BRI NAKAMURA
Bri Nakamura is a 2nd generation water engineer with over a decade of experience in the industry. In 2022, she took on a new role with Xylem Inc. as an Innovation Analyst as part of Xylem’s Innovation Labs (XIL) team. In this role, she works with the Technology Scouting and Evaluation team, and oversees many of Xylem’s open innovation ecosystem partnerships, manages the Accelerator and Incubator cohort selection process, and leads the XIL external marketing efforts. Prior to Xylem, Bri served as the Practice Leader of Innovation at the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Water Science and Engineering Center (WSEC) for 7 years. She also has experience as a design
engineer with an engineering consulting company in the DC metro area; mainly
focusing on municipal wastewater projects. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering
from Syracuse University and recently expanded her knowledge of business
management by completing the PowerMBA program. Bri recently was awarded the 2022 Outstanding Young Professional of the Year from the Water Environment Federation, and is a 2016 Water Leadership Institute graduate, a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the District of Columbia, and a certified Envision Sustainability Professional
(ENV SP).
BRI NAKAMURA
Bri Nakamura is a 2nd generation water engineer with over a decade of experience in the industry. In 2022, she took on a new role with Xylem Inc. as an Innovation Analyst as part of Xylem’s Innovation Labs (XIL) team. In this role, she works with the Technology Scouting and Evaluation team, and oversees many of Xylem’s open innovation ecosystem partnerships, manages the Accelerator and Incubator cohort selection process, and leads the XIL external marketing efforts. Prior to Xylem, Bri served as the Practice Leader of Innovation at the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Water Science and Engineering Center (WSEC) for 7 years. She also has experience as a design engineer with an engineering consulting company in the DC metro area; mainly
focusing on municipal wastewater projects. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University and recently expanded her knowledge of business
management by completing the PowerMBA program. Bri recently was awarded the 2022 Outstanding Young Professional of the Year from the Water Environment Federation, and is a 2016 Water Leadership Institute graduate, a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the District of Columbia, and a certified Envision Sustainability Professional
(ENV SP).
A professional photographer with over 25 years of experience, Rafael has covered a huge gamut of events in the DC area. Ranging from private events of all sizes to Supreme Court nomination hearings, Rafael has covered it all. Specializing in college and professional sports, Rafael is currently the staff athletics photographer for both George Mason and Georgetown universities and has worked directly with every professional sports team in Washington, DC.
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.
Olga is a George Mason University alumna. She graduated with a degree in Government and International Politics. Olga currently works in the Office of Admissions as the Honors College Admissions Counselor. She loves working with prospective students to help them see fit in Mason, and working with current Mason students who are part of the Honors College Recruitment Team. Olga loves going on road trips, spending time with her cat, and trying new restaurants in DC.