank's Chief Biodiversity Advisor and Lead Specialist for Environment for Latin America and the Caribbean and Senior Advisor to the President of the United Nations Foundation. Dr. Lovejoy has been Assistant Secretary and Counselor to the Secretary at the Smithsonian Institution, Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior, and Executive Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund-U.S. He conceived the idea for the Minimum Critical Size of Ecosystems project (a joint project between the Smithsonian and Brazil's INPA), originated the concept of debt-for-nature swaps, and is the founder of the public television series Nature. In 2001 he was awarded the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. Dr. Lovejoy served on science and environmental councils or committees under the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations. He received his B. S. and Ph.D. (biology) degrees from Yale University.

Dr. Lovejoy joins Mason as a faculty member in the Environmental Science and Policy Department and the Department of Public and International Affairs. More information...

Dr. Edward Maibach, Director - Center for Climate Change Communication, Professor of Communications

In 2006, while on a walk in the mountains – with Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber – Ed had an epiphany that forever changed his life. He realized that climate change is the ultimate threat to the public’s health and wellbeing, worldwide, and Ed responded by refocusing his work entirely on climate change prevention and adaptation. Ed moved to Mason in 2007 to join the communication faculty and create the Center for Climate Change Communication.

Ed is a highly experienced public health and social change professional and a leading academic in the field of communication. His work over the past 25 years has helped define the fields of public health communication and social marketing, and his book, Designing Health Messages: Approaches from Communication Theory and Public Health Practice, is widely used by academics and practitioners alike. Ed has previously had the pleasure of serving as an associate director of the National Cancer Institute, as worldwide director of social marketing for Porter Novelli, as chairman of the board for Kidsave International, and as a member of the faculty at Emory and George Washington universities.

Ed’s research interest is focused on the question: How can we use communication and marketing to influence the behavior of populations for the benefit of society?

Dr. Maibach holds a BA in Social Psychology from University of California, San Diego, MPH in Health Promotion from San Diego State University, and a PhD in Communication Research from Stanford University.

http://www.climatechangecommunication.org/edward_maibach.cfm

Dr. Jagadish Shukla, President - Institute of Global Environment and Society, University Professor -

Jagadish Shukla was born in 1944 in village Mirdha in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, India. This village had no electricity, no roads or transportation, and no primary school. Most of his primary education was received under a large banyan tree until his father established a primary school in the village. His father, the late Shri Chandra Shekhar Shukla who was headmaster of a middle school in a nearby village (Sukhpura), bought science textbooks for classes sixth to tenth and insisted that he study them during the summer holidays before admission to the next grade. After passing the twelfth grade from the S. C. College, Ballia, he went to Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.) where, in 1962, he passed the B.Sc. (honors) with Physics, Mathematics, and Geology, and in 1964 received the M.Sc. in Geophysics. He received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geophysics from BHU (1971) and a Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) in Meteorology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1976.

In 2008, he was appointed by the Governor of Virginia as a member of the Commission on Climate Change. He was one of the Lead Authors of the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the Noble Peace Prize with Vice President Gore. In 2007, he received the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) Prize, considered to be the highest prize in meteorology in the world. In 2005, he received the Rossby Medal, considered the highest medal of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in the USA; in 2001, he received the Walker Gold Medal, considered the highest medal of Indian Meteorological Society (IMS) in India; in 1982 he received the Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal of NASA, the highest medal given by NASA to a civilian.

He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the American Meteorology Society, India Meteorology Society, and an Associate Fellow of TWAS (the academy of sciences for the developing world). He has been the Ph. D. thesis adviser for about 20 students at MIT, Univ. of Maryland, and George Mason University. Professor Shukla has exerted a tremendous influence on the field through his publication of over 200 scientific papers, reports and book chapters, his direction of 20 Ph.D. students’ dissertation research, his leadership of several national and international advisory and planning panels.

http://www.iges.org/people/shukla.html

Mr. Steven L. Monfort, DVM, Ph.D. , Director, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Steven Monfort has conducted his research for more than 20 years while at the Zoological Society of San Diego, the University of California, Davis and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and its Conservation & Research Center (CRC). He initiates and conducts research projects in the broad discipline of reproductive physiology and endocrinology, and he provides clinical veterinary care for animals housed at CRC. Dr. Monfort co-coordinates one of the world’s largest and most productive wildlife endocrinology laboratories, with basic and applied research aimed at helping to conserve rare species. He also has experience in using semen collection, cryopreservation, artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization to augment ex situ breeding. He is particularly interested in cervids and bovids, and major reproductive research efforts have focused on the Eld’s deer and scimitar-horned oryx. Dr. Monfort is co-founder of an in situ conservation program aimed at conserving Eld’s deer in Burma, and he heads the Sahelo-Saharan Interest Group with a mission of conserving aridlands antelope and their North African habitats.

Teryn Norris, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Energy

Teryn Norris currently serves as Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he supports strategic stakeholder engagement. He is a recipient of the Truman Scholarship, the nation's highest award for young public service leaders, and he graduated from Stanford University in 2011 with a B.A. in Public Policy.

Over the past five years, Teryn has served as a leading young voice for federal policies to strengthen U.S. innovation and competitiveness. In 2009, he founded Americans for Energy Leadership (AEL), a nonprofit organization that advanced federal investments in energy research and trained young policy leaders. He served as the organization’s President until 2012, when it merged with the Pew Charitable Trusts' Clean Energy Program.

Teryn previously served as Senior Advisor and Project Director at the Breakthrough Institute, a public policy think tank, where he co-authored several acclaimed reports on U.S. innovation policy, and founded the Breakthrough Fellowship Program. In 2007, the Obama Campaign adopted a proposal he co-authored to invest $150 billion in clean energy technology over ten years, which eventually shaped the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009. In 2008 he co-authored the National Energy Education Act proposal, leading to the Department of Energy’s Re-ENERGYSE initiative.

Teryn has co-founded and advised several other nonprofit projects. He has served on the Johns Hopkins President’s Task Force on Climate Change and the Advisory Board to Focus the Nation, among other organizations. In 2011 he led OurTime’s national campaign, "Stop The Brain Drain," to encourage more young people into entrepreneurship and public service.

Teryn has appeared on national television and radio and published in the Harvard Law & Policy Review, National Journal, Issues in Science & Technology, Forbes, San Francisco Chronicle, Huffington Post, Yale E360, Plain Dealer, Baltimore Sun and other publications.

Elise Bernardoni, Senior Education Specialist, Friends of the National Zoo

Like many of her colleagues, Elise began her career at Smithsonian’s National Zoo as an intern in the public education office. She is now the Education Programs Manager. Elise oversees classes for children and adults, overnights in the Zoo, birthday parties, day camp in Washington DC, and residential camp in Front Royal, Virginia. She is also in charge of working on special partnerships with organizations such as Discovery Education and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Of all of her special programs, WYSE is far and away her favorite! Elise is an animal lover and zoo enthusiast, but she never expected to work at a zoo – she has a B.F.A. in drama from Carnegie Mellon University. She has ample opportunity to use her theatrical background, though. She’s written and performed in science education plays for the Zoo, and is the resident seamstress. Elise also has an M.A.T. in museum education from George Washington University. She encourages students to consider jobs in the conservation and education fields, even if they do not have traditional science or biology degrees.

Gerry Connolly, US House of Representatives - 11th District of Virginia

Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly is serving his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia’s 11th District, which encompasses Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the City of Fairfax in Northern Virginia. He was first elected in 2008 and reelected in 2010.

Congressman Connolly has led efforts to extend Metrorail, complete the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and open Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge to the public. He has worked with colleagues from the region to more than double Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration funding while writing comprehensive legislation to restore the Bay. These efforts complement his efforts as a local government official, where he led the effort to build the 41-mile-long Cross County Trail and helped protect 10% of Fairfax County as county-owned parkland. He helped design and implement the county's first comprehensive environmental plan which subsequently won a national award.

In the 111thCongress, Congressman Connolly helped pass the largest investment in clean energy in American history and supported legislation to reduce global warming pollution and reform offshore oil drilling. He led efforts to oppose drilling off the coast of Virginia or in the Chesapeake Bay and introduced amendments to require oil companies to pay the full cost of oil spill cleanups. During the 112thCongress, Congressman Connolly has continued his efforts to establish powerful voluntary tax incentives to complete America’s 11 National Scenic Trails and is helping craft Chesapeake Bay restoration legislation. He reintroduced legislation to protect coastal communities and the Chesapeake Bay from oil spills. Finally, he is fighting against efforts to repeal the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Antiquities Act, and other important environmental legislation. As a Vice-Chairman of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, he plays a leadership role in efforts to protect America’s environment and public health.

James J. Fiore, President, Fiore Consulting

During his career of more than 33 years in the US Department of Energy (DOE), Jim held numerous senior management positions, including four Deputy Assistant Secretary positions. He directed highly sensitive envionmental cleanup programs for the DOE with annual budgets exceeding $2 billion. He was responsible for two of the most successful cleanups in DOE -- those associated with the Fernald site in Ohio and the Rocky Flats site in Colorado. He is a two-time recipient of the Presidential Meritorious Rank award. Since his retirement from DOE in 2009, Jim has been involved in every major environmental cleanup procurement. He has also performed strategic reviews for the US DOE, the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers. Jim also serves on the Board of Directors of the WM Symposia.

Dr. Andrew Flagel, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment, Brandeis University

Andrew Flagel is the Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment at Brandeis University and the former Executive Director of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. At Brandeis University, Dr. Flagel supervises the offices of admission and financial aid in addition to student housing, student activities, career services, and several others. He has served in higher education for over 20 years, including a decade as Dean of Admissions at George Mason University.

Dr. Flagel also writes the most popular blog in the country on the admissions process at mycollegeoptions.org, and recently began a popular companion twitter feed, @deanflagel (and he would love for you to follow him). He has presented hundreds of seminars across the country, including the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference, the National Young Leaders Conference, and the Washington Journalism and Media Conference.

Flagel has an undergraduate degree in philosophy and psychology and a master of arts in education from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Education from Michigan State University. Dr. Flagel was previously the Director of Admissions and Recruitment at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan. He also served as the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, and as a Regional Director of Admissions at GW.

Along with his presentations and blog, Dr. Flagel provides his expertise in a variety of media, appearing as a guest on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, CNN’s American Morning, and on CBS Evening News, and interviewed in USA Today, US News and World Report, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, the Wall Street Journal, and Teen Vogue…just to name a few.

Davey Rogner, Campaign Director for Pick Up America

Davey Rogner is the Campaign Director and co-founder of Pick Up America- the nation’s first coast-to-coast contiguous roadside litter pick up. Since beginning their journey in March of 2010, Pick Up America has cleaned more than 170,000 pounds of litter from 2,700 miles of road spanning from Assateague Island, MD to Colorado. The youth-led initiative aims to inspire a transition towards zero-waste in America through education, art and community outreach.

Davey grew up in the Washington, DC suburbs of Silver Spring and College Park, MD. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he received his Bachelors in Environmental Science and Policy in 2009. While a student Davey was active in student government and helped spearhead the founding of two of the campuses most prominent environmental groups- UMD for Clean Energy and The Student Sustainability Committee. Davey has received awards from the City of College Park, The Maryland State Highway Association and The Maryland General Assembly for his efforts encouraging environmental conservation in the State of Maryland. In addition to his accolades as an environmentalist, Davey is also a talented songwriter, musician and performer.

Kate Sheppard, Environmental and Politics Reporter— Mother Jones Magazine

Kate Sheppard covers energy and environmental politics in Mother Jones' Washington bureau. She was previously the political reporter for Grist and a writing fellow at The American Prospect. Her work has also been featured in the New York Times Room for Debate blog, The Guardian's Comment is Free, High Country News, The Center for Public Integrity, The Washington Independent, ForeignPolicy.com, Washington Spectator, Who Runs Gov, and others. She was raised on a vegetable farm in southern New Jersey (yes, they do exist), but has adapted well to life in the nation's capitol. She misses trees and having a Congressional representative with voting power, but thinks D.C. is pretty great anyway.

Faculty/Staff

Matthew Boyce, Associate Director, K-12 Partnerships Program

Matthew serves as the Associate Director of K-12 Partnerships for George Mason University’s Admissions Office. Here he works with local schools and non-profits to build stronger relationships between Mason and students. Prior to joining the George Mason team, Matt worked in the college-access and non-profit sectors, helping thousands of high school students realize their college dreams as Director of New England Programming at Let’s Get Ready. His passion for working with underserved students began while serving as a teacher and mentor at a school for at-risk youth in Boston as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Villanova University, and a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Boston University.

Richard Friesner

Richard is the Program Director for the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment. In this role, Richard develops the summit's curriculum, identifies and recruits exceptional faculty and nationally recognized speakers in a variety of environmental disciplines and specialties, and coordinates with a fabulous group of staff in the Office of Admissions to make the summit an unparalleled experience for the student delegates attending. Richard earned a BS in Environmental Studies/Chemistry and a MS in Environmental Engineering & Science at the University of Kansas. Prior to working with WYSE Richard worked at the US Geological Survey (USGS) and as an environmental consultant for a nationwide engineering consulting firm. Richard also has extensive experience with student leadership experiences both at the University of Kansas and with the Boy Scouts of America. Email rfriesne@gmu.edu

Amy Takayama-Perez

Amy currently serves as the Director of the Washington Scholars Program, home to the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment and the Washington Journalism and Media Conference. She has an affinity for working with students and families in higher education. Before joining the Washington Scholars Program, she was the Guidance Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools and served as the Director for a county wide college access program. Previously, she has worked in the Office of Admissions as the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment. She has worked with countless students and families on the application and college search process and is very active in regional and national college counseling associations. Ms. Takayama-Perez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Masters of Education from George Mason University.

Amanda Adams-Barney

Amanda is the Conference Director of Logistics for the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment. When Amanda is not busy assuring that all the details are the conference are arranged for, she also manages conferences and special events for many other corporate and nonprofit clients including The Arthritis Foundation, Chorus America, and PBS. Amanda is also the proud mother of two young children, and she is actively involved in their educational and sporting activities – including assisting the baseball team, serving as the cultural arts chair at the local elementary school, and serving as a cub master. Amanda holds a BS in Business Administration from The American University.

Chloe Carter, Advance Team Staff

Chloe Carter is Senior at George Mason University. She is majoring in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Inequalities and Responses. Chloe is from Richmond, Va. where she went to James River High School. She works in the Admissions office at Mason as a Client Services Representative Team Leader. She plans to volunteer in an orphanage in Costa Rica before attending graduate school.

Nadia Chaudhry-Waterman, Advance Team Staff

Nadia has served as a member of the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment Advance Team since the summer of 2010. Although she grew up in the Washington DC area, Nadia now attends Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Nadia will be graduating in May of 2013 with a major in biological chemistry and a minor in South Asian studies. Outside of school Nadia spends much of her time volunteering at hospitals and doing medical related research in order to gain experience before applying to medical school. Prior to leaving for college, Nadia attended Freedom High School in South Riding, Virginia, where she served as president of the student body and editor of yearbook. In her spare time, Nadia also loves to figure skate, although she does not do so competitively anymore, any chance she gets, she is on the ice practicing.

Jayson Padilla, Advance Team Staff

Jayson Padilla is currently a senior undergraduate student at George Mason University, majoring in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Economy and Management and a minor in Leadership. He works at George Mason University’s Office of Admissions as a Client Services Representative Team Leader. He is also currently a Resident Advisor at one of George Mason’s undergraduate dormitories, and is an active volunteer at FACETS, a non-profit organization in Northern Virginia Area.

Jayson is involved in several student organizations at George Mason University and has also taken several student leadership roles. Some of the student organizations that he is involved in on campus are the Catholic Campus Ministry, Filipino Cultural Association, and The Habitat for Humanity. Throughout his years at Mason as an undergraduate student, he has had the opportunity to participate in several Alternative Break trips that allowed him to do volunteer works in Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Also this summer, along with some of his fellow George Mason students, he will be going to Ireland to participate in yet another Alternative break program. Jayson’s interest includes photography, hiking, running, volunteering, and travelling.

Antonio Reyes, Advance Team Staff

My name is Antonio Reyes and I study Management at GMU. I work for the office of Admissions as a client services representative, I have been working for the office for more than three years and it has been a great learning experience. I was born in El Salvador and came to the US when I was 12. I haven’t been back to El Salvador since I came but I hope to go soon. During my free time I like to play soccer, read, and watch TV. One of my favorite TV shows is Friends, I enjoy watching it anytime. I had the opportunity of working for the conferences last summer and it was an amazing experience, I look forward to work again this summer with the Advance Team and meet new people.

Souleymane Karim Sow, Advance Team Staff

My name is Souleymane Karim Sow. My friends and family call me by my nickname: Jules. I am originally from Senegal and lived a couple of years in Paris before moving to Virginia two years ago.

I am a current sophomore at George Mason University studying Global Affairs and Legal Studies. I aspire to work in the legal field or in an embassy due to my multicultural background. I speak French, Wolof, English and have average proficiency in Spanish. I currently work at the George Mason University Office of Admissions and tutor some Fairfax high school students in French. I love to play sports such as soccer and basketball in my spare time and enjoy meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Tara Twitty, Advance Team Staff

Tara Twitty is an undergraduate student at George Mason University, studying Psychology. Tara looks forward to obtaining a Masters Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and to work in Human Resources in the future. Tara Twitty works as a Client Services Representative at George Mason University Office of Admissions. At George Mason University Tara is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and serves as the treasurer. She enjoys community service, spending time outdoors, and helping people in her community. Tara is from Louisa County Virginia, and looks forward to her bright future in the Washington, DC area.

Andrias White, On-Campus Events Manager

Andrias serves as the Event Manager for the George Mason Office of Admissions and the Advanced Team Leader for the Washington Scholars Program. As Event Manager, she plans and facilitates recruitment events that attract prospective students from all over the country and showcase the prestige and innovation that is George Mason University. In her role as Advanced Team Leader, she is responsible for all on-campus logistics for the Washington Scholars Program Conferences and works hard to provide a seamless D.C. experience for all of the scholars. Prior to her permanent role in the Office of Admissions, Andrias served George Mason as Event Coordinator Assistant in the Office of Admissions. As a student, she received several university awards and was a member of many student organizations, university committees, and academic honor societies. However, she is most proud of her term as Student Representative on the GMU Board of Visitors. Andrias will complete her Bachelors of Science in Tourism and Events Management from the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism this spring at George Mason University and is proud to be a Mason Patriot!

Quayla Allen, Events Assistant

As the Events Assistant, Quayla serves as the secondary event planner and point of contact within the Office of Admissions at George Mason University. In addition to serving on the planning team for the Washington Scholars Program, she helps to plan and implement several on-campus recruitment and yield events each year. Prior to working at George Mason, she served as the Program Coordinator of the First-Year Experience at the University of Pittsburgh, where she worked to create programs and implement services to help retain first-year, transfer, and off-campus students. She has a passion for creating unique and engaging experiences for students both on and off campus. Quayla is new to Mason and the Washington metro area. She holds a BA in Professional Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations, from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Faculty Advisors

Kevin Magerr, Lead Faculty Advisor

Mr. Magerr has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Widener University and a M.S. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University, and has worked in the environmental field for over 30 years. During that time, Mr. Magerr has worked in number of air and water management control programs including, Air Toxics, Wastewater Permitting, Stormwater Management and Water Enforcement. Currently, Mr. Magerr provides environmental assessments of major Federal projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) specializing in energy projects. Mr. Magerr is also Adjunct Professor at Temple University and is conducting research at the University of Maryland on denitrification processing in stormwater management controls. When not working, Mr. Magerr enjoys running and coaching.

Erin Binns, Faculty Advisor

As a high school teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland, Erin has taught a variety of courses including AP Environmental Science, Earth Science, and Biology. She has had the fortune of sharing her passion for the environment with many students through Poolesville High School's field-based magnet program where she has lead numerous field studies and overnight field trips.

Erin is also is currently the Key Club sponsor, Co-sponsor of the Envirothon team, and assistant track coach at Poolesville High School. Before she began her teaching career Erin worked as a consultant for both NASA and the EPA. Erin holds a BS in Environmental Science from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and received her Master's in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time Erin enjoys running and cooking.

Kevin DuBois, Faculty Advisor

Mr. Du Bois is an Environmental Engineer with the City of Norfolk, Virginia. In his role as staff to the Norfolk Wetlands Board, he manages the City’s wetland and coastal primary sand dune regulatory process including wetland and dune jurisdictional delineation, environmental impact assessment, restoration, and law enforcement. Aside from his regulatory duties, Mr. Du Bois has been a successful competitive grant writer securing over $300,000 in funds and facilitating over 1 million dollars in wetland restoration work in the City of Norfolk. He designs wetland restoration projects and mentors local NGOs, civic groups, and college students engaged in marine habitat restoration. Kevin graduated Cum Laude from Long Island University in 1983 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and completed his Masters degree in Marine Environmental Research at the State University of New York Stony Brook’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Prior to his work with the City of Norfolk, Mr. Du Bois worked as a state Fisheries Scientist, a federal USFWS Endangered Species Biologist, and an environmental educator. Mr. Du Bois is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, Professional Wetland Delineator, and Certified Floodplain Manager and has served as President of the Virginia Association of Wetland Professionals. Mr. Du Bois is married with two teenaged daughters. He is a published writer, photographer, and blogger, and he enjoys surfing, tennis, backpacking, and fly fishing.

Emily Ford, Faculty Advisor

Emily has a B.S. in Biology from George Mason University and an M.S. in Science Education from Montana State University and teaches environmental education to the K-12 community in Virginia. She currently works at the State Arboretum of Virginia and Blandy Experimental Farm as the lead Environmental Educator where she works with area schools to engage students in exploring and understanding the natural world through investigations and observations. In addition, she also coordinates and leads teacher and scientist workshops. When not working, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, birding, and running.

Jennifer Hannum, Faculty Advisor

Jennifer is an Environmental Scientist and owner of Blue Heron Environmental Services. She has an undergraduate degree from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland and is a Masters Candidate at the University of Rhode Island in Marine Affairs/Coastal Policy. She has worked for over 10 years in the transportation, environmental and agricultural sectors providing compliance and permitting documents for Department of Transportations and Soil Conservation Districts. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she has traveled extensively overseas, sailed around the Caribbean on a schooner, and spends most mornings rowing crew in Baltimore.

Maction Komwa, Faculty Advisor

Dr. Maction K. Komwa is an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science & Policy at George Mason University (GMU). His research focuses on HIV/AIDS, food security, international public health, sustainability strategies, policy changes and geospatial analysis. As a Norman Borlaug LEAP Fellow, he conducted qualitative and quantitative field-work in southeastern Uganda in 2006 and 2007 respectively, to examine the impacts of HIV/AIDS on household nutrition and agricultural production. In his research work, he has collaborated with researchers from various institutions such as the University of Hohenheim Stuttgart in Germany, the International Food Policy Research Institute in DC, Government of Uganda, and George Mason University. Dr. Komwa has also worked as a consultant with the International Food Policy Research Institute and the World Bank on work related to geospatial analysis especially on cropping systems, market accessibility and poverty mapping. Additionally, Dr. Komwa served as WYSE Faculty in 2010 where he provided a lively learning environment for the national youth delegates in the “Brown Team”.

Dr. Komwa teaches courses in environmental policy making in developing countries, conservation of resources and environment, international health policy, and introduction to geographic information systems. He is affiliated to the Departments of Geography and Geoinformation Science, and Global and Community Health. He obtained a M.A. in Geographic Information Sciences for Development and Environment from Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.

Michael Levy, Faculty Advisor

Michael is a scientist, journalist, and policy advocate working at the intersection of environmental science and policy. He is pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Policy at the University of California, Davis this fall, where he holds a prestigious IGERT Traineeship and will be working to develop policies to make water use in California sustainable in the midst of climate change. His master’s research elucidated the ecological consequences of surface mining in Appalachia. He has published dozens of opinion columns on environmental science and policy, met with congressional representatives to advocate for sustainable policies and funding for science, and regularly gets his hands dirty working directly to improve environmental conditions. In his spare time, Michael enjoys long runs in wild places, and he is an accomplished triathlete and ultra-distance runner.

Danielle Marino

Danielle is the Manager of the STEM Scholars Program at The Franklin Institute, a science museum in Philadelphia, PA. Her main focus at the Institute is managing all aspects of the mentorship and gateway programs developed to support a pipeline for underserved high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Danielle is a graduate of the University of Miami, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Affairs and Policy, with a minor in Anthropology.

Prior to her work with The Franklin Institute, Danielle was employed by the National Aquarium, in Baltimore, Maryland. Danielle’s five year career with the Aquarium began as an intern in the Education Department, and has included positions with both Outreach Education and On-Site Visitor Programming. Most recently, Danielle was the Education Programs Coordinator for the Conservation Department at the Aquarium, where she managed school program participation in restoration events throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed; as well as oversaw classroom presentations and outreach activities. Danielle was also a Science Trainer for the Maryland Chapter of the National Partnership for After-School Science, an organization devoted to providing ongoing professional development for science programming in afterschool settings.

Maria Marino, Delaware County Community College, PA

Currently Maria Marino is an Educational Advisor for Delaware County Community College, located in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Before joining DCCC, she worked in Secondary Education serving as teacher, counselor, and principal at high schools in Delaware and Chester counties (PA). She has also worked successfully with students from Alternative Education programs.

Maria holds a BS degree from Gwynedd Mercy College, an MA in Secondary Counseling from Villanova University, and has continued her post Master’s education at St. Joseph’s University. She is incredibly enthusiastic about assisting students with the achievement of their educational and career goals.

Samantha Oester, Faculty Advisor

Samantha is an environmental science and policy graduate student at George Mason University. With bachelor's degrees in conservation biology and international affairs, Samantha is a former journalist and policy analyst. She has written for multiple newspapers, magazines and journals and helped behind the scenes at National Geographic Television. Prior to entering graduate school, Samantha prepared environmental and public health briefings for the White House, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health and Human Services.

Samantha's academic areas of research include ecology and ethno-ecology. She has done field studies in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Galapagos Islands, Haiti and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Samantha also promotes ecotourism and sustainable living practices in Nepal and India. At GMU, she works with the Potomac Environmental Resource and Education Center.

Katheryn Patterson, Faculty Advisor

Katheryn is a Ph.D. candidate in the Environmental Science and Public Policy department at George Mason University and her current research focuses on examining coral tissue loss diseases in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Katheryn previously spent two years in Belize as the bottlenose dolphin researcher for Oceanic Society's bottlenose dolphin project at Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll. While in Belize, Katheryn also had the opportunity to assist with the coral reef monitoring, sea turtle nesting, and saltwater crocodile habitat assessment projects. Katheryn's field experiences increased her passion and interest in the complexity of marine conservation issues and she is eager to be involved in the process of bridging the gap between researchers and policy makers to invoke change. She currently leads a study abroad course to Belize through GMU's Center for Global Education, is a graduate lecturer for the introductory biology and oceanography courses, and is one of the Biology and Environmental Science departments' undergraduate advisors. Katheryn also serves on the Marine Section board for the Society for Conservation Biology. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from Spring Hill College and completed her Masters degree in Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University.

Robin Pearce, Faculty Advisor

Robin Pearce enthusiastically instructs AP and IB Biology along with Honors Biology at Carter High School in Rialto, California. She has also coordinated the IB program and is currently an IB examiner. Robin holds a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and a Master Degree in teaching. She performed research and graduate work at Loma Linda University involving cancer and macrophage cells. She also did some environmental studies on Sea Gulls, Terns and the abalone in San Diego. During her 24 years of teaching Robin has received the Seimen's Founders Award for excellence in Math, Science and Technology, participated in summer research at Oak Ridge Laboratory in Organic Chemistry and the environment, and received outstanding teacher in her district in 2011.

Her enthusiasm for environmental science has led her around the world. She has explored the Amazon Rainforest living as a local. She worked in a Central Asian (Kazakhstan) daucha, the forests of Russia and explored the coasts of Australia. She has had students compete at state and national levels of science fairs for the past 15 years in original research.

Anasa Scott, Faculty Advisor

Anasa Scott is a social enterprise consultant specializing in sustainability. She is the co-founder of Greenproofing,Inc. a green consultancy for community and public school - based sustainability initiatives. She recently joined the faculty of the Parsons New School new Strategic Design Management Program. From 2010 thru 2011 she served as Leader in Residence at the Colin Powell Center for Leadership and Service. Anasa is the co-author of the article Teaching Environmental Entrepreneurship at an Urban University:Greenproofing (2010) Metropolitan University Journal. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Economics and Finance at the City College of New York-CUNY where she currently serves as an adjunct lecturer on Environmental and Social Entrepreneurship in the Economics Department.

Chris Sonne, Faculty Advisor

Chris graduated as a Civil Engineer from Virginia Tech, and has over 25 years of engineering experience as a civil engineering consultant and environmental engineer. In 2007 he started Civil & Environmental Services to provide design and consulting services with an emphasis on sustainable and low-impact site design.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional. He is also the current board chairman for the James River Green Building Council.

Chris lives in the suburbs of Nellysford in beautiful Nelson County, Virginia where he also teaches adaptive snowboarding, raises chickens and enjoys gardening and blacksmithing.

Keni Rienks, Faculty Advisor

A very active member of her community and her school, Keni has taught an assortment of high school science classes including environmental science, earth science, biology, astronomy, physical science, and AP Environmental Science. She was previously chosen as a distinguished fellow of the National Science Teachers Association’s New Science Teachers Academy. Before going into teaching she worked with the Student Conservation Association as an Interpretive Ranger at Canyonlands National Park, as well as a law office manager, a flight attendant out of San Francisco and Chicago, and she owned her own retail business in Lake Geneva, WI.

Currently Keni is the co-advisor of her school’s student environmental organization, the Woodstock North High School Green Club. She is also a select ambassador to Mahila Partnership – an organization of dedicated women advisors to aid communities and organizations in health, gender and sustainable post-disaster reconstruction. Keni holds a BA in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Secondary Science Teaching Certificate from Western Governors University, and she studied abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Her greatest environmental interest lies in freshwater and ocean conservation as well as community sustainability.

Interns

Liz Hoke

Liz Hoke is a senior in high school this year. She spent the summer of 2012 interning for the innovative Dr. Dan Weber, associate scientist at UW-Milwaukee. From this experience, she developed new approaches to learning and got to expose herself to graduate level aspects of research. She is an officer for her school’s chapter of National Honor Society. Highly involved in key club and student council, Liz doesn’t have a ton of free time. When she does, however, she enjoys being outdoors and singing. She plans on attaining a general degree in the biological sciences and continuing on to specificity in graduate school. Although Liz is very competitive and appreciates all of the credentials she has earned, her real pride lies in the intangibility of such things as her integrity and insightfulness.

Grascen Shidemantle

Grascen is a senior at Slippery Rock High School in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She is the president of her school's chapter of National Honor Society and is the managing editor of her school newspaper, the Hi-Rocket. Grascen has maintained high honor roll throughout the entirety of her high school career. She spends her free time reading, listening to The Beatles, running, and volunteering for Slippery Rock in Bloom. Next year, Grascen will travel to Ecuador to be an exchange student with her local rotary. After returning, she hopes to attend college and double major in Spanish and Biological Sciences. Grascen hopes to one day create efforts to promote the conservation and preservation of the world's rainforests.

Past Speakers

2013 Speakers

Keynote Speaker
Michael L. Connor, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Michael L. Connor was confirmed Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation by the United States Senate on May 21, 2009.

Leonard Jordan, Regional Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Jordan graduated from Tennessee State University and is the proud father of two children.

Mr. Jordan has a special appreciation for the work done by NRCS’ frontline employees, particularly those who work directly with customers.

Dr. Chris Parsons, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Policy and Social Science

He earned his PhD in 1997 from the University of Hong Kong, and has a BA and MA from Oxford University (St Peter’s College - matriculated 1988).

Emily Adams, Staff Researcher, Earth Policy Institute

Courtney Hight, Deputy Political Director, Sierra Club

Dr. Mark Houck, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason University

Dr. Paul Houser, Science Advisor, Bureau of Reclamation

Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf, Managing Director, Species Conservation, World Wildlife Fund

Dr. Barry Klinger, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator-Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences

Chris Moore, Senior Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Paul Schopf, Professor of Oceanography Associate Dean for Research and Computing

Andrew Wingfield, Associate Professor, New Century College

2011 Speakers

Zack Fields, Legislative Assistant for Congressman Gerald E. Connolly

Zack Fields is a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11). Zack grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Virginia. He has worked at the local and federal level for Mr. Connolly since 2006.

Dr. Peter Balint, Associate Professor, Dept. of Public and International Affairs, George Mason Uni

Dr. Balint is an associate professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs at George Mason University (with a joint appointment in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy). He teaches courses onenvironmental policy and on research methods and data analysis. For the past decade, Dr. Balint's primary research focus has been on community-based natural resource management. This is a policy approach designed to integrate conservation and community development in rural areas of poor countries. In a second research focus, Dr. Balint has explored so-called wicked problems. These are large-scale, long-term policy dilemmas in which multiple and compounding risks and uncertainties combine with sharply divergent public values to generate contentious political stalemates. In particular, several colleagues and I studied the US Forest Service’s ongoing struggle to develop a broadly acceptable management plan for Sierra Nevada region of California. Dr. Balint is now pursuing a new line of research on the bureaucratic lifecycles of US environmental agencies.

Dr. Balint has earned a PhD in environmental policy (University of Maryland, 2000); an MS in conservation biology (University of Maryland, 1998); an MA in education (State University of New York at Albany, 1972); and a BA in English (Haverford College, 1971). Before entering the University of Maryland in 1996 to study environmental issues, Peter taught English for more than 20 years in theinner-city alternative public high schools of Albany, NY.

Colin Bennett

Colin previously served in the professional staff position as the Sustainability Outreach Coordinator at Mason; he left his position to pursue a master's degree in environmental education. During his time at Mason Colin was involved with numerous sustainability initiatives including co-founding the school's organic garden, spearheading Mason's participation in the America's Greenest Campus contest, and organizing countless sustainability events, including Mason's Earth Week celebrations.

Colin's experiences includes serving as an elected member of the Westbrook Forest Commission, serving as a Marine Science Technician in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, as an elementary school teacher in Diocese of Norwich Catholic Schools, and as advisor for the Saint Bernard High School Environmental Club in Uncasville, Connecticut. He has received training from and has volunteered for many environmental organizations including the Climate Project, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, the Sierra Student Coalition, the Climate Campaign, the Energy Action Coalition, the Sierra Club, and Mountain Justice.

Currently Colin is the executive director of the Great Land Conservation Trust, and organization he founded in 2001.

Mark Bryer, Director, Nature Conservancy's Chesapeake Bay Program

Mark Bryer is Director of the Nature Conservancy’s Chesapeake Bay Program. He coordinates TNC’s efforts across six states to conserve the biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay – the United States’ largest estuary. These efforts include policy initiatives and on-the-ground projects that control nutrient and sediment inputs, conserve critical habitats in the watershed and in the estuary, and manage for sustainable river flows. Mark has worked for the Conservancy for more than 15 years, and during previously held positions led the development of conservation plans for freshwater biodiversity in North and South America. Mark’s education includes a BS degree from Lehigh University in water resource engineering and a Masters’ degree in ecology from Yale University.

John Caplis, Chief, Office of Incident Management and Preparedness, U. S. Coast Guard

Captain John Caplis is Chief of the Office of Incident Management and Preparedness (CG-533) at Coast Guard Headquarters (CGHQ). In this capacity, Captain Caplis serves as the program manager for all-hazards preparedness and environmental response policy for the Coast Guard. In his current role, he also serves as the Vice Chair for the National Response Team, Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research, and an Executive Steering Committee Member for the International Oil Spill Conference.

Captain Caplis' past Coast Guard assignments include time afloat at sea, operational field tours in five major U.S. seaports, and two prior staff tours at CGHQ. He has broad operational field experience in oil spill and hazardous materials response, salvage operations, waterways management and environmental protection, search and rescue, vessel inspections, law enforcement, counter-narcotics, intelligence analysis, and homeland security. Past assignments include Operations Officer on the USCGC Red Cedar, Intelligence Analyst and Tactical Watch Officer for the National Narcotics Border Interdiction Service (NNBIS) Southeast in Miami, FL, Chief of Waterways Management and Chief of Environmental Response at Marine Safety Office New Orleans, LA, national program manager for numerous environmental protection and response programs in the Office of Response, CGHQ, Chief of Port Operations at Marine Safety Office San Francisco, and Deputy, Office of Strategic Analysis to the Commandant, CGHQ.

Most recently, Captain Caplis served as the Deputy Commander for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. He oversaw all Coast Guard operations across 320 miles of the Southern California coastline, including the protection of the nationally vital economic gateway of the ports of Los Angeles-Long Beach. The Sector is also responsible for all port safety and security, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental response, vessel inspections, and waterways management activities. In this capacity, Captain Caplis carried out the duties of the Alternate Captain of the Port, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, Federal On-Scene Coordinator and Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections.

Captain Caplis received his commission and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from the Coast Guard Academy in 1986. He also holds a Masters of Public Administration in Environmental Management and Public Policy from George Mason University, and was recognized as the 1997 GMU MPA Graduate of the Year. In 2004, he was a Seminar XXI Fellow at the MIT Center for International Studies, and in 2007, he was the Coast Guard National Security Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a world-renown civilian policy institute in Washington, D.C. His personal awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, and the Department of Transportation 9-11 medal.

David Ferris, Matter Network, Managing Editor

David Ferris is a journalist who covers technology and business as they address the triple challenge of adapting to climate change, transforming the electrical grid and supplying the power needs of the 21st Century. He is managing editor of the Matter Network, a one-stop hub for cleantech and sustainability news.

David also writes Innovate, an award-winning column in Sierra Magazine that explores cutting-edge ideas in renewable power.

In 2008 David served as lifestyle editor of Sierra, the nation’s largest environmental news magazine. He has also written for Men’s Journal, Macworld, Streaming Media and Wired News, among many other publications.

David first corresponded for Reuters News Service in East Africa. He subsequently worked as a staff writer at several San Francisco Bay Area news outlets, including the Alameda Newspaper Group and the Contra Costa Times, covering crime, courts and city hall.

David’s love of outdoor adventure flavors his reporting and has diversified his portfolio. In 2000, David quit his newspaper job to participate in the Eco-Challenge, a 12-day, 300-mile race through the jungles of Borneo that was the forerunner to the reality show Survivor. In 2007, David made a perilous ascent of Mt. Aconcagua, at 22,841 feet the highest mountain in the Americas, and told of the experience via a daily satellite blog. Often he brings a sense of humor to bear, such as in his recently-completed blog, A Year In New York.

David holds a B.A. in communication from the University of California, San Diego, and a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago. He lives with his partner, Anjali, in Washington, D.C.

Mark Gorman, Senior Policy Analyst, Northeast-Midwest Institute

Mark Gorman serves as Senior Policy Analyst for the Northeast-Midwest Institute, focusing on Water and Watershed issues in the Mississippi River Basin. For four years prior to joining the Institute in 2009, he directed the Northwest Office of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), based in Meadville, working with numerous partners from the private sector, government, communities and individuals in the upper Ohio River and Great Lakes basins to promote the sustainable use of built and natural landscapes, particularly by focusing on links between the environment, the economy and quality of life.

Before working for PEC, Mark served for over 22 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). There, he helped to launch PADEP’s new Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program statewide and directed that Program in PADEP’s Northwest Region. He was co-leader of the a pilot PADEP regional watershed team effort (focused on the internationally-renowned French Creek watershed), and later co-chaired PADEP’s Lake Erie, French Creek and Oil Creek watershed team.

He holds a B.S. in Biology from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, an M.S. in Biological Oceanography from the University of South Florida, and an M.S. in Freshwater System's Ecology from Kent State University in Ohio. Except for those brief periods out of state for graduate education, Mark was a life-long Pennsylvania resident before moving to Alexandria, Virginia in 2008.

Lindsay Jacks, National Zoo, Bird House Animal Keeper

Lindsay Jacks interned at the Bird House for two years, before becoming an animal keeper in the exhibit, where she’s been employed for a year and a half. She is a primary keeper in the Bird House with over 30 difference species in her care, including the keel-billed toucan, red-fanned parrots, blue-billed Curassows, swamp sparrows, and more.

Dwayne Meadows, National Coordinator, Species of Concern Conservation Program, NOAA

Dwayne is the National Coordinator for the proactive Species of Concern Conservation Program and works part-time on ESA listing and critical habitat actions. He is a Federal Program Officer for two grant programs, a NOAA Diver and Advanced coxswain, and represents the office as a liaison to the Marine Debris and Coral Reef Conservation Programs and serves as the office representative to the NOAA Fisheries GIS committee. Dwayne is also part of the inaugural group of 11 Civilian Response Corps members for NOAA who are on 30-day call-up to serve U.S. government interests in reconstruction and stabilization operations overseas.

Dwayne is the recipient of a dozen grants, and is the author of 30 scientific and 22 popular articles and lectures widely on marine ecology, tsunamis, and SCUBA diving. He has been interviewed in Science, the Christian Science Monitor, Focus, and People and has appeared on BBC, Spike TV, the Travel Channel, Channel 1 (Germany), ITV, National Geographic and numerous local stations.

He has B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in marine zoology from the University of California at Berkeley and Oregon State University, respectively. His thesis was on the effects of habitat fragmentation and group position on territoriality and fitness in a coral reef damselfish where he worked in the remote territory of the Kuna Indians in San Blas, Panama.

In his free time Dwayne enjoys biking, softball, photography, and unicycling.

Jeff Opperman, Senior Freshwater Scientist

Jeff Opperman,senior freshwater scientist, has been working to protect rivers and lakes for nearly 15 years. He has provided strategic and scientific guidance to freshwater conservation projects across the United States as well as in China,Africa and Latin America

In his role at The Nature Conservancy much of Jeff’s focus is on improving the environmental sustainability of hydropower both by advancing sound policies and by supporting on-the-ground projects.

He is a member of the governing board of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), which certifies “environmentally preferable” hydropower and recently served on an Independent Review Panel that provided recommendations for floodplain management to California’s Department of Water Resources.

Jeff earned his B.S. in Biology from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Ecosystem Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He then studied floodplain ecology during a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis. His scientific and policy research has been published in journals such as Science, BioScience and Ecological Applications. Jeff strives to communicate the challenges and opportunities of protecting fresh water through his “Cool Green Science” blog on nature.org.

Joe Paladino, Senior Advisor, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Depa

Joe Paladino serves as a Senior Advisor within the US Department of Energy's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability where he oversees the data gathering and analysis efforts associated with assessing the impact of smart grid technologies deployed through projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Mr. Paladino has worked within DOE for over 18 years in programs involving the development and commercialization of energy efficient and waste management technologies. His prior experience includes marketing, sales and business development efforts at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Paladino has a Bachelor's degree in biology from Middlebury College and a Master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

Budhan Pukazhenthi, Research Physiologist

Budhan Pukazhenthi received a Bachelor in Veterinary Sciences from the Madras Veterinary College, India (1987), a Masters (1992) and Doctoral degree (1996) from the University of Maryland. He then completed a post-doctoral fellowship also at the National Zoo and a recipient of the prestigious National Institutes of Health Special Emphasis Research Career Award (1998-2003). Pukazhenthi has a diverse clinical and research background. After training and practicing as a clinical veterinarian in India, Pukazhenthi obtained research training in biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology at the University of Maryland. He joined the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and its Conservation & Research Center in 1992 to pursue a Ph.D. Capitalizing on his unique background, Pukazhenthi introduced a new dimension (utilizing molecular approaches to answer whole animal problems) to the research conducted within the Department of Reproductive Sciences. His most significant achievements include (1) demonstrating the link between cellular mechanisms and sperm function, including the phenomenon of teratospermia in felids (the production of malformed sperm common in some species) and (2) understanding the mechanisms that dictate the successful cryopreservation of cells, especially spermatozoa in felids, ungulates and elephants.

The primary goal of Pukazhenthi’s research is the conservation of critically endangered species including ungulates and elephants in captivity and in the wild. Currently his research is focused on the Przewalski’s horse, Grevy’s zebra, Persian onager, Brow antlered deer (Eld’s deer), tufted deer, Dama gazelle, Scimitar horned oryx, Baird’s tapir and elephants. Pukazhenthi has been a strong advocate for the development of collaborative research and actively participates in the activities of various species management organizations, including the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (of the IUCN-World Conservation Union), the Ungulate Taxon Advisory Group and various Species Survival Plans under the umbrella of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. He also serves as Chair (IUCN Eld’s Deer Interest Group), Co-Chair (AZA Biomaterial Banking Advisory Group), Reproductive Advisor (AZA Lion Species Survival Plan) and member (AZA Ungulate Taxon Advisory Group).

Carmen Revenga, Senior Scientist, Global Marine Team, The Nature Conservancy

Ms Revenga is a Senior Scientist with the Global Marine Team at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), where she leads the Conservancy’s Sustainable Fisheries strategy. Prior to joining the Global Marine Team in 2009, she led TNC’s global assessment on the status and threats to freshwater ecosystems and marine fisheries.

Prior to joining TNC, Ms Revenga worked for the World Resources Institute where she focused on linking science and policy to improve the management of freshwater resources and marine fisheries. She has published a number of influential books, reports and papers relating to the condition of marine and inland fisheries and freshwater ecosystems, including the 2004 report titled: Fishing for Answers: Making sense of the global fish crisis (WRI 2004) and several peer reviewed articles on the distribution and impact of trawling and dredging in the world’s oceans in collaboration with the University of British Columbia.

Carmen holds degrees in Zoology and Conservation Biology from the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain and the University of Maryland in the U.S. She has been involved in multiple global assessments including the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, the World Water Development Report and the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership.

Dr. Jess Siegal-Willott, National Zoo, Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer

Dr. Jess Siegal-Willott, Supervisory Veterinarian at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoological Park, is a 2002 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate. She completed a residency in Zoological Medicine through the University of Florida, and became one of roughly 100 board certified vets in the American College of Zoological Medicine in 2007. Along with fellow NZP veterinarians, Dr. Siegal-Willott is responsible for the medical care and treatment of all animals housed at the National Zoo.

Dr. Siegal-Willott has published book chapters and medical articles in scientific journals on elephants, manatees, birds, primates, and deer, and has presented her research work at international conferences and universities. Dr. Siegal-Willott’s recent conservation projects have focused on advancement in anesthesia, clinical care, nutrition, reproduction, and population management of endangered animals in captive and free-ranging settings. Dr. Siegal-Willott has been a member of the anesthesia team working on elephants in South Africa undergoing surgical vasectomies as a method of population control. She has also developed standardized elephant foot radiograph techniques for long-term care of captive Asian elephants.

Ed Smith, National Zoo, Museum Specialist for Amazonia

Ed Smith is a life-long nature-lover.

Lisa Stevens, National Zoo, Curator of Primates

Lisa Stevens is the curator of primates at the Zoo. She managed all aspects of the Zoo's giant panda program from 1987 to 2010, and has managed the primate program since 1981. Her areas of supervision include daily operations, personnel, budget, long-range planning, record keeping, research, education, exhibit design, and construction. She also has worked with a diverse collection of mammals including, ungulates, pachyderms, bears, cats, marine mammals, and a variety of small mammals. Before working at the Zoo, Stevens worked as a field research assistant, in pet and aquarium retail, veterinary clinic operations, insect zoo husbandry and interpretation, and riding stable management. She has been a horse owner for more than 24 years.

Stevens participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for several species. Her committee memberships and coordination include animal welfare, education council, exhibit program evaluation, minority outreach, and bias awareness/employee relations. Stevens holds a Bachelor of Science degree, zoology/pre-veterinary medicine, from Michigan State University, East Lansing.

Rebecca Stites, National Zoo, Great Cats Animal Keeper

Rebecca Stites is an animal keeper for the Great Cats & Bears Unit, where she is primarily responsible for the husbandry, training, and enrichment programs for the Zoo’s African lions, caracals and white nosed coatis. Prior to working with Great Cats & Bears, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Virginia Tech in 2004 and received her first position at the National Zoo in 2005, as an animal keeper for the Zoo’s Department of Animal Health (veterinary hospital and quarantine facility). Given her background in science, Rebecca has a profound interest in behavior research. She is currently studying the activity patterns of the Zoo’s African lions in an effort to compile results that may be used to enhance management techniques and enrichment programs for the captive population. While working full-time at the Zoo, Rebecca has also returned to school and is earning her Master’s Degree, studying Zoo Collections Management at George Mason University.

Kristen Taddonio, Manager, Commercial Building Energy Alliances, Dept. of Energy

Kristen Taddonio is manager of the Department of Energy's Commercial Building Energy Alliances, where she works with the nations' leading retailers and commercial real estate owners to remove market barriers to energy efficiency and deploy advanced technologies that save money and reduce emissions. Prior to joining the DOE, Taddonio was head of sales and marketing for ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and emerging technologies, where she worked with internationally-recognized manufacturers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting innovation, improving performance, and increasing sales of highly efficient appliances.

Taddonio is co-author of the book “Technology Transfer for the Ozone Layer: Lessons for Climate Change” (Published by Earthscan, London, 2007) with S.O. Andersen and K.M. Sarma, and her papers have been featured in plenary sessions of conferences and workshops in Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and the U.S.

Outside of the office, Taddonio participates in numerous organizations dedicated to improving energy and environmental management: She is an Advisor to the Association of Climate Change Officers, a member of the Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment, and a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quantifier.

Ms. Taddonio has a Masters degree in International Science and Technology Policy from the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where she graduated summa cum laude. She has also earned degrees in Scientific and Technical Communication and International Relations.

Denise Villarta

Denise Villarta passionately instructs students in Chemistry and AP Chemistry at Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork, Utah. She is also experienced in teaching Physics and AP Physics, possessing a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington, and an MBA from National University. During her fifteen years as an educator, she has been honored as the Utah Science Teacher of the Year and more recently as the American Chemical Society’s Outstanding Utah Chemistry Educator for 2010. Her passion for environmental science includes those challenges currently faced by the Intermountain West, such as the disposal of nuclear waste in Utah and Nevada, and environmental damage caused by the mining industry over the past century and a half.

Adams Wood, Director, On Coal River

Adams Wood is a documentary filmmaker from Asheville, NC who co-directed and produced Boom – The Sound Of Eviction (2002), a feature-length documentary about the social repercussions of San Francisco’s dot-com boom and bust. Variety called Boom “A powerful cautionary statement.” His second feature, On Coal River (2010), premiered at AFI/Silverdocs, screened at numerous other festivals and on Capitol Hill, won "Best Documentary" at the Appalachian Film Festival, and was nominated for an IFP/Gotham Award. Adams began making documentaries in the Idaho wilderness in 1996.

The Washington Scholars Program
4400 University Dr. MS 3A4
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-5010
Fax: 703-993-2631
Email: wyse@gmu.edu

Speakers & Staff

2013 Speakers

Keynote Speaker Michael L. Connor, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Leonard Jordan, Regional Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA

Dr. Chris Parsons, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Policy and Social Science

Emily Adams, Staff Researcher, Earth Policy Institute

Courtney Hight, Deputy Political Director, Sierra Club

Dr. Mark Houck, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason University

Dr. Paul Houser, Science Advisor, Bureau of Reclamation

Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf, Managing Director, Species Conservation, World Wildlife Fund

Dr. Barry Klinger, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator-Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences

Chris Moore, Senior Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Paul Schopf, Professor of Oceanography Associate Dean for Research and Computing

Andrew Wingfield, Associate Professor, New Century College

Advisory Board

Chair Mark Bauman, Executive VP of National Geographic TV

Dr. Tom Lovejoy, Past President of the Heinz Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment

Dr. Edward Maibach, Director - Center for Climate Change Communication, Professor of Communications

Dr. Jagadish Shukla, President - Institute of Global Environment and Society, University Professor -

Mr. Steven L. Monfort, DVM, Ph.D. , Director, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Teryn Norris, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Energy

Elise Bernardoni, Senior Education Specialist, Friends of the National Zoo

Gerry Connolly, US House of Representatives - 11th District of Virginia

James J. Fiore, President, Fiore Consulting

Dr. Andrew Flagel, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment, Brandeis University

Davey Rogner, Campaign Director for Pick Up America

Kate Sheppard, Environmental and Politics Reporter— Mother Jones Magazine

Faculty/Staff

Matthew Boyce, Associate Director, K-12 Partnerships Program

Richard Friesner

Amy Takayama-Perez

Amanda Adams-Barney

Chloe Carter, Advance Team Staff

Nadia Chaudhry-Waterman, Advance Team Staff

Jayson Padilla, Advance Team Staff

Antonio Reyes, Advance Team Staff

Souleymane Karim Sow, Advance Team Staff

Tara Twitty, Advance Team Staff

Andrias White, On-Campus Events Manager

Quayla Allen, Events Assistant

Faculty Advisors

Kevin Magerr, Lead Faculty Advisor

Erin Binns, Faculty Advisor

Kevin DuBois, Faculty Advisor

Emily Ford, Faculty Advisor

Jennifer Hannum, Faculty Advisor

Maction Komwa, Faculty Advisor

Michael Levy, Faculty Advisor

Danielle Marino

Maria Marino, Delaware County Community College, PA

Samantha Oester, Faculty Advisor

Katheryn Patterson, Faculty Advisor

Robin Pearce, Faculty Advisor

Anasa Scott, Faculty Advisor

Chris Sonne, Faculty Advisor

Keni Rienks, Faculty Advisor

Interns

Liz Hoke

Grascen Shidemantle

Past Speakers

2013 Speakers

Keynote Speaker Michael L. Connor, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Leonard Jordan, Regional Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA

Dr. Chris Parsons, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Policy and Social Science

Emily Adams, Staff Researcher, Earth Policy Institute

Courtney Hight, Deputy Political Director, Sierra Club

Dr. Mark Houck, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason University

Dr. Paul Houser, Science Advisor, Bureau of Reclamation

Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf, Managing Director, Species Conservation, World Wildlife Fund

Dr. Barry Klinger, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator-Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences

Chris Moore, Senior Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Paul Schopf, Professor of Oceanography Associate Dean for Research and Computing

Andrew Wingfield, Associate Professor, New Century College

2011 Speakers

Zack Fields, Legislative Assistant for Congressman Gerald E. Connolly

Dr. Peter Balint, Associate Professor, Dept. of Public and International Affairs, George Mason Uni

Colin Bennett

Mark Bryer, Director, Nature Conservancy's Chesapeake Bay Program

John Caplis, Chief, Office of Incident Management and Preparedness, U. S. Coast Guard

David Ferris, Matter Network, Managing Editor

Keynote Speaker
Michael L. Connor, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Chair
Mark Bauman, Executive VP of National Geographic TV

Keynote Speaker
Michael L. Connor, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation