Author: Allison Alberty

Dr. Kate Rodriguez-Clark

DR. KATE RODRIGUEZ-CLARK

Population Ecologist, Smithsonian National Zoo

Kate recently joined the National Zoo after more than 15 years as a staff scientist in the Population Ecology and Genetics Lab at the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), in Caracas, Venezuela. She started at IVIC fresh out of graduate school at Cambridge and Princeton, and followed her time there with two years as an associate researcher at the Venezuelan conservation NGO Provita. Her PhD research focused on examining the effects of modern zoo population management on quantitative genetic variation in captivity and the wild, and her early work in Venezuela focused on helping zoos there develop an effective ex-situ conservation strategy for Andean bears, taking into account both wild and captive population pressures. In her new role as a National Zoo Secretary Scholar, Kate collaborates with colleagues across the Smithsonian and around the world to understand and manage the demographic and genetic challenges faced by NZP/SCBI’s huge diversity of ex situ populations, in order to ensure the integration and success of the Smithsonian’s in situ and ex situ conservation efforts.

Jadynn Doyle

JADYNN DOYLE

Jadynn Doyle is a freshman at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS and attended WYSE as a delegate in 2022 ! She is passionate about conservation and sustainable energy. She is majoring in Biology-Natural Resources with a minor in Spanish Language and obtaining a certificate in Sustainability. Jadynn is currently still working with Conservation Nation on a research project over food waste in America. At FHSU, she is active in the Biology Club and Women in STEM club. In her free time she has been recycling paper by making new paper with it. She is excited to meet everyone, and see some familiar faces again!

Sean “Cal” Foss

SEAN "C" FOSS

Junior Faculty Advisor

Sean “C” Foss is a rising sophomore at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and is pursuing a degree in political science and public policy. After graduation his career goal is to work in international politics and hopefully be an ambassador or some other form of representative. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, theater, and magic the gathering. He attended the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment in the summer of 2021 and had a fantastic experience. He is excited to work as a Junior Faculty Advisor in 2024!

Dr. Michelle Ryan

DR. MICHELLE RYAN

PhD Adjunct Faculty, George Mason University

Michelle Ryan (GMU PhD 2015) is the Chief Operations Officer for NTT DATA’s Public Sector Federal Health and Civilian Division where she overseas daily operations of 60+ federal contracting information technology (IT) engagements with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to include the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has worked and led systems engineering teams delivering solutions for large government information technology projects for the past 20+ years to include environmental IT projects and engagements. Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin and Marshall College in Economics and Government. In addition to her graduate studies in environmental science at GMU, she also holds graduate degrees from George Washington University (MBA) and Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Masters in Natural Resources). Her professional work experience also includes providing subject matter expertise on environmental engineering and science projects, and she has volunteered for many environmental science initiatives within the region.

Sue Muraida

SUE MURAIDA

Coordinator

Sue Muraida is a best-selling author, speaker, and pursuer of abundant life. Over the past 30 years, she has worked as a medical photographer, photojournalist, leadership trainer, writer, and teacher. Sue has published three books, Change For a Penny, The Silent Sound of Darkness, and her memoir Going Back For Me, as well as co-authored the anthology Deserts To Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey To (Re)Claiming Our Voice. She is currently the program director for Humanities North Dakota.

Eva Bramesco

EVA BRAMESCO

Counselor

Eva Bramesco is the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, and the Director of the University Scholars Program here at George Mason University. Beginning with her involvement in the admissions office at her alma mater, Eva has spent over a decade working with students and families of all backgrounds to overcome the various hurdles of the college admissions process. In her role as Associate Director, Eva supports students before they even apply, all the way through their decision making process. Eva is also responsible for Honors College enrollment and the university’s only full-tuition scholarship program, and loves working closely with Mason’s most motivated and ambitious students.

Prior to her time at George Mason, Eva worked in international development, first with the American Red Cross, and then for a consulting firm. Originally from Danvers, Massachusetts, Eva graduated with honors from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania with degrees in International Relations, Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies, and received her Master’s in Public Policy from the Schar School at George Mason University. In addition to her work at Mason, Eva is a long-time mentor, tutor, and advocate for educational equity.

Lily Shriner

LILY SHRINER

Lily Shriner is a rising sophomore at the College of William and Mary and attended WYSE as a delegate in 2022. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and marine science, Lily aspires to become a wildlife biologist and work towards conserving marshland and coastal species. In her free time, Lily loves to hike, go kayaking, read, and play the drums. As a JFA, she hopes to provide the amazing and organized experience she had during WYSE and help find new interests in the environment and conservation!

Lucy Johnson

LUCY JOHNSON

Advance Team Member

Lucy Johnson is from Rochester, New York and is currently a rising sophomore at George Mason University studying Government and International Politics with an interest in environmental policy. Outside of academics, she is a member of the school dance team, Zeta Tau Alpha, and is the Vice President of Events for Mason Ambassadors. She is excited to work her first summer with the Washington Scholars Program!

Allison Alberty

ALLISON ALBERTY

Advance Team Member

Allison Alberty is the K12 Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University and is both a WJMC and George Mason alumna. She received her BA in Communication and concentration in Public Relations in Spring of 2023 and is currently pursuing an MA in Strategic Communication. In her free time, Allison enjoys attending rock concerts, yoga sessions, adopting plants, and finding new brunch spots!

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