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Category: Staff

Jacob Kaufman

Jacob Kaufman

Junior Faculty Advisor

Jake is from Frederick, Maryland. He is a 2024 high school graduate pursuing a degree in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences to become a meteorological researcher. Jake credits his time at WYSE for shaping his interest in environmental sustainability in his community. Outside of his environmental tendencies, he spends a lot of his free time playing outside with his two dogs, (Ginger the nine-year-old Cavachon, and Bella the one-year-old Goldendoodle), as well as working a shift at the local Dairy Queen. Jake is so grateful to be able to attend WYSE once again to meet a whole new coalition of passionate environmentalists who want to change the world!

Allyson Ponn

Allyson Ponn

Faculty Advisor

Allyson Ponn is currently the Education and Program Support Specialist with one of Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts. While studying at James Madison University, she got involved in local food production and conservation. This led to a career focused on environmental education where she has worked in school and community gardens, food access, agriculture, and K-12 science curriculum development. In her current position, she leads all education and outreach programming on behalf of the district and works with agricultural landowners and homeowners to install best management practices for local soil and water quality. Outside of her work, she manages her local farmers market and community garden. Allyson is also an avid gardener, loves to cook and spend time outside with her husband and son.

Vienna Gurev

VIENNA GUREV

Intern

Vienna Gurev was born and raised near Philadelphia in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. She is currently a senior at Kennett High School and is preparing to study science in college. She is an avid reader, musician, and artist, and is passionate about environmentalism and social justice. Vienna is dedicated to a myriad of interests including music theory, poetry, foreign language, sustainability, computer science, photography, travel, and community service. 

Lukas Levy

LUKAS LEVY

Lukas Levy is a senior at the Middle College at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. At school, Lukas is the historian for the National English Honor Society and participates in research with one of the university’s professors regarding animal behavior and schooling fish. He also volunteers at the wildlife rehabilitation center, Walden’s Puddle. When not doing these things, Lukas likes to play video games, watch YouTube, and spend time with his pet ferrets. He attended WYSE in 2023 and is very excited to be a part of it again.

Julius Rodriguez

JULIUS RODRIGUEZ

Julius Rodriguez is a third-year student at the University of Central Florida, pursuing a dual major in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience. Beyond the academic realm, his heart belongs to the natural world. His bedroom serves as a lush haven for 42 diverse plant species, and he shares his life with Peaches, his beloved 2-year-old African spurred tortoise. Julius’s free time is dedicated to exploring the psychological avenues to inspire environmental consciousness and foster a deeper connection between people and the environment.

Maddie Weller

MADDIE WELLER

Maddie Weller is a senior at Avon High School in Avon, Ohio. She is Vice President of both of her school’s community volunteer clubs and on the executive board of SAVE (environment) club. She plays on her school’s Varsity volleyball team and for a local volleyball club. In her free time, Maddie enjoys reading, exploring local coffee shops, and practicing photography. Maddie participated in WYSE 2023 and is so excited to be a member of the 2024 Advisory Board!

Isabella Klaus

ISABELLA KLAUS

Intern

Isabella Klaus is a senior at Catholic High School in Virginia Beach, VA, who participates in many activities, including cross country, swimming, track, and lacrosse, as well as multiple honor societies. As a volunteer for her local aquarium, Isabella has put over 300 hours into the marine science field as a docent , talking to guests about the animals and their habitats. Going into college in the following year, Isabella’s love of the outdoors and the water has inspired her plans to study marine biology and pre-veterinary studies, in the hopes of working for an organization like NOAA or Ocearch some day. Isabella attended WYSE as a delegate in 2023, and is delighted to be a member of the Youth Advisory Board this year. 

Abigail Engel

ABIGAIL ENGEL

Abigail is a dedicated worker who has always been interested in the environment. She fell in love with birds after watching wildlife cameras online during the pandemic. A high achiever in school, she wishes to continue her studies to become an avian veterinarian focused on wildlife rehabilitation. After she attended the 2023 WYSE, Abigail went on to lead volunteers at a local program that brought speakers from around the country to educate people in her community about problems facing the environment and their solutions. 

Elijah Birch

ELIJAH BIRCH

Intern

Elijah Birch is a student from Rootstown highschool in Ohio. He participates in many activities including band, bowling, drama club, quizbowl, baseball. He also participates in college credit plus programs offered at his school along with AP classes. He wants to go to college for enviornmental science when he graduates high school.

Chrissy Wiedemann

CHRISSY WIEDEMANN

Counselor

As a teacher for 19 years, Chrissy enjoys working with students in English and Journalism at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va. Chrissy received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Mason University. A proud Patriot, she connected to an international community there and developed her love of writing. As part of Patriot Nation, she traveled to Indianapolis in 2006 to watch the Cinderella team head to the Final Four. (Florida continues to be her least favorite team.) No English teacher has loads of free time during the school year, but when she can, Chrissy loves to see live music in DC. Summers on the beach and traveling to other countries are also favorites of hers. Chrissy is excited to return to to WYSE and can’t wait to meet new friends this summer!