Program Director
THIS IS WYSE
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment is an interactive program that provides high-achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation, sustainability, and related fields with a unique experience exploring careers in these areas.
Our National Youth Delegates get access to exclusive field visits and sessions with researchers, scientists, directors, and program staff. Student Delegates are led in small groups by faculty advisors who have extensive experience in conservation and the environment.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
WYSE partners with well-known organizations to connect students to leading researchers and gain access to the most up-to-date information in the environmental field. Since the start of the program, our partners have contributed to the work we do and have helped students discover their passion for environmental careers.
SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide.
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
The staff at WYSE work year-round to provide a quality, safe, unforgettable program for students. Each year, we welcome summer staff with a passion for sharing their knowledge and engaging young people in environmental problem-solving. Our entire team is committed to students and their families to provide an unparalleled experience and ensure students learn and grow during the week they are with us.
WYSE LEADERSHIP
Elena Johnson, MEd
Program Director
Ali Dodson, MS, MPP
Associate Director
Dawn Aponte
Administrative Support
Melissa Moore, MBA
Advance Team Member
Sue Muraida
Assistant Director
WYSE SUMMER STAFF
Each summer, WYSE recruits award-winning faculty and junior faculty from across the country to lead groups of 20 students throughout the week of conference activities. Our faculty are creative, innovative and experienced educators from around the country. Our junior faculty are WYSE alumni currently pursuing environmental degrees. In addition, our advance team is responsible for implementing all logistics during WYSE.
WYSE ADVISORY BOARDS
HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD
From scientists and leading researchers to environmental managers and entrepreneurs, the Advisory Board exemplifies the hard working leaders in environmental fields. The board helps guide the work of WYSE by ensuring we remain current in the ever-changing environmental landscape.
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) assists the WYSE leadership team with future conferences and initiatives. The YAB fulfills an important part of the WYSE team and participates in virtual meetings and calls to provide feedback and guidance for the summer conference planning process.
THIS IS WYSE
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment is an interactive program that provides high-achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation, sustainability, and related fields with a unique experience exploring careers in these areas.
Our National Youth Delegates get access to exclusive field visits and sessions with researchers, scientists, directors, and program staff. Student Delegates are led in small groups by faculty advisors who have extensive experience in conservation and the environment.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
WYSE partners with well-known organizations to connect students to leading researchers and gain access to the most up-to-date information in the environmental field. Since the start of the program, our partners have contributed to the work we do and have helped students discover their passion for environmental careers.
SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide.
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
The staff at WYSE work year-round to provide a quality, safe, unforgettable program for students. Each year, we welcome summer staff with a passion for sharing their knowledge and engaging young people in environmental problem-solving. Our entire team is committed to students and their families to provide an unparalleled experience and ensure students learn and grow during the week they are with us.
WYSE LEADERSHIP
Richard Friesner, PhD
Program Director
Elena Johnson, MEd
Program Director
Ali Dodson, MS, MPP
Associate Director
Dawn Aponte
Administrative Support
Melissa Moore, MBA
Advance Team Member
Sue Muraida
Assistant Director
WYSE SUMMER STAFF
Each summer, WYSE recruits award-winning faculty and junior faculty from across the country to lead groups of 20 students throughout the week of conference activities. Our faculty are creative, innovative and experienced educators from around the country. Our junior faculty are WYSE alumni currently pursuing environmental degrees. In addition, our advance team is responsible for implementing all logistics during WYSE.
WYSE ADVISORY BOARDS
HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD
From scientists and leading researchers to environmental managers and entrepreneurs, the Advisory Board exemplifies the hard working leaders in environmental fields. The board helps guide the work of WYSE by ensuring we remain current in the ever-changing environmental landscape.
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) assists the WYSE leadership team with future conferences and initiatives. The YAB fulfills an important part of the WYSE team and participates in virtual meetings and calls to provide feedback and guidance for the summer conference planning process.