Carey Hengstenberg
Is a geologist and environmental scientist working for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Since completing my Master's degree in Geology at the University of Vermont, I have worked as an environmental consultant, hydrogeologist and teaching on the college level. My interests include geology, groundwater protection, water chemistry and waste prevention. Outside of work I enjoy running, pottery, mountain biking and spending time with my husband and little Puerto Rican street dog, Ceiba! This is my second summer at GIV.

Allaire Diamond
I'm coming to Governor's Institute from a background in both teaching and field science. After graduating from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, I worked for two field seasons -- collecting forest health data for the state of Vermont and on salmon studies on the Columbia River in Washington state - before returning to school to get a masters degree in education and a license to teach science in Vermont. I taught Biology and Anatomy and Physiology at Missisquoi Valley Union High School in Swanton for three years, and then, seeking more science experience, worked in a molecular biology lab for a year. Now, I'm in the Field Naturalist graduate program at UVM, in the midst of my masters research on non-timber forest products used by artisans. I'm looking forward to working with the exceptional students and staff of Governor's Institute!.

Michael Hendrix
I am a Masters-track graduate student here at University of Vermont, currently wrapping up my teaching certification in high school Biology. I attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and took my bachelor's degree in Psychology (Animal Learning and Behavior concentration) before heading north for a change of pace. My background and interests include evolution and adaptation, animal behavior, ecological studies, and man's impact on the environment. When I'm not at home tending my beehives or playing mandolin, one can often find me backpacking or out on Champlain in my kayak.

Heidi Hales
I am an environmental analyst working for the Agency of Natural Resources in Air Pollution Control. I have a Ph.D. in Soil Science from UVM where I studied nitrate deposition in high elevation forests at UVM. I also received my BA in Biology (with a Chemistry minor) and an MA in Conservation Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. My interests include running, traveling and exploring the trails of Vermont.

Matt Jungers
I am a geologist who is much more interested in soils and water than the "hard" rocks that you might normally associate with geology. I received my undergraduate degree from Williams College in Williamstown, MA, in 2003, and I just recently completed my Masters degree in geology here in Vermont at UVM. I was born and raised on Long Island in New York State, and many people are disappointed that I don't have a Long Island accent (I don't count myself among the disappointed). When I'm not sticking my head in soil pits and wading through streams, I spend my time riding bikes or rock/ice climbing in the mountains of the Northeast. If it's a rainy day, I love a good book and a good cup of coffee!

Abby Frazier
I just graduated this May from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. I plan on attending graduate school next year for either Atmospheric Science or Climatology. I'm originally from St. Albans, Vermont and attended BFA St. Albans for high school. Academically, I'm interested in using GIS and remote sensing to analyze weather and climate change. I also love skiing, knitting, playing softball, and traveling. I most recently spend two weeks studying the politics of land use in Ecuador. This is my first time working with GIV and I'm excited to get started!

Chris Nytch
I am a naturalist and ecologist living with my wife, Noelia, in central Vermont. I believe that nurturing global ecological, social, and economic health begins with relationships - strengthening ties between people, and also the interwoven web of connections between people and place. Currently, I work with The Nature Conservancy, protecting Vermont's unique natural heritage and helping citizens explore, celebrate, and steward the natural world that sustains their lives. Other endeavors include a Masters degree in ecological planning, a stint with the US Geological Survey, and serving with the Peace Corps in Honduras. For fun, I enjoy gardening, riding my bicycle and playing the piano, though usually not all at the same time.

Bill Scoonover
teaches physics and biology at Otter Valley Union High School. He has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys helping students develop a sense of responsibility through education. He believes that all students need a fundamental literacy in science in order to make healthy choices in their lives. Bill is energetic and enthusiastic which helps motivate and make learning fun. Bill is married to Shelley Gustafson, an environmental consultant, and has two daughters, Kaylee and Sydney. Some of Bill's other passions are gardening, running, traveling, canoeing and hiking.

Leigh Garrity
I graduated with a degree in biology from Skidmore College, and worked for the Vermont State Environmental Conservation Agency. During the Reagan years (and funding decreases) I worked for IBM. In 1982, I began teaching Middle school and high school science (biology, geology, life science, earth science) at U32 in East Montpelier. I received a Masters degree in Education from St Michael's College. I have three children that are all alums of the Governor's Institute and presently they are doing amazing things!

Christine Massey - Director
is an Adjunct Instructor in the Education Department at the University of Vermont and holds a BA and MS in Geology. She also works at the Perkins Museum of Geology on grant-funded initiatives and facilitates science education for students and teachers in Vermont. Current projects include: 1) The Landscape Change Program where she helps coordinate a large historic photograph collection of Vermont landscapes, helps understand how students learn using images, and works with K-12 teachers to develop curriculum using images, 2) Directing the Science and Technology Governor's Institute for capable and motivated Vermont high school students, 3) Directing the Perkins Museum Environmental Science Day Camp for children in grades 1-7, and 4) assessing how students learn in an interdisciplinary Watershed Field Camp course. Christine is the mother of two daughters, aged 7 and 4, and lives in Burlington, VT. She enjoys cross-country skiing and cooking.

Paul Bierman- Paul Bierman is a professor of Geology at UVM where he engages people of all ages in the study of how Earth's surface works. For more than 15 years, he's done research in Vermont and many other places around the world including the far northern Canada, central Australia, southern Africa, Israel and the American southwest. His latest efforts use historic imagery to document the impact of people on the Vermont landscapes and the impact of landscape events on people and societies in our state. Paul earned his BA from Williams College in 1985 and his MS and PhD from the University of Washington, the latter in 1993. He has been at UVM ever since then with appointments in Geology and the School of Natural Resources. Paul was recently awarded the one of the National Science Foundation's highest honors; the Directors award for Distinguished Teaching Scholars. This award now supports the Vermont Landscape Change Program, a digital archive of historic imagery. Paul is a 14 year GIV veteran.

Luke Reusser - Luke is a doctoral student at the University of Vermont, where his research focuses on the impacts of human activities on natural rates of landscape change and erosion. Over the past several years, his studies have carried him to places close to home, such as the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, as well as places not so close to home, including the North Island of New Zealand. While Luke loves cooling off in the countless streams and lakes of Vermont during the summer, he can't wait for the snow to start falling again so he can get back on the skis.