With the addition of a longtime educator and researcher, an ecology Ph.D., and former journalist, Headwaters Science Institute is thrilled to announce three new hires. 

 Jennifer Cotton, a science content specialist and educator; Beth Fitzpatrick, a Ph.D. candidate and educator; and Dan Itel, a former news journalist and current marketing specialist, all have joined Headwaters over the past few months. 

Headwaters is excited for their contributions in our mission to continue to bring fulfilling science opportunities to students and share the excitement of science with the community. 

Get to know our new team members. 

Jennifer Cotton, Program Manager and Outreach 

Jennifer comes to us from Florida, where she previously worked as a secondary science content specialist and high school science educator. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she has a passion for shark research and a volunteer with OCEARCH, global shark tracker, for the past eight years. Jennifer manages our Research Experience and Lunch with a Scientist Program.  

“Science is for everyone. Never be scared to shoot for the moon,” Jennifer said. “The science that you can study might not have been invented yet. Pave the path for future generations.” 

Here’s more about Jennifer: 

Tell us about yourself.  

I am from Titusville, Fla. Growing up on the Space Coast led to a natural love of science. I grew up surfing and watching shuttle programs send astronauts into space. I went on to study biology education and event management at the University of Central Florida. I previously worked as the secondary science content specialist for my school district.  

Before starting at Headwaters, did you have any experience with research, science education or science outreach?  

I have been a volunteer with OCEARCH, global shark tracker, for the past eight years. I helped develop their education program and designed and executed outreach events. I managed my local science fair and acted as a mentor for emerging scientists. I taught science research and AP research.  

What about your new work at Headwaters excites you the most? 

This is an incredible opportunity for budding scientists. The connection to working STEM professionals is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students interested in working toward a career in science. I am excited to be able to shape the future of STEM by helping our students and teachers. The world needs kids to care about science and understand the influence they can have at any age. 

If you could create a research project on any topic imaginable, what would it be? 

I am passionate about sharks and the health of the ocean. I would love to study the influence that ocean acidification will have on shark dermal denticles. Shark skin heals very quickly, but what happens if their ability to heal is impacted by our changing climate? 

If you could have lunch with any scientist (living or dead) who would you choose? What would you discuss with them? 

I would have lunch with Dr. Silvia Earle. She has always been an inspiration for me. She was one of the first women to pioneer the field of marine science. Her determination to make it in science paved the path for women to enter a field that was traditionally dominated by men. I would just love to hear her stories. I have a million questions I could ask her, but I just want to hear her story from her.  

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy going with my family on nature hikes and visiting my local beaches.  

Beth Fitzpatrick, Program Manager 

Beth joins Headwaters after recently completing the Program in Ecology Ph.D. program at the University of Wyoming. With a background in scientific research, Beth has experience in planning and providing engaging STEM outreach programing to K-12 students, in addition to teaching in postsecondary education, study design and execution, and grant writing. A graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in zoology and a master’s of science in biological sciences from Towson University, she oversees school programming and summer camps for Headwaters.  

Here’s more about Beth: 

Tell us about yourself.   

I am originally from Cleveland and grew up going hiking and exploring nature in the surrounding area. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Program in Ecology at the University of Wyoming and working towards finishing my dissertation. I have always been excited to observe wildlife and am passionate about wildlife conservation. 

Before starting at Headwaters, did you have any experience with research, science education or science outreach?  

My master’s degree research focused on what characteristics of stormwater management ponds influence bird diversity found within those urban habitats. My Ph.D. research focused on understanding the influence of development Greater Sage-Grouse lek (breeding site) distribution and connectivity (gene flow) across the landscape. Throughout my graduate education I have been involved in teaching undergraduate students in non-major and major biology courses as a teaching assistant and instructor of record. I have also been involved in science education and outreach education presenting my research to various community groups and as an NSF science posse fellow teaching engaging science programs to K-12 students across Wyoming. Lastly, I was awarded multiple grants to fully fund a project assessing impact of citizen science on student perceptions of science. For that project, sixth-grade students used Greater Sage Grouse lek camera trap footage and came up with their own research question, collected data, analyzed data and presented their results to their peers.  

What about your new work at Headwaters excites you the most? 

I am really excited about introducing students to the fun and challenge of scientific research. I hope to pass on my passion for science, the outdoors, and curiosity about the natural world to students.  

If you could create a research project on any topic imaginable, what would it be? 

It would be focused on a question related to human impacts on declining species using non-invasive field techniques like environmental DNA or using artificial intelligence to detect and count individuals from camera trap images to determine causes of population declines.  

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy spending time outside hiking with my adventure puppy, Fenn. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and camping and can usually be convince to do most outdoor activities. When I am not outside, I love to knit, make jewelry, or draw. 

Dan Itel, Communications Manager 

Dan comes from a background in news journalism, spending 20 years in the industry as a reporter, columnist and editor. Most recently, Dan has worked with numerous businesses and nonprofits alike on brand storytelling, marketing and public outreach. With a passion for storytelling that cultivates more intimate and meaningful relationships between mission and audience – especially when it comes to enacting change for the greater good – Dan oversees Headwaters’ messaging.  

Tell us about yourself.   

I grew up outside of Portland, Oregon, and developed a passion for the outdoors at a young age skiing, roaming in the woods and working on my family’s farm. After graduating from the University of Oregon, I pursued a career in journalism that took me all over the country, from Washington D.C. to Louisiana and back to Oregon again. I moved to California in 2016 to be an editor at a newspaper on the Central Coast and fell in the love with the area, replacing skiing with surfing and hiking. I’ve since left news journalism, but my passion for storytelling remains the same.  

Before starting at Headwaters, did you have any experience with research, science education or science outreach?  

I don’t have any research experience, but I can’t help but see the similarities between science and journalism in both fields’ pursuit of truth through relentless questioning and healthy skepticism. Most recently I was proud to be a part of projects that received the Society of Professional Journalism Northern California chapter’s James Madison Freedom of Information Award for shedding light on mistreatment of students by a high school coach through public records obtained via lawsuit and McClatchy President’s Award for an investigative project detailing mistreatment of a county jail inmate. 

I’ve also worked on science-related topics in the news coverage of air pollution originating from the Oceano Dunes, shark research along the Central Coast, ocean fishery conservation and drought and water quality issues throughout Central California.  

What about your new work at Headwaters excites you the most? 

In my short time with Headwaters, I can already see the incredible impact its programs have on students, and I’m eager to continue to tell those stories to our supporters, educators and the science community as a whole in new and exciting ways.   

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I remain passionate about the outdoors and am a fitness enthusiast and runner. I still feel like a wide-eyed newcomer to California and love exploring all it has to offer with my fiancée and small, but mighty, dog Gatsby.