Mentorship is often an important part of any budding career, but many professionals across sectors stay in contact with mentors and mentees throughout their careers as a source of ideas, insight, and inspiration. For a student just starting their journey in the world...
Introduction to Research CampHeadwaters hosted an introduction to research camp at the Clair Tappaan Lodge at Donner Summit last week for 18 students. Students thoroughly enjoyed their 3-day, 2-night field camp - as one said, “It’s fun to do science in the fresh air!”...
Headwaters Science Institute had an amazing summer of camps! We hosted day camps at three separate locations: Carpenter Valley, Serene Lakes, and Kirkwood. At each week-long camp, campers investigated a research question related to the week’s theme. The weekly themes...
Headwaters Science Institute Executive Director Meg Siefert shares the experiences of her family’s adventures this summer hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains and how they integrated science inquiry into their fun.
Headwaters Science Institute is recruiting its supporters and beneficiaries of its programs to help raise funds in a Back-to-School Fundraiser to help expand access to our valuable hands-on science education programs.
Headwaters Science Institute held its first ever Florida camp with great success, introducing South Lake Elementary School students to the natural wonders of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge on the Indian River Lagoon.
Program Manager
Bryn manages school programs and summer camps for Headwaters. She recently received a Master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Her Master’s research focused on ocean acidification impacts on sea urchin larvae. Bryn grew up in the Tahoe area and is passionate about providing outdoor education to students and allowing them to take advantage of the outdoor space they have access to. In her free time, she enjoys anything outdoors, especially when she gets to spend time in the water.
Program Manager
Beth Fitzpatrick has a background in scientific research, is a Ph.D candidate in ecology, and has experience in planning and providing engaging STEM outreach programing to K-12 students. Beth oversees school programming and summer camps for Headwaters. She has experience teaching in postsecondary education, study design and execution, and grant writing.
Program Manager and Outreach
Jennifer Cotton manages our Research Experience and Lunch with a Scientist Program. She previously worked as a secondary science content specialist and public high school science educator. She has over a decade of experience in writing standards based curriculum. She has worked with OCEARCH to create a STEM based curriculum and has represented that organization at many outreach events.
Programs
Mary Ellen holds a BA in Biology/Environmental Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz. She has worked as an environmental education guide for more than 10 years, balancing that with substitute teaching K-12 in the local school district. For fun she coaches a high school Nordic ski team and tries to get in as much play time outside, skiing, running and biking. She hopes to inspire students to be curious about natural processes in order to foster a deeper appreciation of our environment.
Science Mentor
In the fall of 2016, Dan completed his B.S. in plant physiology at Pennsylvania State University. He is currently completing his M.S. Biology degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania working under Dr. Josiah Townsend, researching the evolutionary relationships between the herpetofauna, mainly amphibians, of Mesoamerica and assessing levels of biodiversity in this region. Dan intends on continuing his academic interests in the future by pursing a PhD in systematics, ecology, and evolution. He is also focused on developing effective teaching methods of scientific information to all age groups.
Grants and Programs
Anne holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno where she researched the impacts of human-induced changes on sexually selected signals of a butterfly. She has also been a part of several scientific outreach programs, including a community science project (Pieris Project) and the University of Nevada’s Museum of Natural History. Anne is excited to continue sharing the scientific process and research with a diversity of students through the Headwaters Science Institute!