VICTORIA JUSTINIANO
Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2022
Victoria is an undergraduate student at Duke University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine science and Conservation with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy. She is originally from Puerto Rico, where she has been involved in marine turtle conservation and research since she was 8 years old. Victoria is also engaged in marine mammal research and conservation as well as coral reef restoration. In high school, she was very active in FFA, which sparked a lasting interest in agriculture and its intersection with humans and the environment, even though she does not formally study it anymore. Outside of academics, she enjoys painting, musicals, Formula 1, reading, and especially anything related to the environment.
VICTORIA JUSTINIANO
Junior Faculty Advisor, WYSE Alum 2022
Victoria is an undergraduate student at Duke University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine science and Conservation with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy. She is originally from Puerto Rico, where she has been involved in marine turtle conservation and research since she was 8 years old. Victoria is also engaged in marine mammal research and conservation as well as coral reef restoration. In high school, she was very active in FFA, which sparked a lasting interest in agriculture and its intersection with humans and the environment, even though she does not formally study it anymore. Outside of academics, she enjoys painting, musicals, Formula 1, reading, and especially anything related to the environment.
Julia is a Junior at George Mason University pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science 
Juan Rodriguez is the director of the Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, Maryland, a facility that offers a variety of interpretive programs hosted by park naturalists.   Environmental education is strongly supported at the nature center through exhibits, displays, programs, special events, clubs, trips, and volunteer opportunities. 
Jackie Spicer has been an animal care professional for over 12 years, all with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. She began her career volunteering and worked her way up through temporary keeper to her current position as senior keeper on American Trail. She has worked with all types of animals: fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, primates, carnivores, and marine mammals. She has a bachelors degree in wildlife management and a masters degree in environmental management and policy. She plays an active role in her local chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers, currently working as the chapter president.
Julie Walker completed her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida. Her research focuses on the influence of climate change on coastal ecosystems and investigating the potential for the advancement of coastal wetland management. Prior to her graduate studies Julie worked at the Chesapeake Bay Program, where she was a part of the Stewardship goal team aimed at increasing science literacy, public access, and land protection. In her current position as a Postdoctoral Researcher for the University of Massachusetts and USGS Woods Hole, she works on utilizing geospatial data to assess the influence of historical human modifications on salt marsh vulnerability to sea-level rise. In her spare time, Julie likes exploring nature, whether it’s paddleboarding, taking pictures while hiking, or walking her dog.
Born and raised in Fairfax, VA, Thomas is a George Mason alum, where he received his B.S. in Environmental Science. While at George Mason, Thomas was involved with Student Government, Greek Life, and was an Orientation Leader. After graduating, Thomas went on to work for the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory as a lab assistant before moving to Baltimore to teach middle school science. He is now a teacher in Fairfax, VA. His hobbies include going to the movies, rock climbing, and volleyball.
Ben Rich is an AP Environmental Science and Physics teacher at the Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) in Montclair, NJ. After earning a BA in Physics at Colgate University he earned a MEd at the University of Maryland. As the Sustainability Coordinator and Green Roof Director at MKA, he leads both students and faculty in making the school more environmentally friendly and led the school to earn the Green Flag Award from Eco-Schools USA twice. During each summer from 2013-2018 he traversed the US on an electric motorcycle making Youtube videos to encourage quicker EV adoption. Now he drives a Tesla Model 3 across the US, with his latest trip traveling 21,000 miles in 2 months. He is the Co-Chair of the Montclair Environmental Commission, leading projects to reduce the carbon footprint of the town. In his free time he hikes mountains, paddle boards on rivers, and swing dances in NYC.