Category: Faculty Advisor

Erica R. McKenzie

ERICA MCKENZIE

Faculty Advisor

Erica McKenzie was originally attracted to environmental engineering to better understand human-impacted natural environments, and she is currently an associate professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed an environmental engineering doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) at University of California at Davis, where she researched the water quality implication of runoff from highways, urban areas, and agricultural fields (think of the water that collects in the street or flows over a lawn when it rains). Additionally, while at UC Davis, Erica was involved in Engineers Without Borders and participated in projects to improve drinking water and sanitation for rural Ugandans; she was able to travel to Uganda twice. In her current position in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Temple University, Erica teaches classes and conducts research on water quality, particularly looking at pollutant movement through the environment or engineered treatment systems. When she’s not working, Erica enjoys outdoors activities, and particularly enjoys riding bikes and running.

Mike McDavit

MIKE MCDAVIT

Faculty Advisor

A native Washingtonian, Mike earned a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a MPA from The George Washington University. He first realized his passion for the environment while attending his suburban Maryland high school in the 1970’s. Mike, who just retired from federal service in 2021 after 38 years, worked in government, private sector and academe in the environmental field. His environmental experience spans wetland restoration and protection, pesticide regulation, hazards materials management, and air and water pollution control and testing. Mike lived and worked in Germany for nine years, managing hazardous wastes for the US military in Europe and Middle East. In that overseas position and other jobs at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Mike embraced the challenges associated with solving tough environmental problems. Mike is an adjunct professor of environmental biology at Montgomery College. In his free time, Mike enjoys birding, fishing, visiting museums/historical sites, and attending cultural events. He delights in showing people the marvelous cultural and historical sights of Washington, DC.

Kevin Magerr

KEVIN MAGERR

Faculty Advisor

Mr. Kevin Magerr is a professional engineer with nearly forty years of experience in environmental protection. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Widener University and a Masters of Science in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University, and has completed more than two dozen specialty courses and certifications throughout his career. Recently retired from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, he worked in the Water Protection Division for thirty years. His work there, his numerous publications, and his teaching experience in several universities and at the high school level have been recognized by multiple awards, including the Gold Medal for Excellence in Government. Kevin continues teaching and advising at Temple University in several areas: Biotechnology, and Civil and Environmental Engineering at the graduate level, Environmental Science at the undergraduate level, and as Senior Faculty Advisor for the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University. Kevin is very active in the community by working with high school students in track and cross-country programs, being on the Executive Boards of the Global Water Alliance and the Nicholas Newlin Foundation for the Historic Newlin Grist Mill, and by providing technical assistance to the Chester, Ridley and Crum Watersheds Association. When not working he enjoys hiking and kayaking.

Maction Komwa, Ph.D.

MACTION KOMWA

Faculty Advisor

Maction Komwa, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS) is a passionate educator with expertise in environmental geography, conservation, and sustainability. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on topics like resource conservation, biogeography, geospatial technologies, and sustainable development. Since joining the GGS department a decade ago, Dr. Komwa has demonstrably impacted student development by fostering a love for environmental problem-solving. Dr. Komwa leverages geospatial tools to tackle critical environmental challenges, including resource conservation, global food systems, and sustainable development initiatives. Driven by a desire to create a positive global impact, he actively collaborates with researchers across the university and international organizations focused on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable food systems. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Serving as Faculty Advisor for Washington Youth Summit for Environment (WYSE) since 2010, Dr. Komwa extends a warm welcome to delegates for summer 2024.

Marieke Kester Jones

MARIEKE KESTER JONES

Faculty Advisor

Marieke graduated from George Mason University with a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy in 2017. For her dissertation research, she studied reproduction and chemical communication in the maned wolf with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. After graduation, Marieke was delighted to take a position at the University of Virginia as a Data Specialist, assisting life sciences researchers with data analysis. Aside from her deep passion for statistics, data, and endangered species conservation, Marieke tries to live sustainably, with a minimal carbon footprint. She bike commutes to work, is installing solar panels on her home, grows some of her own food, and plans to plant a large native pollinator garden this season.

Jesi Hessong-Brown

JESI HESSONG-BROWN

Faculty Advisor

Jesi Hessong-Brown is a first generation WYSE-r! She attended the inaugural conference in 2010 and quickly became apart of the WYSE family. She has been a WYSE fall intern, summer intern, and faculty advisor. Since her first WYSE conference, Jesi has received her B.S. in Conservation and Environmental Biology with a double minor in Applied Conservation Skills and Non-Profit Studies from George Mason University where she graduate Magna Cum Laude and received the Senior Award in Biology for her undergraduate research. Jesi spent many years work in wildlife conservation before finding her true passion- teaching. Jesi has since completed her Masters in Education and is currently the wackiest middle school science teacher in her district. When not at work Jesi i is usually out rock climbing, hiking with her 1 year old daughter, looking for
amphibians, playing with her pet lizards or walking her two dogs Hobbes and Holly.

Gretchen Gorecki

GRETCHEN GORECKI

Faculty Advisor

Gretchen Gorecki is the Natural Resource Manager at the Virginia Department of Conservation’s Division of State Parks. She also serves as a DCR Prescribed Burn Crew Member and is working on becoming a Squad Boss. Gretchen was previously an environmental consultant for federal clients. She completed her MS in Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh. She obtained her BS in Environmental Science, BS in Geography, and a GISc certificate from the University of Mary Washington. She is a certified GIS Professional (GISP), completed a National Fellowship with the Environmental Leadership Program, participated as a Fellow in the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute, serves on the board of the Friends of Lake Anna State Park, judges Virginia regional science fairs, and is a tenor drummer with the UMW Eagle Pipe Band. Gretchen enjoys outdoor recreation and spending time at her backyard farm with her four dogs, horse, and cows.

Jonathan Essoka

Faculty Advisor

Jonathan D. Essoka is an avid urban environmentalist with an interest in promoting equity and sustainability in disadvantaged communities. He has an educational and professional background in engineering and environmental science and policy. Dr. Essoka earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Environmental Science from Drexel University, where he researched the effects brownfields revitalization projects on environmental justice communities. For over 15 years he has served in an engineering capacity, as an environmental consultant and as a part-time instructor at several Philadelphia-area universities.

Dr. Essoka is employed as an engineer and scientist by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office in Philadelphia. He engages his professional passion by working in environmentally overburdened, underserved, and economically distressed communities to develop holistic environmental solutions for their residents. This includes administering multiple regulatory programs, applying sustainability principles, fostering partnerships and promoting environmental equity to encourage comprehensive urban watershed restoration. Recently, Jonathan assumed a new job responsibility as the Superfund & Technology Liaison to the Philadelphia office. In this position, he provides innovative technological solutions for contaminated site project managers and promotes research science to the regional office as a tool to address program issues.

In his “free” time, while not raising his young son, Dr. Essoka is co-Board Chairperson for Earth Force, a non-profit organization which “engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future.” Jonathan also sits on the Environmental Leadership Program’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Network Advisory Committee and contributes locally as Vice-Chairperson for Cheltenham Township’s Economic Development Task Force.

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