Juniper Falterman

JUNIPER FALTERMAN

Intern, WYSE Alum 2025

Juniper is a current senior at Mandeville High School in Mandeville, Louisiana. Juniper is passionate about environmental science, shown through her volunteer work with New Orleans Audubon Society, and other local organizations. She is VP of her school’s Green Club, is an active member of her school’s Key Club, and plays soccer. In her free time, she enjoys snorkeling, hiking, and anything outdoors. Juniper is extremely grateful and excited to come back to WYSE as an intern!

JUNIPER FALTERMAN

Intern, WYSE Alum 2025

Juniper is a current senior at Mandeville High School in Mandeville, Louisiana. Juniper is passionate about environmental science, shown through her volunteer work with New Orleans Audubon Society, and other local organizations. She is VP of her school’s Green Club, is an active member of her school’s Key Club, and plays soccer. In her free time, she enjoys snorkeling, hiking, and anything outdoors. Juniper is extremely grateful and excited to come back to WYSE as an intern!

Emerson Smith

EMERSON SMITH

Intern, WYSE Alum 2025

Emerson Smith is a recent high school graduate with a strong passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship. Growing up surrounded by nature, Emerson developed a deep appreciation for ecosystems through activities like fly fishing and gardening. These experiences have inspired a commitment to preserving natural environments and promoting sustainable practices. In the fall, Emerson will begin pursuing a degree in Environmental Horticulture at Montana State University, with the goal of deepening knowledge in plant science and land management. With a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for learning, Emerson is excited to make WYSE 2026 as amazing as possible!

EMERSON SMITH

Intern, WYSE Alum 2025

Emerson Smith is a recent high school graduate with a strong passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship. Growing up surrounded by nature, Emerson developed a deep appreciation for ecosystems through activities like fly fishing and gardening. These experiences have inspired a commitment to preserving natural environments and promoting sustainable practices. In the fall, Emerson will begin pursuing a degree in Environmental Horticulture at Montana State University, with the goal of deepening knowledge in plant science and land management. With a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for learning, Emerson is excited to make WYSE 2026 as amazing as possible!

Cora Toner

CORA TONER

Intern, WYSE Alum 2025

Cora Toner is a recent high school graduate from Capistrano Valley High School in southern California. In the fall Cora will be attending Colorado State University, where she will be majoring in Zoology on the pre-vet track. Her involvement in MUN and her local animal shelter have lead her to pursue a career in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. Cora is so excited to help make WYSE 2026 the best yet and get to be a intern.

CORA TONER

Intern, WYSE Alum 2025

Cora Toner is a recent high school graduate from Capistrano Valley High School in southern California. In the fall Cora will be attending Colorado State University, where she will be majoring in Zoology on the pre-vet track. Her involvement in MUN and her local animal shelter have lead her to pursue a career in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. Cora is so excited to help make WYSE 2026 the best yet and get to be a intern.

Suri Raut

SURI RAUT

Faculty Advisor

Suri Raut has been teaching for the special education department at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia for eight years, specializing in Biology and Earth Science. He is the school advisor for the Best Buddies and Special Olympics programs. Prior to working at Yorktown, Suri was the Academic Coordinator for the Mason LIFE Program, which provides college aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive university experience here at GMU. He helped develop curriculum and supervised the instructors in becoming special education teachers. Suri obtained his Master’s in Special Education at Mason and has been a proud member of Patriot Nation ever since. Though he loves all sports, Suri is an avid fan of the Caps! Let’s go Caps! Suri also loves to catch live shows, relaxing on the beach, camping, hiking and exploring new countries.

SURI RAUT

Faculty Advisor

Suri Raut has been teaching for the special education department at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia for eight years, specializing in Biology and Earth Science. He is the school advisor for the Best Buddies and Special Olympics programs. Prior to working at Yorktown, Suri was the Academic Coordinator for the Mason LIFE Program, which provides college aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive university experience here at GMU. He helped develop curriculum and supervised the instructors in becoming special education teachers. Suri obtained his Master’s in Special Education at Mason and has been a proud member of Patriot Nation ever since. Though he loves all sports, Suri is an avid fan of the Caps! Let’s go Caps! Suri also loves to catch live shows, relaxing on the beach, camping, hiking and exploring new countries.

Mason Johnson

MASON JOHNSON

Junior Faculty Advisor

Mason is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation and Management at Western Carolina University. He has a particular interest and passion for marine and wildlife management. When not attending WCU, Mason enjoys hiking, kayaking, building legos, and spending time with loved ones. Mason is looking forward to being a JFA this summer!

MASON JOHNSON

Junior Faculty Advisor

Mason is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation and Management at Western Carolina University. He has a particular interest and passion for marine and wildlife management. When not attending WCU, Mason enjoys hiking, kayaking, building legos, and spending time with loved ones. Mason is looking forward to being a JFA this summer!

Courtney Gordon

COURTNEY GORDON

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2022

Courtney is a rising Senior at George Mason University pursuing a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Conservation. This past semester, she studied at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation program. She hopes to work as a wildlife biologist in an ornithological field. Outside of school, I’m a big fan of sewing, photography, reading, and especially binging rom-coms. I am beyond pumped to work with the youth delegates of WYSE once again!

COURTNEY GORDON

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2022

Courtney is a rising Senior at George Mason University pursuing a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Conservation. This past semester, she studied at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation program. She hopes to work as a wildlife biologist in an ornithological field. Outside of school, I’m a big fan of sewing, photography, reading, and especially binging rom-coms. I am beyond pumped to work with the youth delegates of WYSE once again!

Faith Fulton

FAITH FULTON

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2023

Faith is a biology major on a veterinary track, with a strong interest in animal health, conservation, and how environmental changes impact wildlife. She enjoys learning how science can be used to protect ecosystems and improve the well-being of animals. Faith is passionate about encouraging others to ask questions and explore the connections between science, animals, and the environment. She’s looking forward to learning with the delegates and making this an engaging and impactful experience!

FAITH FULTON

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2023

Faith is a biology major on a veterinary track, with a strong interest in animal health, conservation, and how environmental changes impact wildlife. She enjoys learning how science can be used to protect ecosystems and improve the well-being of animals. Faith is passionate about encouraging others to ask questions and explore the connections between science, animals, and the environment. She’s looking forward to learning with the delegates and making this an engaging and impactful experience!

Josephine Santanello

JOSEPHINE SANTANELLO

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2022

Josephine is from Staten Island, New York and is a rising sophomore at Adelphi
University. She is pursuing environmental science, intending to pick up a minor in
biology and graduate with her bachelor’s degree. WYSE is what inspired Josephine
to pursue environmentalism. From a young age, she has always been so passionate
about nature, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, thrifting, making art, and
reading. Josephine is so excited to be welcomed back into WYSE!

JOSEPHINE SANTANELLO

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2022

Josephine is from Staten Island, New York and is a rising sophomore at Adelphi
University. She is pursuing environmental science, intending to pick up a minor in
biology and graduate with her bachelor’s degree. WYSE is what inspired Josephine to pursue environmentalism. From a young age, she has always been so passionate about nature, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, thrifting, making art, and
reading. Josephine is so excited to be welcomed back into WYSE!

Lori Williams

LORI WILLIAMS

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2023

Lori is a rising sophomore at the College of William and Mary from Charlotte, NC. She plans to double major in Environmental Sustainability and Public Policy. Her passion for the environment strengthened at WYSE, and her favorite memories from WYSE include her field visit to Skyline Caverns and exploring D.C. She aspires to pursue a career in environmental policy and justice. At school, she is part of the compost club and Greek life and enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves reading, painting, and traveling to National Parks. Lori is excited to return to WYSE!

LORI WILLIAMS

Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2023

Lori is a rising sophomore at the College of William and Mary from Charlotte, NC. She plans to double major in Environmental Sustainability and Public Policy. Her passion for the environment strengthened at WYSE, and her favorite memories from WYSE include her field visit to Skyline Caverns and exploring D.C. She aspires to pursue a career in environmental policy and justice. At school, she is part of the compost club and Greek life and enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves reading, painting, and traveling to National Parks. Lori is excited to return to WYSE!

Jeff Fusco

JEFF FUSCO

Counselor

Jeff is the Associate Director of Regional Admissions at George Mason University and is remotely based out of Orlando, FL. He has worked at Mason since 2018 and primarily recruits students from the Southeast United States. Originally from Western Massachusetts, Jeff attended GMU as an out-of-state student and graduated with his B.A. in Communication in 2013. After graduating he moved to Florida and received his Master’s degree in Curriculum Development from the University of South Florida in 2015. In his free time, Jeff enjoys going to concerts, traveling, exploring theme parks, distance running and spending time with his dog, Bailey.

JEFF FUSCO

Counselor

Jeff is the Associate Director of Regional Admissions at George Mason University and is remotely based out of Orlando, FL. He has worked at Mason since 2018 and primarily recruits students from the Southeast United States. Originally from Western Massachusetts, Jeff attended GMU as an out-of-state student and graduated with his B.A. in Communication in 2013. After graduating he moved to Florida and received his Master’s degree in Curriculum Development from the University of South Florida in 2015. In his free time, Jeff enjoys going to concerts, traveling, exploring theme parks, distance running and spending time with his dog, Bailey.