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Category: Faculty Advisor

Maction Komwa, Ph.D.

MACTION KOMWA

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Komwa, an Associate peer in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS), is a dedicated educator with a wealth of knowledge in environmental geography, conservation, and sustainability. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate courses covering resource conservation, biogeography, geospatial technologies, and sustainable development. Since joining the department of Geography and Geoinformation Science over a decade ago, Dr. Komwa has significantly advanced student development by fostering a passion for environmental problem-solving. Through innovative teaching and mentorship, he has inspired students to pursue careers and research focused on conservation and sustainability. He integrates geospatial technologies to equip learners with analytical skills to address challenges in resource conservation, global food systems, and sustainable development. His work cultivates an engaging, real-world learning environment that prepares students to become effective environmental stewards. For over a decade now, Dr. Komwa has been a Faculty Advisor for the WYSE program, and he would like to extend a warm welcome to delegates joining the program this summer.

MACTION KOMWA

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Komwa, an Associate peer in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS), is a dedicated educator with a wealth of knowledge in environmental geography, conservation, and sustainability. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate courses covering resource conservation, biogeography, geospatial technologies, and sustainable development. Since joining the department of Geography and Geoinformation Science over a decade ago, Dr. Komwa has significantly advanced student development by fostering a passion for environmental problem-solving. Through innovative teaching and mentorship, he has inspired students to pursue careers and research focused on conservation and sustainability. He integrates geospatial technologies to equip learners with analytical skills to address challenges in resource conservation, global food systems, and sustainable development. His work cultivates an engaging, real-world learning environment that prepares students to become effective environmental stewards. For over a decade now, Dr. Komwa has been a Faculty Advisor for the WYSE program, and he would like to extend a warm welcome to delegates joining the program this summer.

Jesi Hessong-Brown

JESI HESSONG-BROWN

Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alumna 2010

Jesi Hessong-Brown is a first-generation WYSE-r! She attended the inaugural conference in 2010 and quickly became a part 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 graduated Magna Cum Laude and received the Senior Award in Biology for her undergraduate research. Jesi spent many years working in wildlife conservation before finding her true passion- teaching. Jesi has since completed her Master’s in Education and is currently the wackiest middle school science teacher at her school. When not at work, Jesi is usually out rock climbing, hiking with her daughters, looking for amphibians, running trail races, or walking her golden retriever, Holly.

JESI HESSONG-BROWN

Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alumna 2010

Jesi Hessong-Brown is a first-generation WYSE-r! She attended the inaugural conference in 2010 and quickly became a part 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 graduated Magna Cum Laude and received the Senior Award in Biology for her undergraduate research. Jesi spent many years working in wildlife conservation before finding her true passion- teaching. Jesi has since completed her Master’s in Education and is currently the wackiest middle school science teacher at her school. When not at work, Jesi is usually out rock climbing, hiking with her daughters, looking for amphibians, running trail races, or walking her golden retriever, Holly.

Gretchen Gorecki

GRETCHEN GORECKI

Faculty Advisor

Gretchen is the Natural Resource Manager at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of State Parks. She implements resource management activities including invasive species management, native species habitat restoration, prescribed burning, sustainable trail work, policy development, and regulatory compliance. Gretchen was previously an environmental consultant where she focused on natural resource program management, strategic partnerships, encroachment strategies, and geospatial analyses. She completed her M.S. in Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh. She obtained her B.S. in Environmental Science and Geography and received a GISc Certificate from the University of Mary Washington. She is a certified GIS Professional and is a member of the UMW Eagle Pipe Band. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, and spending time at her backyard farm.

GRETCHEN GORECKI

Faculty Advisor

Gretchen is the Natural Resource Manager at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of State Parks. She implements resource management activities including invasive species management, native species habitat restoration, prescribed burning, sustainable trail work, policy development, and regulatory compliance. Gretchen was previously an environmental consultant where she focused on natural resource program management, strategic partnerships, encroachment strategies, and geospatial analyses. She completed her M.S. in Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh. She obtained her B.S. in Environmental Science and Geography and received a GISc Certificate from the University of Mary Washington. She is a certified GIS Professional and is a member of the UMW Eagle Pipe Band. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, and spending time at her backyard farm.