ERIN DE VRIES
Watershed Alliance Outreach and Education Coordinator

M.S. Ecological Planning, University of Vermont
B.A. Environmental Science concentration in Conservation Biology and Botany, Franklin Pierce College

"Curious naturalist" is a suitable description of Erin, although she would also add analytical and passionate as descriptors. Erin's passion for everything natural exudes from her core. She has focused on environmental conservation and education through jobs in the private, public and non-profit sector throughout North America and the Caribbean. Erin grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, but has been calling New England her home ever since attending Franklin Pierce Collge in New Hampshire. She enjoys teaching and learning from a variety of people. Her goal is to work with the Lake Champlain Basin community to raise awareness of their natural resources and responsibilities on a daily basis.

LAURA WILSON
Watershed Educator – Spring 2012

B.S. Natural Resources (expected 2013)

Laura is from Warwick, Rhode Island and a junior in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the Unviersity of Vermont. She is studying Natural Resources, with a concentration in Resource Ecology. I am especially interested in aquatic ecosystems, and hope to pursue a career in water resources. When she is not doing schoolwork, Laura enjosy hiking, biking, and being outdoors.

AYA AL-NAMEE
Watershed Educator– Spring 2012

B.S. Biology (expected 2015)

Aya is a first year Biology student at UVM. She was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq and moved to the USA in 2008. Her interest in water quality testing started when she chose her first science fair project about E.Coli in stream water. After that Aya started working with Vermont Streams Project, which is where most of her experience comes from.  Aya wanted to use her skills and knowledge to teach others about water quality for a better future and cleaner water resources.

STEPHANIE PODESTA
Watershed Educator– Spring 2012

B.S. Natural Resources (expected 2013)

Stephanie is a junior studying Natural Resources in the Rubenstein School. She grew up in central Massachusetts, but has spent most summer vacations camping across the country with her family. This is where her love for the outdoors has come from as well as her yearning to explore. Stephanie is really interested in travelling and teaching environmental education to youth. After college, she hopes to go to graduate school and to continue learning in the field of science. Some of her hobbies include reading, skiing, listening to country music, and passing the time with friends.

CONNOR FINNERTY
Website Guru – Spring 2012

B.S. Environmental Science (expected 2012)

Connor is from Concord, Massachusetts, and is a junior studying Environmental Science at the UVM. He is inspired by advancements in sustainable technologies, and is pursuing a focus track in Ecological Design. He was introduced to Environmental Education through an internship at ECHO Lake Aquarium, where he enjoyed promoting environmental awareness. Depending on the season, you might find him snowboarding, painting, playing music, or looking for creatures in the woods.

KELSEY HEAD
Program Assistant/Watershed Educator – Spring 2012

B.S. Environmental Studies (expected 2012)